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Essence of World Religions
opposes God's will. This evil is embodied in Satan and partially in man as one of his tendencies.
Enlightenment and Salvation Salvation comes at the end of the world, at the end of time, and has nothing to do with enlightenment. The belief is strictly dualistic. Salvation is achieved through strict obedience to God's will, usually through a messiah, prophet, or priest.
Destiny Man's destiny lies beyond this world, which is but an opportunity for earning eternal joy in heaven or eternal suffering in the hell. Paths to God Only one path leads to God, all others are false and futile. Everyone must accept the one true religion. If this is not done, the soul, laden with sin, will be damned on Judgment Day.
Virtues Religion is based on ethical and moral conduct, for the opposite leads one away from God. If one obeys God's commands for a moral and ethical life and believes in Him and in His Prophets such as Moses, Jesus, Mohammed, or Zoroaster, salvation is assured. Religion Origin Religion is historical, beginning with a prophet or event. Stress is on the past and on future rewards or punishments. History is linear, never to be repeated. Reality There is more to reality than the things of this world. The soul is immortal, deathless, eternal, and living forever in God's presence in heaven or separated from Him in Hell.
Doctrine Doctrines tend to be simple, clear, and rational. Worship and belief are formalized, exacting, and required. Other paths are endured, but not honored. It is exclusivist, dogmatic, socially oriented, and extroverted.
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