The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Katie P. during the 2008-2009 League.
Mission: Research - Lordship of Christ
While doing research for this study, I came across a document speaking about the belief that there is only one god present in today's religions. Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and everyone else worships the same god, just different parts of him. I have a special facial expression saved specifically for ludicrous ideas like this one, which has become moderately infamous in my social circle. A frown combined with a bit of shock, indignation, confusion and astonishment. Needless to say, that was the expression I wore while reading.
Apparently, this is fairly popular view today. However, I find it offensive. I pride myself in my unique faith. Not unique in the sense that no one else shares it. I don't make Christianity unique. Jesus makes me and my faith exceptional. Yet, I realized something. I had never stopped to take the time to investigate that statement. How was I supposed to know Jesus was different if I had never studied the subject?
So investigate I did. I opened up my faithful Firefox, and went straight to my trusty Google. The first thing I found was a chart comparing Jesus to Muhammad, side by side. Number one on the chart was a comparison of their deaths. "Jesus died and rose from the dead. Muhammad died and stayed dead." Simple, yet significant. Following this were many examples of their contrasting character. Jesus' unconditional love and compassion, versus Muhammad's violent nature and humanity.
But the two contrasts that really caught my attention were the following:
A) "Muhammad allegedly received his ministry from an angel, while Jesus received his directly from God the Father."
B) "Muhammad claimed to be man, Jesus claimed to be God."
Not once in his entire ministry did Jesus' words come from himself. They always came from the Father. He spent time in prayer, communicating with God and setting an example for us. Although Jesus was one with God, he was also man. He needed guidance from his Father, just like we do. Everything he spoke came straight from the Source.
Jesus didn't just proclaim himself to be God, he showed it. His life and his actions reflected his words. While the prophets of other "gods" were human and proved as much in their actions, Jesus claimed to be one with the Father (John 10:30) and his words, actions and life backed that up. What sets Christians apart from every other religion is not their beliefs, but the person behind their beliefs. There is no one like Christ. He lived to serve others and gave up his life for the people he loved, even though many of them didn't return his devotion. The fact that he came to earth in the first place, makes him different. Who else's god would give up heaven and perfection, to come to earth to die a painful death for people who have done nothing to deserve it?
Unlike every other religion, ours isn't unique because of the people in it. Christianity is exclusive because of Jesus Christ. The belief that every religion worships the same god is ridiculous. You cannot compare the ultimate love of God to the wrath of Allah. Jesus Christ, in all his glory, makes me and my faith exceptional.
