M A R C H 2 O 1 5
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3
How Do The World's
Major Religions
View Eternal Life?
W
e know what we, as Christians, believe about eternal life.
But what do other major world religions see as the way
to live forever, if they do at all? Let's take a brief look.
Is there an afterlife?
Christianity:
Yes. Eternity in Heaven relies solely on acceptance
of Christ's sacrifi ce on the cross. The alternative is
eternity in Hell.
Judaism:
Yes, but historically it has not been emphasized.
Beliefs vary from no afterlife to a shadowy existence
in the world to come.
Islam:
Yes. Eternity in Paradise or Hell.
Buddhism:
Yes, but conditional. Reincarnation occurs until,
through enlightenment, one achieves a heaven-like
existence in eternity.
Hinduism:
Yes, in a way. Reincarnation occurs until one
gains enlightenment.
How does an individual prepare
for life after death?
Christianity:
Accept God's sacrifi ce of His Son in our stead.
God's Holy Spirit works within the heart, mind and
soul to develop Holiness and Sanctifi cation. A person
grows in faith through Christlike living, Bible study
and prayer (although these are not qualifi ers for
entrance into Heaven).
Judaism:
Obey God's commandments and live ethically.
The focus is more on this life, rather than the next.
Islam:
Submit to the will of God (Allah) and adhere
to the Five Pillars: faith, prayer, alms, pilgrimage
and fasting.
Buddhism:
Avoid suffering and gain enlightenment in this
life in order to eventually be released from the cycle
of rebirth, or at least attain a better rebirth through
merit. This is done through meditation, mantras
and devotion to several deities.
Hinduism:
Humans are in bondage to ignorance and illusion
but can escape through release from rebirth or
a better rebirth. This is done through yoga, medita-
tion, devotion to a god or goddess, pilgrimage to
holy cities and living according to one's dharma
(purpose/role).
Who alone makes a positive
afterlife possible?
Christianity:
Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God
Judaism:
The individual
Islam:
The individual
Buddhism:
The individual
Hinduism:
The individual
Remember:
"Without the shedding of blood there is
no forgiveness [of sins]."
-- (Hebrews 9:22)
"For God loved the world so much that He gave
His one and only Son, so that whoever believes
in Him will not perish but have everlasting life."
--
(John
3:16)
W W W . S A I N T E R S E C T I O N . O R G