There are many religions to choose from

steve92

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Why should I believe Jesus, rather than say, Buddha or Bahá'u'lláh?

Hello, I won't give you any reason to believe Jesus. To follow Jesus is to be born again. Christian is not a true Christian without born again. Born again is a supernatural, miracle things which happen in Jesus's disciple. Any religion teach to do good, but Jesus teach to stay in Him and you will be fruitful. Believe in Jesus is really different with follow some religion. Every religion teaches the good way to heaven but Jesus says that He is the way. He doesn't teach the way, He is the way. It's good to see you are looking for an answer, and I pray that you experience the supernatural born again in your life. So, why I choose Jesus? Not only because my mind, but also I know inside my heart, my soul, and my spirit that Jesus really is the truth, the way, and the life.
 
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Eryk

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All I can tell you is why I am a Christian. My religion doesn't have really unique ideas - there are similar things in other religions. But what it does have is an incomparable person, Jesus. I am a Christian because I believe that his resurrection is a real historical event. The resurrection of Jesus is the sign of a divine life, and I worship him and put my trust in him.
 
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TheyCallMeDave

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Why should I believe Jesus, rather than say, Buddha or Bahá'u'lláh?

Because there is only one historically verified Saviour who The Bible foretold would come, would hang on a tree to atone for mankinds sins, who rose from the dead so we don't have to fear death and can have a real valid hope of going to heaven to live in Gods presence. Buddha didn't even know the way to heaven and trusted in reincarnation and Bahaulllah did no miracles . Neither did Buddha, Mohammed, or other false prophets --- they taught by trying to be good we could eventually find Gods favor . And no book foretold their coming ; none claimed to be the Creator . They are all disqualified.
 
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Rational Inquirer

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Because there is only one historically verified Saviour who The Bible foretold would come, would hang on a tree to atone for mankinds sins, who rose from the dead so we don't have to fear death and can have a real valid hope of going to heaven to live in Gods presence. Buddha didn't even know the way to heaven and trusted in reincarnation and Bahaulllah did no miracles . Neither did Buddha, Mohammed, or other false prophets --- they taught by trying to be good we could eventually find Gods favor . And no book foretold their coming ; none claimed to be the Creator . They are all disqualified.

How am I to know that Jesus is the real deal and the others are all "false prophets"? I actually find the teachings of the Buddha very appealing, and I'd rather be reincarnated than go to Heaven any day, not that I'm saying that I believe in Buddhism.
 
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TheyCallMeDave

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How am I to know that Jesus is the real deal and the others are all "false prophets"? I actually find the teachings of the Buddha very appealing, and I'd rather be reincarnated than go to Heaven any day, not that I'm saying that I believe in Buddhism.

You can discover Christ by studying the evidence about him and for him ; it will require you to put forth some diligent effort . Your current desire of not wanting to spend an eternity with the Universes' Creator who is your Creator , is very deceptive and a real grave error.

The philosophical teachings of Buddha, et al are one thing but he never claimed to be God visiting the Earth he made and was lost concerning eternal things. He never proved to be anything but a moral Teacher yet asserted Christ as a Liar since Jesus taught resurrection and not being recycled . In fact Jesus IS the epitomie of resurrection from the dead.

THE best book ive found on proof for Christ being who he claimed to be comes from the popular book called " I don't have enough faith to be an atheist' by Dr. Geisler and Turek at www.amazon.com . It all is left up to your honest research ,unbiasedly motivated. I took the step as a once ardent agnostic, and I hope you will get off the fence too . Seek God and he will faithfully reveal himself. Dave.
 
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Steven Wood

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Why should I believe Jesus, rather than say, Buddha or Bahá'u'lláh?
In a world where freedom of speech ruled a person could answer that question without offending others and getting reported. To make things very obtuse you'll have to do a whole lot of historical, cultural, religious and scientific research. Then you'll notice that there are a whole bunch of really big coincidences in all of them EXCEPT for Christianity (and the Bible tells you why and again for the sake of offense I can't say why). And also I'll say this, The Bible is the LIVING word of God. Unfortunately it and what it is to be a Christian has been perverted and twisted nowadays but if you know what the Bible says then you would have no questions.
 
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Rational Inquirer

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Your current desire of not wanting to spend an eternity with the Universes' Creator who is your Creator , is very deceptive and a real grave error.

Why on Earth would I want to spend eternity as my current self, a hugely limited soul? I would prefer to continue to evolve for millions or billions of years or whatever. I think reincarnation offers that possibility, and that's why it appeals to me. Paradise appeals to me not one iota--I don't want bliss; I want challenges and self-improvement.

The philosophical teachings of Buddha, et al are one thing but he never claimed to be God visiting the Earth he made and was lost concerning eternal things. He never proved to be anything but a moral Teacher yet asserted Christ as a Liar since Jesus taught resurrection and not being recycled . In fact Jesus IS the epitomie of resurrection from the dead.

How could the Buddha assert that Jesus was a liar, when the Buddha predated Jesus? As an aside, I find the Buddhist Eightfold Path much more appealing than any moral guidelines set out in the Bible.
 
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Rational Inquirer

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In a world where freedom of speech ruled a person could answer that question without offending others and getting reported. To make things very obtuse you'll have to do a whole lot of historical, cultural, religious and scientific research. Then you'll notice that there are a whole bunch of really big coincidences in all of them EXCEPT for Christianity (and the Bible tells you why and again for the sake of offense I can't say why). And also I'll say this, The Bible is the LIVING word of God. Unfortunately it and what it is to be a Christian has been perverted and twisted nowadays but if you know what the Bible says then you would have no questions.

Actually, I'm currently reading the Bible. So far, it seems really far fetched.

I'm a little confused about whom you're afraid of offending.
 
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Steven Wood

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Actually, I'm currently reading the Bible. So far, it seems really far fetched.

I'm a little confused about whom you're afraid of offending.
The Bible was really hard for me to believe at first too but then since I'm a person who will not take anyone's word for squat I looked into things. I actually found out that events in the Bible actually coincided with Historical events. A lot of Christians (and these are some that I'll offend) won't agree with me but they'll say "I've spent 30 years studying the Bible word for word and I can tell you everything". Well Jesus said himself let those who have eyes see which means God grants to some understanding and to others they can't see what's right in front of their face. And there's proverb after proverb of knowledge being different than wisdom and even the most intelligent of men can be foolish. Like for example even though there's a huge argument about the flood and if it really happened, I studied it and back in the day there is proof that there was a catastrophe around that time and it's not just the Bible that talks about it, the Epic of Gilgamesh documents it too (even though it was written years before the Bible). To say all of that This is where many Christians and I disagree. A lot of them will fight tooth and nail about the whole Pangea, Supercontinent Theory. But in my opinion even though the Bible never comes right out and says it, through understanding and wisdom (not 30 years of knowledge) I think Genesis Chapter 10 verse 32 backs it up when it say the nations were divided in the earth. I say that just to let you know that you aren't the only one to think the stuff in the Bible is hard to believe. Honestly there are some Christians that even think and say "Oh you can't take that stuff literally, none of that can possibly happen". Honestly that ticks me off. A while back I thought the same but they're the people that don't want to put in the work to see if what they believe is true. God gives understanding to those that want it. It takes time and a little work but for example what I just mentioned events in the Bible can be proven. As for people that can be offended lol. I have a habit of not being very politically correct. I never mean to purposely hurt feelings but I am an honest person so when others ask about any religion (even mine) or denomination I feel inclined to tell them what I believe to be true. If I don't know or I'm mistaken I'm quick to admit it but as I said before. I've never taken anyone at their word so I've studied things extensively and I'm quite learned in many denominations, cultures, and historical religions. Though many people have spent decades in seminary I thought my time was better spent in anthropology and psychology. Hope that answered your questions sorry for the length of the response. If you ever want to talk, have any questions or comments about anything feel free to pm me, I don't mind as my kids are grown and tv is a waste of time lol. Have a good day.
 
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Arthra

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While this thread is already a month or so old ... I wanted to share from my experience as a seeker under this thread "there are so many religions to choose from..." I was actually raised in Baptist church and read the Bible as a child... Later I became interested in studying other religions and being exposed to different religions. IMy friends and I also were interested in Yoga... I read a translation of the Bhagavad Gita by Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood that impressed me with it's devotional aspects... Later I studied Theravada Buddhism... I went through a period where I really felt that Christ, Krishna and Buddha shared beautiful attributes but I also realized that among Christians Krishna and Buddha were of course less valued... It wasn't until I was a Baha'i that I felt I could accept Them all and recognize them and accept Them..
 
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Sketcher

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The two questions you need to ask yourself, are:

Did Jesus really rise from the dead?

If so, why?

I believe that he did rise from the dead, and I believe that God is the one that raised him from the dead. I believe God raised him from the dead because that was His plan of redemption. I believe this precludes the claims of other religions being completely true.
 
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aiki

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Why should I believe Jesus, rather than say, Buddha or Bahá'u'lláh?

The problem the West seems to have with God (and Jesus) is that He has been made merely a set of propositions, a theological/philosophical position to adopt and defend rather the real Person that He is. Believing in Jesus isn't just a philosophical exercise. It is meeting and submitting to the Creator of all things and the Saviour of fallen humanity. If Jesus is who the Bible reveals him to be, he seeks a personal and ongoing interaction with us, not just our academic agreement to his teachings and our approval of his person.

Why should you believe in Jesus? Only because he has knocked on the door of your heart and you have heard his knocking and desire to open your heart to him. Anything short of this is merely pretending at being a believer in Jesus and is ultimately futile and empty.

Selah.
 
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zippy2006

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Similarly, if the Buddha did what he said he did (achieved enlightenment and received insight into the nature of the universe), that would make him worth listening to as well. Of course, I have no way of knowing if either Jesus or Buddha is the real deal.

Jesus said he was God. Buddha said he wasn't God. Believe them both.

I admit, however, that although I honestly try to keep an open mind, I remain extremely skeptical. In particular, I find the idea that only those who happen to choose the right religion get to go to heaven very hard to swallow.

"Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience - those too may achieve eternal salvation" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #847).​


As an aside, I find the Buddhist Eightfold Path much more appealing than any moral guidelines set out in the Bible.

What truth of Buddhism do you find most compelling?
 
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seashale76

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Why should I believe Jesus, rather than say, Buddha or Bahá'u'lláh?

I've been through a similar dilemma in my life. If you'd like to read my blog post about it here, then you're welcome to do so. http://www.christianforums.com/xfa-...to-orthodox-christianity.5055/#comment-201095

That said, there are a lot of religions to choose from out there. I'm not going to attempt to persuade you, because I think that's beyond my ability (it should be obvious that on a Christian website any and every Christian is going to be biased in favor of Christianity). I'm much more a fan of encouraging people to search for themselves. I believe that God draws us to Himself. The Christian faith is something you can read about on-line, but it must be lived. The faith has a very physical aspect to it. It is more than intellectual assent to a belief. Actions are involved. One must life out their faith in Christ's Church. This is something that many people ignore these days. I can say I believe something and truly think I do all day long- but it isn't until I start putting actions behind the declaration- that it means anything. Say, I sit at home every time there is a Divine Liturgy. As a consequence, I never partake of the Eucharist. Say, I sit at home and never pray. Say, I never feed and clothe the poor.

Simple intellectual assent to the existence of God isn't going to do you or anyone any good. That doesn't cut it. You have to get up, come and see, and then 'do'. Sitting at home and getting on the internet isn't going to do it for you, me, or anyone either. Go to church, get out there, get baptized, catechized, take communion, get a prayer rule and follow it, and then live a life in Christ. (And I don't mean to make that sound easy because it isn't. I also don't mean that you are going to be able to just jump in there- in Orthodoxy we believe in catechesis- so even if you wanted to become a Christian it is heavily encouraged for you to attend church, study, et cetera before you make the commitment because it is a serious one. Chrismation and Baptism is something you have to be prepared for. We don't do altar call theology.)

"If you wish to save your soul and win eternal life, arise from your lethargy, make the sign of the Cross and say: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Faith comes not through pondering but through action. Not words and speculation but experience teaches us what God is. To let in fresh air we have to open a window; to get tanned we must go out into the sunshine. Achieving faith is no different; we never reach a goal by just sitting in comfort and waiting, say the Holy Fathers. Let the Prodigal Son be our example. He "arose and came."" (Luke 15:20).
~Tito Colliander The Way of the Ascetics.

"Faith, like active prayer, is a grace. For prayer, when activated by love through the power of the Spirit, renders true faith manifest - the faith that reveals the life of Jesus. If, then, you are aware that such faith is not at work within you, that means your faith is dead and lifeless. In fact you should not even speak of yourself as one of the 'faithful' if your faith is merely theoretical and not actualized by the practice of the commandments or by the Spirit. Thus faith must be evidenced by progress in keeping the commandments, or it must be actualized and translucent in what we do. This is confirmed by St. James when he says, 'Show me your faith through your works and I will show you the works that I do through my faith.'" (cf. Jas. 2:18.)
~St. Gregory of Sinai, The Philokalia, Vol. 4.
 
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Hawkins

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Why should I believe Jesus, rather than say, Buddha or Bahá'u'lláh?

Christianity is about a warning message sent by a super being claimed to be God.

If it's not about a warning, then it's optional for you to choose to believe or not. It does no harm not to believe such a god.

If on the other hand it's a serious warning, then God has a serious of actions to do to ensure this warning will reach humans correctly and consistently.

The Holy Bible is the only book which is reconcilable for us to tell that the same warning message we read today, is the same warning message humans around 2000 years ago read. You won't be able to find another book which can be reconciled this way.
 
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How am I to know that Jesus is the real deal and the others are all "false prophets"? I actually find the teachings of the Buddha very appealing, and I'd rather be reincarnated than go to Heaven any day, not that I'm saying that I believe in Buddhism.
My question for you, as I began to consider responding to your OP, what is motivating you? Why do you feel as though you need to choose a religion?

I have quoted to respond to this post, because it is a timely observation for you. Christianity is not meant to be about choosing the right religion. Rather, it teaches that God first of all created paradise conditions and instructed Man and Woman to be responsible so those conditions would be maintained. Yet, they chose to use knowledge of good and evil as food (consider: what does food do for us?). What followed is a history of mankind opposing God, coveting His kingdom in order to sustain their habitual lifestyle by authority of His name (Matthew 21:34-39, Genesis 3:5-6, Luke 19:14, Genesis 11:4).

Christianity is the discipline of living with pure conscience, according to what we know God expects of us (2 Corinthians 4:2), and further than that, acting for Him in place of Jesus who now does not dwell on earth to speak the truth but reigns in heaven to direct those who are faithful to Him (John 1:12-13, Matthew 5:13, Revelation 17:14, Ephesians 1:20-23). We are expected to speak the truth on His behalf (Matthew 10:27).

The purpose of Christianity is so that this world can be redeemed from the power that sin has, that destroys the paradise it should be (Isaiah 11:6-9). When God's plan is eventuated, the paradise will be restored, never to fall again (Revelation 21:3-5).

Each person, when considering the gospel of Jesus Christ, must choose whether they want to live their life for their own satisfaction or whether they will give up their interests in order to live for God's good pleasure (Matthew 16:24). The promise is given to those who live in unity with Jesus, that He will raise them on the last day, that they will not end up in the common grave of mankind (Sheol, Hades, Hell) - John 14:1-4, John 6:54.

In order to serve effectively at this task, we must enter covenant with God directly, and He then opens our mind to perceive the truths of the scriptures for that purpose (Psalms 25:14). Many people study religion and theology for years and years, becoming qualified and accredited according to earthly systems, yet they ultimately demonstrate their confusion because they have not sought their knowledge from God (John 10:1, John 3:10, John 5:39-40).
 
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