Survey of World Religions: Introduction

Instructor: Roderick Fered
Background:
- Christian for 40 years
- Preacher of the Gospel for 35 years
- Traveled globally, coming into contact with various religions

Existence of Religions: 12 major living religions
- Animism, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Shintoism, Sikhism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism
Purpose: To give an overview of fundamental doctrines and beliefs
Nature of Man: Incurable religious instinct, historically and culturally consistent

Funk & Wagnalls Dictionary: Complex definition encompassing beliefs, attitudes, emotions, behavior
Simplified Definition: Binding man back to God or a set of sacred beliefs
Etymology: Latin word 'religio' (to bind again)

Globalization: Modern transportation and communication have shrunk the world
Immigration & Growth: Increase in adherents of various religions in previously homogenous areas
Militancy & Aggression: World religions becoming more proactive in conversion
Understanding and Preaching
- Preach to all creatures regardless of religion (Mark 16:15-16)
- Prepare with understanding of other doctrines
Understanding Global Events: Many events are motivated by religious beliefs
- Example: Extremist actions in the name of Islam (jihad)

Misconception: Not all religions lead to the same destination
Christian Doctrine:
- One true God (Deuteronomy 6:4)
- One Savior, Jesus Christ (John 14:6)
- One Gospel (Romans 1:16)
- One Body/Church (Ephesians 1:22-23, 4:4)
Plan of Salvation:
- Hear the Gospel (Romans 10:17)
- Believe in Jesus (John 8:24)
- Repent of sins (Luke 13:3)
- Confess Christ (Romans 10:10)
- Be baptized (Acts 2:38)