Comparative Religions

Lesson 1: The Roman Catholic Church--Discusses the differences between the Wesleyan-Holiness and Roman Catholic churches. These issues include the final authority of the Bible, the high ideal of the Virgin Mary and the distinction of grace in the life of a believer. (Eph 4:4-6; Matt 16:17-19; Rev 7:9-10)

Lesson 2: Eastern Religions: Hinduism and Buddhism--Takes a look at an ancient religion nearly twice as old as Buddhism. Then makes its way through the sects in Buddhism. Finally, the lesson views the most prominent branches of Buddhism in North America. (Gen 1:1; Matt 11;28-30; Ph 2:21-13; Heb 12:1-3; Rev 21:1-7)

Lesson 3: The Jews--It has been estimated that one-third of Western civilization bears the marks of its Jewish ancestry. Because of Christians and Jews common heritage, they have many similar beliefs; however, there are some distinct differences. (Gen 1-2; 18:25; Ex 20:1-7; Ps 8:4-5; Is 53)

Lesson 4: Islam--About 1 billion people claim an allegiance to the Islamic faith. Muslims believe there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger. Islam is the Arabic term for "submission." A Muslim is "one who submits." (Gen 16; 21:1-21; Deut 3:1-7; 7:1-2; Ph 4:1-3; 1 Th 5:17-18)

Lesson 5: Mormonism: Mainstream or Extreme?--Discusses the differences between Wesleyan-Holiness and Mormon churches. For Mormons, God is not a Trinity, nor a Spirit, but a material being of the male gender. God himself is a begotten being. Jesus is not the Second Person of the Trinity but a superlative man. His atonement makes immortality available but does not remove all our sins. (Deut 4:1-2; Is 43:10-13; 44:8; 2 Ti 3:10-17;1 Jn 4:1-3; Rev 22:18-19) Topics: Buddhism, Buddhists, Catholics, Grace, Hindu, Hinduism, Islam, Jewish, Jews, Mormon, Mormonism, Muslim, Roman Catholics, Wesleyan-Holiness