How to defend against this argument?

[KeilanS]

Well, this has come up a few times in religious discussions and I am unsure how to face it. Basically it is when people say "Well sure you are very firm in your faith and feel personal experience has proven it, but the Hindu and the Muslim feel exactly the same way".

What do I say to that? How can I show that Christianity is different? I have never been Hindu or Muslim so I can't answer through experience.

[MorningGlory]

Well, this has come up a few times in religious discussions and I am unsure how to face it. Basically it is when people say "Well sure you are very firm in your faith and feel personal experience has proven it, but the Hindu and the Muslim feel exactly the same way".

What do I say to that? How can I show that Christianity is different? I have never been Hindu or Muslim so I can't answer through experience.

Simply answer that Christianity is different because Jesus is the way, the only way, to the Father. All who don't believe in Him as the Savior are deceived and need prayer for their salvation. They can't have a personal relationship with their 'gods'; we keep our God in our hearts.

[MorningGlory]

Well, this has come up a few times in religious discussions and I am unsure how to face it. Basically it is when people say "Well sure you are very firm in your faith and feel personal experience has proven it, but the Hindu and the Muslim feel exactly the same way".

What do I say to that? How can I show that Christianity is different? I have never been Hindu or Muslim so I can't answer through experience.

Simply answer that Christianity is different because Jesus is the way, the only way, to the Father. All who don't believe in Him as the Savior are deceived and need prayer for their salvation. They can't have a personal relationship with their 'gods'; we keep our God in our hearts.

[KeilanS]

Thanks glory, I doubt that will convince them, but then again, very little will.

[Guest shiloh357]

Well, this has come up a few times in religious discussions and I am unsure how to face it. Basically it is when people say "Well sure you are very firm in your faith and feel personal experience has proven it, but the Hindu and the Muslim feel exactly the same way".

What do I say to that? How can I show that Christianity is different? I have never been Hindu or Muslim so I can't answer through experience.

Well, one way to see the difference would be to examine how each religion deals with tragedy. Simply run something like the tragedy of 9/11 past each religion and see what they have to offer.

Another point I would make is that the hope of a Christian is not based in experience but on the promises found in the word of God. Our comfort and security should not come from experiences but from what we find written in the Bible. Theology is never based on experience. I cannot base my faith on what has happened to you. I have only one immutable, consistent standard upon which my faith can rest and that is the Scripture. So that is really another point of comparison. Compare the promises that belong to the Christian with what hope is found in Hinduism or Islam or whatever. You will find there is no comparison.

The hope we are given in Scripture far and away outstrips what other religions claim to have to look forward to. It is like the difference between shooting bullet, and throwing it.

[None]

Well, this has come up a few times in religious discussions and I am unsure how to face it. Basically it is when people say "Well sure you are very firm in your faith and feel personal experience has proven it, but the Hindu and the Muslim feel exactly the same way".

What do I say to that? How can I show that Christianity is different? I have never been Hindu or Muslim so I can't answer through experience.

You can only tell them the truth you know. If they don't accept this truth, exit the discussion, their heart is hard, not pre-softened by God(yet).

Note: you may be part of the softening process.

[ParanoidAndroid]

Our Faith, while it is confirmed by personal experience, is not based on personal experience. Our Faith is based on the promises of God given in the Bible. When someone asks you what makes your experience different to a Muslim or Hindu, then point them to the Bible. Of course the obvious reply would be that the Muslim's Faith is based in the Koran and the Hindu's in the Vedas scriptures, so what makes the Bible different and special. To this, you should challenge them to read the Bible and test it for themselves - then they can see for themselves what makes Jesus Christ so special. Most people I know who have been challenged like this never bother reading the Bible to see what it says. It shows they have no real interest in listening to the message or paying attention to it even if they do hear it (their hearts have been hardened). The arguments they give are just more excuses to avoid making a decision about Christ.

If they read it though, there's a good chance they really are searching for answers to life that the world has not yet provided. Go through the Bible with them (or invite them to Bible study groups if you're not so good at reading the Bible alone). Then commit everything to God in prayer. Above all, whatever happens, Love them. Show Christ's love to them through your actions, and maybe they will start to think there's something special about Jesus after all.

That's how I'd view the situation, at least.

~ Regards, Paranoid Android

[Guest]

Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!

Glory! Glory! Golry!

The Difference - Jesus

Jesus Christ And Him Crucified - 1 Corinthians 2:2

The Difference - Jesus

Christ risen from the dead - 1 Corinthians 15:20

The Difference - Jesus

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life - John 3:16

You Sow The Word

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Psalms 126:5-6

The Holy Spirit Does The Work

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Of sin, because they believe not on me;

Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

John 16:7-11

God Gets The Glory

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:11

You Go Bro!

Be Blessed Beloved Of The KING

Love, Your Brother Joe

[Sconzy]

Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!

Glory! Glory! Golry!

The Difference - Jesus

Jesus Christ And Him Crucified - 1 Corinthians 2:2

The Difference - Jesus

Christ risen from the dead - 1 Corinthians 15:20

The Difference - Jesus

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life - John 3:16

You Sow The Word

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Psalms 126:5-6

The Holy Spirit Does The Work

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Of sin, because they believe not on me;

Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

John 16:7-11

God Gets The Glory

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:11

You Go Bro!

Be Blessed Beloved Of The KING

Love, Your Brother Joe

[Leonard]

One of the main differences is that Christianity offers a set of historically verifiable FACTS as the rational basis for our beliefs; the Eastern religions reject rationality altogether.