Are there religions similar to Christianity?

Question

Mainly the "dying for our sins" piece...Any other people or gods make this claim?

I know the death and rebirth piece is popular, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Life-death-rebirth_gods

Answer 1

If you stick to the specific terminology of "dying for our sins," I think Christianity is alone with this language, but if you are willing to think in more general terms, the concept of the Bodhisatva is very similar to Christ-like compassionate self-sacrifice. Bodhisatvas (of the Buddhist tradition) are great souls who reach Buddha-hood, but return from the bliss of nirvana to the world of suffering so that they can help other souls - and I think this is a very important part of Buddhist doctrine. It's called (someone can correct me if I'm wrong) "bodhichitta." Really, it should be encouraging and not disturbing to us that these truths manifest themselves more than once in human experience - it gives greater credence to the idea of universal truths that transcend time and space. People who despize Christianity should research other religions and see how Christian truths are reflected in other traditions.

Answer 2

The teachings of Buddha are very similar to Jesus. Buddha was born 500 years before Jesus.

If anyone should strike you with his hand, with a stick or a knife, abandon any desires and utter no evil words.
Majjhima Nakiaya 21:6
Words of Buddha

500 YEARS LATER...Jesus said:

If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also.
Luke 6:29

Answer 3

Mithras was similar to Christianity. Very similar. Several stories exist concerning the birth of Mithras, one story claims that he was born of a virgin on December 25. According to Mithraism, before Mithra died on a cross, he celebrated a “Last Supper with his twelve disciples, who represented the twelve signs of the zodiac. After the death of Mithra, his body was laid to rest in a rock tomb. Mithra had a celibate priesthood. Mithra ascended into heaven during the spring (Passover) equinox. This happened 100's of years before Jesus.

Answer 4

I have not found a 'religion' other than Scientology that does not advocate love at its core. I don't believe all religions include dying for our sins as part of their dogma. You can look these up on the net. I studied Problems of Democracy and it was all about the different religions. I am more of a spiritualist Baptist.

Answer 5

With Christianity we do not die for our sins, Jesus Christ did that for is. Many religions hold similar beliefs as far as the wages of sin being death (good people get eternity, bad people do not), but only Christianity has a savior who took our place in the punishment.

Answer 6

Islam, Christianity, and Judaism are all quite similar and have the same origin. (Judaism came first)
They are referred to as the Abrahamic religions, all worship the same god, though in very different ways.

Answer 7

No...and neither is there any other that can claim someone rose from the dead...and can give us eternal life!


"God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life". - (Jn. 3:16)

"He that believes on me has everlasting life".- Jesus.. (Jn. 6:47)

"This is eternal life; that they may know Thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent:. -- Jesus (Jn. 17:3)


All the other prophets of any religion is DEAD....Jesus is ALIVE and well...sitting at the right hand of God the Father.

Answer 8

I believe this is one unique thing to Christianity.

Answer 9

Islam and Judaism are pretty close

Answer 10

Osiris, erzulie, obatala, mithras,prometheus(kinda)--it wasn't a new idea