Hi Gary! If you want to have an in depth discussion on this I am more than willing; we could have another thread, or even in pm. I will try to quickly answer here too though.
It's that 'outsider's perspective' that got me curious. Have you ever encountered an individual who believed in another religion or perhaps another deity and was every bit as confident about his or her beliefs as you are in yours?
I don't know if I can answer that question. I cannot be sure of another person's confidence. I think that I have only ever spoken to people from various denominatinos of christianity... who say that they are just as confident; though there are often words such as I hope, I think, I believe... and not so much I know, because Christ has taught me this.
As for other religions altogether, I have not personally had an encounter like that. That doesn't mean that there are no such people, of course.
I kind of get the whole "Christ" thing you're speaking of, especially if this "Christ" thing is referring to a concept or an archtype of good that we personify in Jesus. In a case like that, I could argue (and perhaps this is your perspective) that it does not matter who or what any individual believes in because it all goes back to Christ even if they do not know it.
No, that is not my perspective. But anyone can act from LOVE... regardless of their particular religion or faith. Some learn that law (of love) so that it becomes written upon their hearts; and some by nature have love written upon their hearts. So that Christ may know THEM, even if they do not know HIM, because they will also act in love to even the least of his brothers; it is their nature.
I admire you for your faith but I do wonder how you think of people who are every bit as confident in their faith as you are of your own and yet both of you think the other's faith is wrong.
Outside of faith in Christ... (as in Hindu, Islam, Buddhism, what-have-you)... I don't judge them at all and I am not overly concerned. I understand some of how Islam works into everything, and Israel... and Buddhism... but I have not looked much into Hinduism. I have never been directed to do so (or felt compelled to do so other than a course in world religions, once) But I mean, we can see how the one faith of Christ splintered into tens of thousands of denominations... so it is not that far of a stretch to see how faith in God became divided and spread out into various world religions.
But they are not the ones spreading lies or misunderstanding about Christ... that is kind of reserved for religion and men in so-called christian nations ; ) Other than perhpas saying that 'Jesus' is not the Messiah or the Truth, though most acknowledge him as having taught truth and being a prophet or a wise man. I cannot convince people that He is the Messiah... they have to hear that, and be drawn by God. I can only deal with what is true or false about Him. The most I could do is give my witness, and the rest is not up to me. I would not be offended by someone else being just as confident. Nor judge them. Nor disrespect them. I can only do what is set before ME to do.
Peace to you.
Thank you Gary, and to you and your loved ones as well, as my Lord gives peace!
tammy
