HINDUISM

Hinduism is a very diverse religious faith that began in India. It began during the “Iron Age” of India (which was the 12^th to 6^th centuries BC) and it has no single founder. There are many varieties of Hinduism embracing a complex and divergent set of views and thousands of “gods;’ and for this reason, it is difficult to isolate a unified set of beliefs related to Jesus. Hindu believers often hold a variety of views.  Let’s try to give a “snapshot.”

Hindus believe Jesus Was a Holy Man

Hindus evaluate “spirituality” on the basis of behavior and practice. Virtues such as tolerance, love, non-violence, self-sacrifice and humility are held in high esteem and considered to be characteristics of “holy men” known as “Sadhu.” By this criteria, Jesus qualifies as a “Hindu Saint” on the basis of his life and teaching.

Hindus generally believe Jesus Was A Wise Teacher

They respect the teaching of Jesus and some have even committed themselves to this teaching. Mahatma Gandhi, for example, admired the teaching of Jesus greatly (particularly the Sermon on the Mount), even though he was not interested in Jesus as a true historical character. Gandhi, a revered Hindu teacher and holy man, saw Jesus as a symbol of superior ethics and revered His teaching.  In his reading of the Gospels, (Ghandi was well-read, he studied the Torah, the Quran, and the Bible) Gandhi was particularly impressed by this Jesus whom Christians worshiped and followed. He wanted to know more about “the Christ, the Messiah.”

The late Pastor Frederick Pattison (founder of the Evangelical Network) told the following story: One Sunday morning Gandhi decided that he would visit one of the Christian churches in Calcutta. Upon seeking entrance to the church sanctuary, he was stopped at the door by the ushers. He was told he was not welcome, nor would he be permitted to attend this particular church as it was for high-caste Indians and whites only. Gandhi was neither high caste, nor was he white. Because of the rejection, the Mahatma turned his back on Christianity. With this act, Gandhi rejected the Christian faith, never again to consider the claims of Christ. He was turned off by the sin of segregation that was, sadly, practiced by this church (sound familiar to you?…I hope not). It was due to this experience that Gandhi later declared, “I’d be a Christian if it were not for the Christians.“ he respected Jesus’ teaching so much.

Now some Hindus are more than willing to acknowledge Jesus as divine, they just don’t see Him as ‘uniquely’ Divine. Hindus often worship many gods and goddesses (into the thousands, literally) and some are eager to include Jesus in their list of deities. They don’t, however, see Jesus as the only way to God. Instead, some see Jesus as the perfect example of “self-realization” (the goal of Hindu “dharma” – which in Hinduism is the religious and moral law governing individual conduct and is one of the “four ends of life,” meaning…things you should attain to…strive for.) Many Hindus see Jesus as a symbol of what ‘humans’ can attain, rather than a true historical person. They believe He is divine in his modeling, if not in His nature, but that He is not the only such model. While some Hindus may see Jesus as a God-man of sorts, they would also site other examples such as Rama, Krishna and Buddha as having attained that deity as well. They believe Jesus is simply one of many “ishtas” (forms of the divine) in the history of mankind.

BUDDISM

Buddhism is based primarily on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (a spiritual teacher from India who lived from approximately 563BC to 483BC and is known as “the Buddha” – yes, that little fat guy sitting cross-legged that you can find a ceramic statue all over the place. And by the way, if you have one in your house (you shouldn’t…but if you do) you better not let my Pastor see it; he’s been known to “stumble” into them, knocking them over and somehow shattering them…OK, I made that up….I think…but I’m pretty sure it’s something he would do if he had the chance.  But I’m veering of course here, back to serious “musing.” Buddhism incorporates a variety of religious traditions, beliefs and practices. Like Hinduism, Buddhism provides no singular unified view about Jesus, they are kinda all over the board, although a number of Jesus’ characteristics are generally accepted by most Buddhists:

Most Buddists believe Jesus Was An Enlightened Man

They acknowledge and respect the fact Jesus lived a self-sacrificial life and had compassion on those who were in spiritual need. This kind of compassion is seen by Buddhists to be the key to happiness and enlightenment. For this reason, many Buddhists, including the 14^th century Zen master, Gasan Jōseki, refer to Jesus as an “enlightened man,” but of course, not as “unique.”

Most Buddhists also respect the teachings of Jesus

Buddhists especially like Jesus’ teaching related to loving one’s neighbor and the need to demonstrate kindness and forgiveness. Jesus’ teaching related to compassion, for example, impressed the Dalai Lama greatly. Jesus is seen as someone who possessed the correct perspective on life and his teachings helped others to embrace the truth. Some Buddhists including the 14^th Dali Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, have even recognized Jesus as a ” bodhisattva” (one who dedicates his life sacrificially to the service and betterment of others). BUT, while Jesus is seen as a wise teacher, He is not seen as divine.

Now the current Dalai Lama often describes Jesus as a “holy man” and includes Jesus in his list of such people. In fact, perhaps surprisingly, he does not typically elevate Buddha to a greater status than Jesus when discussing the two figures. The Dalai Lama has met frequently with the Pope in the early part of the 21^st century and showed great respect for the teaching and person of Jesus Christ. (not the time and place to discuss the papacy, except that to many, it is, sadly I think, how they see Christianity…so the Dalai Lama meeting with the Pope…considered a big deal…)

SIKHISM

The history of Sikhism started with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru in the fifteenth century in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent (modern Pakistan and India). The religious practices were formalized by Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 13 April 1699. The latter baptized five persons from different social backgrounds to form the Sikh “Khalsa” or The first five, The Pure Ones. He was then baptized into the Khalsa fold. This gives the order of Khalsa, a history of around 300 years. Sikhs believe in One God, and the Sikh religion recognizes the equality of all human beings, and is marked by rejection of idolatry, ritualism, caste and asceticism.

Regarding Jesus (Yeshua), Sikhs do not believe that Jesus is God because Sikhism teaches that God is neither born, nor dead. Jesus was born and lived a human life, therefore, as Sikhs see it, He cannot be God. They do accept Jesus as a prophet, a Holy Man.

A much-used Sikh analogy to describe how they see Jesus is this: They say if God is like an ocean, then our soul is like a drop of water taken from the ocean. The drop of water can become one with the ocean but can never be label as the ocean itself. A human soul can become one with God and attain salvation but can never be label as God Himself. Therefore, Jesus could have been one with God, but not God Himself.

Sikhs believe there is one God who is all good, all knowing, and embodies truth. He is eternal and the sustainer of all things.

Sikhs believe Jesus isn’t the only way to God, they believe there were plenty of gurus who taught what Jesus taught. You can follow any of their examples and be just as good a person as Jesus tells you to be.

Some Sikhs ‘do’ regard Jesus as the son of God; saying that He taught the path of love and devotion to acquire the blessings of god, and that His sacrifice to get people out of sins is seen as a divine task.

BAHAIISM

Bahá’u’lláh, a 19^th century Persian, claimed to be a messenger from God as he founded the Bahá’í Faith in 1863. Bahá’u’lláh taught all of religious history had been revealed through a series of messengers sent by God, and he considered himself to be the last of these messengers. Bahá’u’lláh recognized several leaders from prior religious movements and claimed these men revealed the progressive truth of God to each differing generation. Based on this perspective, Bahá’u’lláh accepted many of the claims of Christianity and affirmed many characteristics of Jesus.

The Bahá’í Faith describes Jesus as a “manifestation” of God and acknowledges Jesus was sent by God – the BIG “However” though is this – the Bahá’í faith places Jesus alongside ‘other’ messengers from major religious movements, including Abraham, Muhammad, the Buddha, Krishna, and Zoroaster.

The Bahá’í faith does acknowledge Jesus was born of a virgin through the Holy Spirit, just as the Bible maintains.

Following excerpt from “The Promised Day Is Come” by Shoghi Effendi, a practioner of Bahai)

“As to the position of Christianity, let it be stated without any hesitation or equivocation that its divine origin is unconditionally acknowledged, that the Sonship and Divinity of Jesus Christ are fearlessly asserted, that the divine inspiration of the Gospel is fully recognized, that the reality of the mystery of the Immaculacy of the Virgin Mary is confessed…”

The Bahá’í faith also acknowledges Jesus spoke for God while He was here on earth. In fact, the words of Jesus are considered in Bahai to be the words of God.

Bahá’u’lláh described Jesus as a divinely wise teacher whose words contained the deep wisdom from God Himself, for instance, this except here from Gleanings from the writings of Bahaullah, regarding Jesus:

“The deepest wisdom which the sages have uttered, the profoundest learning which any mind hath unfolded, the arts which the ablest hands have produced, the influence exerted by the most potent of rulers, are but manifestations of the quickening power released by His transcendent, His all-pervasive, and resplendent Spirit.”

Bahá’u’lláh also described the nature of Jesus in a manner consistent with Biblical teaching. In one of Bahá’u’lláh’s writings (the “Book of Certitude”), Bahá’u’lláh claims Jesus had two natures: a divine nature and a human nature.

Now, to be CLEAR, Bahá’u’lláh also said this was true for all of God’s “manifestations,” including – of course – himself (amazing how that works, hmmm). Bahá’u’lláh saw Jesus as a bridge between a perfect, inexpressible and transcendent God and physical humanity.

The Bahá’í faith acknowledges Jesus performed miracles while here on earth. Bahá’u’lláh described Jesus as someone who could heal the sick and give sight to the blind – again, from the book Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah

“We testify that when He came into the world, He shed the splendor of His glory upon all created things. Through Him the leper recovered from the leprosy of perversity and ignorance. Through Him, the unchaste and wayward were healed. Through His power, born of Almighty God, the eyes of the blind were opened, and the soul of the sinner sanctified.”

The Bahá’í also acknowledge Jesus died on a cross and this death and (spiritual) resurrection were offered to redeem fallen humanity – but they do NOT believe in His Diety or Bodily resurrection…only a Spiritual resurrection.

ZOROASTRIANISM

I include this simply because there are some who claim this ancient Persian religion, which seems to have originated about 4000 years ago, was arguably the world’s first monothesitic faith. Thus, perhaps inevitably, some claim it is where Judaism and Christianity actually birthed from; since many Zoroastrian concepts, including the idea of a single god, heaven, hell and a day of judgment, some say were first introduced to the Jewish community captive in Babylonia (think the times of the book of Daniel). This discounts, of course, that, I believe, Daniel and the Hebrew people already had these concepts……anyway, not the place to argue this and due to Zorostrianism predating Christianity, I couldn’t find any stand in Zoroastrianism on Jesus…although I’m sure current practitioners have a stand on Him.

Anyway, just a bit about this ancient religion.  Zoroastrianism was the state religion of three Persian dynasties, up until the Muslim conquest of Persia in the seventh century A.D.

Zoroastrian refugees, then called Parsis, escaped Muslim persecution in Iran (Persia) by emigrating to India where Zoroastrianism now has only about an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 worshipers worldwide, mostly practiced today as a minority religion in parts of Iran and India.

A couple interesting tidbits before we close.  Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the rock band Queen, was of Parsi descent, and practiced Zoroastrianism.  Also, if you are an enthusiast of the series “Game of Thrones” you should know American novelist George R R Martin, creator of the book series A Song of Ice and Fire, which was later adapted into the H.B.O. series Game of Thrones, developed the legend of Azor Ahai from Zoroastrianism.

In it, a warrior demigod, Azor Ahai, defeats darkness with the help of the deity R’hllor, a fire god which Martin may have modeled after Ahura Mazda the Zoroastrian God who supposedly created three ancient Zoroastrian fire temples, known as the great fires, at the beginning of time. Archaeologists have, of course, searched for these places but unlike BIBLICAL Archaeology, they remain unclear whether the great fires ever existed or were purely mythical…because they can’t find any evidence of them…period.

OKAY, enough of all THAT!  Now we have an idea what most of the other major “non-Christian-claiming” (I say that because we haven’t included “Psuedo-Christian” cults…that’s for another day) religions of the world say about Jesus (Yeshua).  You can see they all account for Him, and respect Him, but they all deny the TRUTH about Him, that He is in fact, GOD.  So THAT is our next muse topic/series: who does YESHUA HIMSELF say He is; who does the BIBLE say YESHUA IS; and who does FATHER GOD, YAHWEH, El Elohim say Yeshua (Jesus) is.  That’s our next Muse series along our journey. we’re gonna lay down “THE TRUTH!”

So that’s it for this Pilgrim for now, Be Blessed until we meet again…Shaloam, Shaloam…I’m out!

The Islamic faith was founded by Muhammad on the Arabian Peninsula in the early 7^th Century. He claimed to be restoring the monotheistic religion (prior to Muhammed the Arabs had many gods…contrary to those who tell you Muslims worship the same God…well, that’s a different Muse for a different time but I’ll just say here…NOT the same God…Muhammad simply picked the “Moon god” from the many gods being worshiped and started saying that was the one true god. But I digress…Muhammed also felt the worship of the “one god” had been corrupted by the Christias and Jews, you see he DEFINITELY did not believe in a “Triune God;” or even the “plural” of “Elohim” used in Genesis for God: in ISLAM, that is considered a blasphemy. So, for this Muse, if the Muslims do not see Jesus as God, just what do they say of Him?  Muslims acknowledge the impact of Jesus and recognize Him as a significant person within ISLAM. Let’s give a 40,000 foot overview, a “Musing” about how The Quran describes Jesus:

First – ISLAM says Jesus Was Born of a Virgin

The Quran describes Mary as a virgin prior to her miraculous conception. The conversation between Mary and an angel of Allah is recorded in the Quran, and Mary is told that she will conceive without the benefit of human involvement.

A loose Paraphrase of the story for easier understanding – from Quran 19:18-22:

Mary said to the Angel visiting her: “Verily. I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allâh) from you, if you do fear Allâh.” (The angel) said: “I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.” She said: “How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?” The Angel replied: “So (it will be), your Lord has said: ‘That is easy for Allâh: And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Allâh, and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by Allâh).’ ” So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place (i.e. Bethlehem valley about 4-6 miles from Jerusalem).”

Jesus Was/is to Be Revered

Jesus is held in high regard within the Muslim worldview. According to a legend, when Muhammad eliminated all the images of others gods in the Ka’bah, he refused to destroy the statue of Mary and the infant Christ. Jesus remains in a position of respect and reverence within Islam. When muslims speak the name of Jesus today, they typically either say “Hazrat Eesa” (“revered Jesus”) or “Eesa alai-hiss-salaam” (“Jesus peace be upon him”). While Muslims believe Jesus was to be revered as a prophet and Apostle of God, they do not believe He was more than this:

“O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians). Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allâh aught but the truth. The Messiah ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allâh and His Word, (“Be.” – and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Rûh)created by Him; so believe in Allâh and His Messengers. Say not: “Three (trinity).” Cease. (it is) better for you. For Allâh is (the only) One Ilâh (God), Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son.” (Quran 4:171).

Jesus Was A Prophet

Islam affirms Jesus (known as “Isa” or “Eesa”) was one of God’s most important prophets:

“And Zakariyâ (Zachariya), and Yahya (John) and ‘Iesa (Jesus) and Iliyâs (Elias), each one of them was of the righteous.” (Quran 6:85)

Muslims also acknowledge Jesus was sent specifically to the Children of Israel

“And will make him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] a Messenger to the Children of Israel (saying): “I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allâh’s Leave; and I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by Allâh’s Leave. And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely, therein is a sign for you, if you believe.And I have come confirming that which was before me of the Taurât (Torah), and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So fear Allâh and obey me.Truly. Allâh is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the Straight Path.” (Quran 3:49-51)

While Muhammad is described in ISLAM, as the final prophet from God, he listed the previous prophets and included Jesus in that list.

Once again, Muslims believe Jesus was a prophet, but they deny He is God

“The Messiah [‘Iesa (Jesus)], son of Maryam (Mary), was no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers that passed away before him. His mother [Maryam (Mary)] was a Siddiqah [i.e. she believed in the words of Allâh and His Books (see Verse 66:12)]. They both used to eat food (as any other human being, while Allâh does not eat). Look how We make the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) clear to them, yet look how they are deluded away (from the truth).” (Quran 5:75)

Muslims also deny Jesus was the “Son of God”:

“And the Jews say: ‘Uzair (Ezra) is the son of Allâh, and the Christians say: Messiah is the son of Allâh. That is a saying from their mouths. They imitate the saying of the disbelievers of old. Allâh’s Curse be on them, how they are deluded away from the truth.” (Quran 9:30).

Muslims do acknowledge Jesus Was a Wise Teacher

The Quran reports Jesus’ disciples, as a result of His teaching, were filled with compassion and mercy:

“Then, We sent after them, Our Messengers, and We sent ‘Iesa (Jesus) ­ son of Maryam (Mary), and gave him the Injeel (Gospel). And We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him, compassion and mercy.” (Quran 57:27)

Now, the Quran also reports the disciples were helpers of God, but they believe this God was Allah, not YAHWEH:

“O you who believe. Be you helpers (in the Cause) of Allâh as said ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), to Al­Hawârîûn (the disciples): “Who are my helpers (in the Cause) of Allâh?” Al­Hawârîeen (the disciples) said: “We are Allâh’s helpers” (i.e. we will strive in His Cause.). Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the uppermost.” (Quran 61:14)

So, While Muslims acknowledge Jesus was a wise teacher who had many disciples, they believe the teaching of Jesus was limited by the will of Allah:

“And indeed We sent Messengers before you (O Muhammad ), and made for them wives and offspring. And it was not for a Messenger to bring a sign except by Allâh’s Leave. (For) each and every matter there is a Decree (from Allâh).” (Quran 13:38)

Muslims also believe Jesus’ disciples identified themselves as Muslims

“’Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said: ‘O Allâh, our Lord. Send us from heaven a table spread (with food) that there may be for us – for the first and the last of us – a festival and a sign from You; and provide us sustenance, for You are the Best of sustainers.’” (Quran 5:114)

Muslims believe Jesus Was A Miracle Worker

These miracles included the healing of a blind man and a leper:

“And will make him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] a Messenger to the Children of Israel (saying): “I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allâh’s Leave; and I heal him who was born blind, and the leper…” (Quran 3:49)

They also believe Jesus spoke miraculously as an infant

“He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood, and he will be one of the righteous.” (Quran 3:46)

And the acknowledge that Jesus brought life to the dead

“…I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by Allâh’s Leave. And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely, therein is a sign for you, if you believe.” (Quran 3:49)

Muslims do believe Jesus Ascended to Heaven in bodily form

“And (remember) when Allâh said: ‘O ‘Iesa (Jesus). I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that ‘Iesa (Jesus) is Allâh’s son] of those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you (Monotheists, who worship none but Allâh) superior to those who disbelieve [in the Oneness of Allâh, or disbelieve in some of His Messengers, e.g. Muhammad , ‘Iesa (Jesus), Mûsa (Moses), etc., or in His Holy Books, e.g. the Taurât (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Qur’ân] till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute.’” (Quran 3:55)

ISLAM even teaches that Jesus will sit beside Allah during the judgment

“And there is none of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), but must believe in him [‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), as only a Messenger of Allâh and a human being],before his [‘Iesa (Jesus) or a Jew’s or a Christian’s] death(at the time of the appearance of the angel of death). And on the Day of Resurrection, he [‘Iesa (Jesus)] will be a witness against them.” (Quran 4:159).

While Muslims acknowledge the ascension, they either deny that Jesus was crucified or that He died on the cross. Most simply believe Jesus’ death was an illusion (and some even believe that Judas Iscariot was mistaken for Jesus on the cross):

“And because of their saying (in boast), “We killed Messiah ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allâh,” – but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but the resemblance of ‘Iesa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not [i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)]” (Quran 4:157)

Muslims also say that Jesus Will Come Again

Islam acknowledges Jesus will return in the future (during the latter days). The Hadith (a collection of sayings from Muhammad) describes this Second Coming of Jesus. While Muslims acknowledge the Second Coming, they maintain Jesus will return as a Muslim (“Ummati”) and as a follower of Muhammad, returning to earth to revive Islam.

Fascinating stuff, in preparing I learned much i never knew…i hope you did too.  Now, to be complete in our sketch – there is also a large and fascinating sect ‘within’ ISLAM, that has some slightly different views…

Ahmadiyya

The Islamic Ahmadiyya Movement was founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in the late 19^th Century following the authorship of his book (“Jesus in India”) in April of 1896. Ahmad believed Jesus survived the crucifixion and later travelled to India to preach as a prophet. The Movement eventually divided into two branches, the “Qadani” (who recognize Ahmad as a prophet), and the “Lahore” (who see Ahmad simply as a reformer of Islam). The Ahmadiyya Movement describes Jesus in the following way:

Jesus May Have Been Born of a Virgin

Ahmadiyya Muslims affirm the Christian claim Jesus (called “Yus Asaf”) was born of a virgin. (While members of the Ahmadiyya Movement believe Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, this belief is not considered an essential requirement of faith. Many within the Ahmadiyya community do not believe in the Virgin Conception; the issue is left to the individual believer.)

Jesus was a Prophet

The Ahmadiyya Movement recognizes Jesus was a real person who lived in history. Ahmadiyya Muslims hold views of Jesus (very similar to traditional Muslims), affirming Jesus was a real man. In addition, Ahmadiyya Muslims also mirror Islamic beliefs about the role of Jesus as a prophet. (While members of the Ahmadiyya Movement believe Jesus was a prophet, they do not believe that He was God or the “Son of God”.)

Jesus Was a Wise Teacher

Ahmadiyya Muslims also acknowledge Jesus was a divinely wise teacher, and they believe He taught disciples from Palestine to India.

Jesus Was A Miracle Worker

According to ancient manuscripts and Kashmiri tradition, “Yuz Asaf” (Jesus) was a prophet who had the power to heal miraculously. (While members of the Ahmadiyya Movement believe Jesus was able to work miracles, they do not believe He resurrected or will return in the “Second Coming”. Instead, the “Second Coming” is considered to be allegorical by Ahmadiyya Muslims and is thought to be fulfilled in the arrival of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.)

Jesus Was Crucified on the Cross

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad wrote and acknowledged Jesus was nailed to a cross and crucified. (While members of the Ahmadiyya Movement believe Jesus was crucified, they do not believe that He died on the cross). Mirza Ghulam Ahmad wrote Jesus lost consciousness on the cross and only appeared dead; he described this condition in a manner similar to Jonah’s condition in the belly of the fish. According to Ahmad, Jesus was removed from the cross and his injuries were treated with “Marham-e-Issa” (“Ointment of Jesus”). He appeared to His disciples, then travelled to Afghanistan and Kashmir where He continued to teach, preach and heal the sick. He eventually died at the age of 120 in India and was supposedly buried in Srinaga.)

Most of these facts were researched and compiled from the quran online and various other locations online; with a particular attestation to J Warner Wallace’s research “Cold-Case Christianity,” specifically excepts from the article – Who is Jesus.

Our next chapter in this series of “Deep Musings” on just what do other religions say about Jesus will cover three religions endemic to INDIA:  Hinduism; Buddhism; and the Sikh religion, or Sikhism.  Then we’ll look at the Bahai faith, an ancient Persian Faith.  We’ll also give a short history on Zoroastrianism and touch slightly on it’s controversy with Christianity.

Till we meet again on our Pilgrim Journey, Shalom, Shalom…I’m out…

So…when you meet and interact with someone who is not a “Christ-follower,” what do they think about Jesus?  Do you know?  The other “Major Religions.”  Also, those who I will say “claim” to be a “Christian” but who actually have a belief about Jesus (Yeshua) that is vastly different from what you might think.  What “do” they think about Jesus…I think you should know…because when you know, you are better equipped to avoid falling into falsehoods…your “Armor” fits better.

Now I actually hope the ‘thumbnail sketches” I give you here about how Jesus/Yeshua is seen in other religions; and in a later series about “cultic false-Christians” will be more than enough for you, you need to know about them, but in my humble opinion…they don’t deserve much further, deeper research, just enough knowledge to know if you mention Jesus to them….what thoughts initially pop into their heads. Now, who does the Bible and Jesus Himself say He is…now THAT deserves to spark your Berean interest, and we’ll do a series on that between the “other” religions we’re discussing here, and the “psuedo-Christian” ones we’ll look at AFTER we do the most important series;  The Diety of Jesus.

Now, fascinatingly, literally EVERY major religious movement considers Jesus to be an important figure…they all make some effort to account for His existence.  Let’s take the one CLOSEST to us first; our “brothers” who share the same YAHWEH but who have been temporarily blinded to Yeshua Hamashiach – in a snapshot, what does Judaism think of Jesus?

JUDAISM

While we recognize Judaism pre-existed (and actually gave birth to) Christianity; Judaism has also had now more than two-thousand years to consider and respond to the claims of Christ. A lot has been written about Jesus from a Jewish perspective, most interesting is the early Jews who described Jesus in the centuries immediately following His crucifixion. Ancient Jewish believers (as recorded by the Talmud and another ancient Jewish manuscript called the Toledot Yeshu – The Life Story of Jesus from a Jewish (and negative) point of view – argued as heretical, but studied and used by the Jews) described Jesus in the following ways:

• Jesus Was Mary’s Son

Ancient Jews acknowledged Jesus existed and had a mother named Mary. They denied Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus, but they did recognize Mary was promised to a man named “Yohanan” (Joseph).

• Jesus Was a Teacher with many Disciples

Both ancient and modern Jews typically accept Jesus was a rabbi and popular teacher (although they would deny He is the Messiah).

• Jesus Was Respected

While Jesus is often derided by modern Jews, this actually was not the case in the earliest of times, except of course, for the High Priest and the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem because Jesus directly threatened their “power.” In fact, little negative material related to Jesus can be found in 1^st and 2^nd century Jewish literature. Jesus was largely recognized as a popular teacher who was revered by His followers and respected by his opponents. But as Christianity spread and the Divinity of Jesus was proclaimed throughout the known world, that’s when greater Jewish opposition rose. By 1000AD, many Jews were facing stiff persecution and they blamed their situation on the rise of Christianity and the person of Jesus.

• Jesus Was a Miracle Worker

Ancient Jews also acknowledged Jesus had supernatural powers and performed miracles. They typically denied, however, Jesus’ power came from God. Instead, they often claimed Jesus wielded the power of the Devil (similar to the record of opposition found in the New Testament):

• A short reading from the Toledot Yeshu: “The insurgents with him replied that if Yeshu was the Messiah he should give them a convincing sign. They therefore, brought to him a lame man, who had never walked. Yeshu spoke over the man the letters of the Ineffable Name, and the leper was healed. Thereupon, they worshipped him as the Messiah, Son of the Highest… Yeshu spoke up, addressing Queen Helene (about who she is, and the years here are MUCH debated, but I include it for context): “Madam, I am the Messiah and I revive the dead.” A dead body was brought in; he pronounced the letters of the Ineffable Name and the corpse came to life. The Queen was greatly moved and said: ‘This is a true sign.’ …the Sages came before the Queen, complaining that Yeshu practiced sorcery and was leading everyone astray… He spoke the Ineffable Name over the birds of clay and they flew into the air. He spoke the same letters over a millstone that had been placed upon the waters. He sat in it and it floated like a boat. When they saw this the people marveled.” 

• Jesus Claimed to Be the Messiah

While ancient Jews denied Jesus was the Messiah, they did acknowledge Jesus made this claim publicly:

• Again, a short except from the Toledot Yeshu: “Yeshu proclaimed, ‘I am the Messiah; and concerning me Isaiah prophesied and said, ‘Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.’ “

• Jesus was Crucified on the Cross

Another important historical claim of the New Testament (the Crucifixion of Jesus) is acknowledged by ancient Jewish records. While the Talmud and Toledot Yeshu affirm the execution of Jesus, they both deny Jesus was resurrected

• Jesus’ Followers Reported He Rose from the Dead  But while ancient Jews denied the Resurrection, they did acknowledge two important facts. The ancient Jews affirmed that the earliest disciples of Jesus claimed Jesus rose from the grave, and these writers also acknowledged the tomb of Jesus was initially found empty. But then the Toledot Yeshu attempts to explain the empty grave by saying that the gardener removed Jesus’ body, listen to the story:

“They buried him outside the city. On the first day of the week his bold followers came to Queen Helene with the report that he who was slain was truly the Messiah and that he was not in his grave; he had ascended to heaven as he prophesied. Diligent search was made and he was not found in the grave where he had been buried… A gardener had taken him from the grave and had brought him into his garden and buried him in the sand over which the waters flowed into the garden… Queen Helene demanded, on threat of a severe penalty, that the body of Yeshu be shown to her within a period of three days. There was a great distress. When the keeper of the garden saw Rabbi Tanhuma walking in the field and lamenting over the ultimatum of the Queen, the gardener related to the Rabbi what he had done, claiming he did it in order that Yeshu’s followers should not steal the body and then claim that he had ascended into heaven. The Sages then removed the body, tied it to the tail end of a horse and transported it to the Queen, with the words, ‘This is Yeshu who is said to have ascended to heaven.’” (The Toledot Yeshu)

…and there you have, straight from Jewish teachings, who they felt He was, and what “they say” happened to Yeshua.

Many may argue with my use of the Toledot Yeshu, as Christians consider it heretical…however, we ARE studying/Musing, over what our Jewish bretheren think …so it is pertinent.

{Excepts pulled from:  Cold-Case Christianity, J Warner Wallace – Who is Jesus}

Psalm 121

“I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.

The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”

Psalms‬ ‭121:1-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬