________________
Essence of World Religions
Middle Eastern (Western) Religions Summary
Note - Religions may not follow all the aspects listed below) Creation of the Universe
The world was created by God at some point in time. In the future it will be forever destroyed by Him. God is separate from the universe and rules it from above. It stresses a dualistic nature of the world.
The True God
There is but one true God and one true religion. Those who accept it will enjoy God's grace. All others, unless they repent and come to God, will suffer eternally in Hell. God is loving as well as wrathful.
Proof of God
Proof of God's existence and His love and promise for man is in the Prophets and in His unchanging and unique scriptures revealed through the Prophets.
Knowing of God
It is essential for man to seek personal knowledge of God. The linchpin of religion is not experience but belief and faith, coupled with a virtuous life.
Man's Plight
Man's suffering is due to disobedience to God's will, to non-belief and non-accepting of His law.
Hell
On Judgment Day the physical body of every soul that ever lived is brought to life. God consigns virtuous (pure) souls to eternal heaven and sinners to eternal Hell. Hell is a physical place where the body burns without being consumed and one suffers the anguish of knowing that he will never be with God.
Evil
There is indeed genuine evil in the world, a living force which
85
