Question about world religions

[jb789]

What are people's thoughts on the origin and nature of the world's religions, including Eastern religions such as Buddhism, Daoism, Hinduism, etc?

I fully believe the LDS church is true and of God. At the same time, I've read a lot about Eastern religions (Buddhism, Taoism), and to be completely truthful, they've been a great help to me also, and I've found nothing in them that contradicts truth I've learned through the Book of Mormon, LDS teachings, etc. Indeed, at some level, they both seem very much compatible, teaching one to be a "peaceable follower of Christ", yet in the case of the Eastern philosophies, it's almost like they know the truth/have followed the light within themselves, yet know not from whence it comes (Christ).

What are other's thoughts on the validity/truthfullness of the world's religions? I've thought about this a great deal, and truly believe that people like the Buddha, Lao Tzu, etc, were very spiritual and inspired people, living in a time/place where the gospel was not restored. Like all religions (Christianity as well), the pure original teachings can be corrupted, turn into idol worship, lose their purity, etc. But, from my understanding, these other religions are truthful as well, perhaps without the "fullness" of the restored gospel, yet nonetheless inspired speak of truth.

Thoughts?

(Sorry for the two back to back forum questions, these thoughts just came to me now =))

[pntkl]

This topic is a particularly troubling one, from what I've seen. Some would say there is no correct answer. I will however say that there are some incorrect answers. In the Christ's teachings, we aren't taught to knock others' beliefs. Yet, it troubles me greatly, to see it done so often, explicitly and on a subliminal level. They are entitled to the way they feel is the right way, to live spiritually. It is the very core of our Agency.

Those that believe in God shouldn't find it necessary to speak evil others that also believe likewise, albeit differently. To do so is a testament, that your faith is seeded precariously. More so than anything, He looks deep into our hearts. Most especially, for Latter Day Saints, this is something everyone should be sympathetic to. Religious persecution occurs in many different ways. Being well-versed in the effect of it should make us sensitive to how others believe.

There are people that could be listening, when it occurs, and they don't hear the truth. They hear hate, fear, and lies; the 'power' of our adversaries, the anti-Godhead, that is even to say, the faithless. For as much power as He cast them out with; it isn't good for anyone that gives in to this deception. However, it is most clear, that one has, when all sorts of evil is spoken against those with opposing doctrines. In all eventuality, as much as some don't like to hear this, our Father even provides a way for other faiths or even a lack of faith, to know Him.

This is a very important thing to realize, for members of The Church of Jesus [the] Christ of Latter Day Saints; this doctrine does not mimic the Nicolaitans. Rather, it speaks volumes about His grace for all mankind, that He loves His Children, not one fellowship or another. Instead, what should be said, concerning His Church, is that we are privileged to divine revelation to know His Word, as He has revealed it to us. Not that we may trample upon those that love Him likewise, however they have come to think of what we profess has, is, and will be restored, from the Godhead to our fellowship, which bears His Son's name. It simply isn't any man's place, to decide for what or how God does or will judge. My words, proceeding from our Father, they are part of an epistle: turn from any wicked wantonness within, as He assembles the Host, which marches on and tramples the wicked.

Love,
T.J. Wood

The Love of God - Ensign Nov. 2009 - ensign
"Heavenly Father’s love for His children is the core message of the plan of happiness, which plan is made active through the Atonement of Jesus Christ—the greatest expression of love the world has ever known. 16

How clearly the Savior spoke when He said that every other commandment hangs upon the principle of love. 17 If we do not neglect the great laws—if we truly learn to love our Heavenly Father and our fellowman with all our heart, soul, and mind—all else will fall into place.

The divine love of God turns ordinary acts into extraordinary service. Divine love is the motive that transports simple words into sacred scripture. Divine love is the factor that transforms reluctant compliance with God’s commandments into blessed dedication and consecration.

Love is the guiding light that illuminates the disciple’s path and fills our daily walk with life, meaning, and wonder.

Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship.

Love is the way of the disciple.

I testify that God is in His heaven. He lives. He knows and loves you. He is mindful of you. He hears your prayers and knows the desires of your heart. He is filled with infinite love for you.

Let me conclude as I began, my dear brothers and sisters: what attribute should define us as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Let us be known as a people who love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and who love our neighbor as ourselves. When we understand and practice these two great commandments in our families, in our wards and branches, in our nations, and in our daily lives, we will begin to understand what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus the Christ. Of this I testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen." - President Dieter Friedrich Uchtdorf

[skalenfehl]

Keep in mind how mankind has spread throughout the earth even before the scattering of the twelve tribes of Israel, each civilization, society and community taking with it whatever light and knowledge that it possessed from God, who taught Adam.

[HiJolly]

Originally Posted by jb789

What are people's thoughts on the origin and nature of the world's religions, including Eastern religions such as Buddhism, Daoism, Hinduism, etc?

I fully believe the LDS church is true and of God. At the same time, I've read a lot about Eastern religions (Buddhism, Taoism), and to be completely truthful, they've been a great help to me also, and I've found nothing in them that contradicts truth I've learned through the Book of Mormon, LDS teachings, etc. Indeed, at some level, they both seem very much compatible, teaching one to be a "peaceable follower of Christ", yet in the case of the Eastern philosophies, it's almost like they know the truth/have followed the light within themselves, yet know not from whence it comes (Christ).

I agree, although perhaps you forgot about the resurrection as taught by Alma the younger in the Book of Alma. There is an incompatibility there in regards to resurrection vs. reincarnation.

And there is a clear difference in the approach of eastern religions versus the approach of western religion, pertaining to enlightenment or salvation. The Eastern path typically involves a direct personal ascension to God, without much interaction with other people or institutions or whatever. Whereas the Western path necessitates creating a heaven on earth as a part of salvation.

Thus, Western seekers are required to join an institution and use that as a vehicle to assist in saving others along the way, even in a physical way. So we see things such as Mother Teresa going to India to save the poor and sick, where we see no Indian guru doing the same sort of thing.

Originally Posted by jb789

What are other's thoughts on the validity/truthfullness of the world's religions? I've thought about this a great deal, and truly believe that people like the Buddha, Lao Tzu, etc, were very spiritual and inspired people, living in a time/place where the gospel was not restored. Like all religions (Christianity as well), the pure original teachings can be corrupted, turn into idol worship, lose their purity, etc. But, from my understanding, these other religions are truthful as well, perhaps without the "fullness" of the restored gospel, yet nonetheless inspired speak of truth.

Thoughts?

The Book of Mormon clearly states that God works with all people. I am sure that other religions throughout the world have truth and validity in their own spheres.

The open-minded see the truth in different things: the narrow-minded
see only the differences.
-- Author Unknown


HiJolly

[rameumptom]

Alma 29:8

[jb789]

Originally Posted by HiJolly

I agree, although perhaps you forgot about the resurrection as taught by Alma the younger in the Book of Alma. There is an incompatibility there in regards to resurrection vs. reincarnation.

And there is a clear difference in the approach of eastern religions versus the approach of western religion, pertaining to enlightenment or salvation. The Eastern path typically involves a direct personal ascension to God, without much interaction with other people or institutions or whatever. Whereas the Western path necessitates creating a heaven on earth as a part of salvation.

Thus, Western seekers are required to join an institution and use that as a vehicle to assist in saving others along the way, even in a physical way.
HiJolly

Definitely in agreement about Western seekers required to join an institution, and that organization intended to help them along the way. However, in the case of the Buddha, though he formed no formal organization, he did dedicate he life to helping others understand truth and the means to end suffering.

For reincarnation, correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I understand neither the Buddha himself (nor Lao Tzu) taught reincarnation as it's commonly thought of, meaning when we die we are literally reborn again. Rather, he taught that through right understanding/living the SPIRITUAL cycle of birth/death may be ended - that is, the cycles of attachment/disappointment, cravings, etc, may be ended. Whereas, if we don't achieve self-understanding, we will forever be slaves to our desires, and thus the spiritual cycle (duality) of pleasure/pain, hope/fear, ups/downs, etc, continues.

Again, correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that literal reincarnation is a false understanding, one not taught originally by either Buddha or Lao Tzu. Kind of like Nicodemus, who thought the spiritual re-birth Jesus spoke of was meant to be literal/physical.

[HEthePrimate]

I think God speaks to people in their own language, so they can understand. Not just their "speaking" languge, but their cultural language. This may at least partly account for different religions containing so much truth. It may also argue for the advisability of listening to people of other, and seeing what we can learn from them, as well as what we can teach them.

[jb789]

Originally Posted by HEthePrimate

I think God speaks to people in their own language, so they can understand. Not just their "speaking" languge, but their cultural language. This may at least partly account for different religions containing so much truth. It may also argue for the advisability of listening to people of other, and seeing what we can learn from them, as well as what we can teach them.

Agreed! Knowing this, then how does one reconcile this knowledge that the world's religions indeed (in their pure forms) are truthful, with the commonly taught LDS idea that our church is the "only true church"?

This has perplexed me for a while. In Joesph Smith's first vision, he was told none of the other Christian sects at his time were true, they were false. Yet no mention was made of other world religions, however, in LDS culture, we often take this revelation to Joseph Smith, then apply it to all world religions, deeming them (in my understanding incorrectly) to be false, and thus ours the only true religion.

[Dravin]

Originally Posted by jb789

Agreed! Knowing this, then how does one reconcile this knowledge that the world's religions indeed (in their pure forms) are truthful, with the commonly taught LDS idea that our church is the "only true church"?

You've created a dichotomy where there isn't one. The idea that we're the only true and living church (people always seem to leave off the living part) doesn't mean it can't contain truth. Despite what these other religions may be getting right they are missing some rather fundamental teachings concerning aspects of the gospel of Jesus Christ... such as the gospel of Jesus Christ (that is to say the atonement of Jesus Christ).

[HiJolly]

Originally Posted by jb789

Again, correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that literal reincarnation is a false understanding, one not taught originally by either Buddha or Lao Tzu. Kind of like Nicodemus, who thought the spiritual re-birth Jesus spoke of was meant to be literal/physical.

False understanding? It's possible, but ... Ask a Buddhist and see what they think. I don't think they'll buy it.

Reincarnation & Karma are big time believed all through the East. Jainists, Hindus, Taoists, Buddhists, etc.

As to whether the 'founders' taught it... I don't see that it matters.

HJ