Intro To World Religions

In this series, we present an overview of theism, pantheism, and atheism.

What Is Theism?

Theism is the belief in one or more gods, separate and distinct from people or other creatures.

Talking Points:

  • Theism is the belief in one or more gods, separate and distinct from people or other creatures. The term “theism” comes from the ancient Greek word theos, which means “god” or “deity.”
  • The Bible never argues for or tries to prove God’s existence. People in the Bible wonder about God’s nature and attributes but never doubts his existence. God is consistently portrayed as an active participant in the events of human life and history.
  • It is not enough to acknowledge the reality of some god. Not just any god will do. True theism must be oriented toward the true God who created everything – the God who actually exists. James 2:19
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. How old were you when you became convinced that God is real? How did that happen?
  3. Based on the definition of theism, give some examples of different forms of theism (past or present).
  4. Read Genesis 1:1. Why do you think the Bible never tries to prove God’s existence?
  5. Think of a specific example in the Old Testament where God is seen as active. What does this example demonstrate about God?
  6. Think of an example in the New Testament when God takes action. What does this example demonstrate about God?
  7. How would you define idolatry? How are modern forms of idolatry alike or different from idolatry in Bible times? Why is it important to have correct ideas about God?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

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What Is Pantheism?

Pantheism is not a religion so much as an underlying belief expressed in many religious systems, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Neo-Paganism.

Talking Points:

  • Pantheism is the belief that everything in existence is of the same essence. For pantheists, God, humans, animals, and rocks are all made of the same “stuff.”
  • Pantheism is simply not envisioned in the Bible. Instead, the Bible presents a God who is different from anything else in creation because God has no beginning and no end. Psalm 90:2, Romans 1:20
  • If God is eternal and humans are not, humans cannot be part of or equal to God. Even though created in God’s image, humans are not the same as God. We are not eternal. Genesis 1:27
  • In our basic nature and essence, we are very different from God. So is the rest of creation. Unlike us, our God is not bound by the constraints of the physical universe. He is greater and higher, and he always will be.
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. How would a pantheist define “god” differently than a theist? What are some pantheistic religions? What are some expressions of pantheism in popular spirituality?
  3. Read Psalm 90:2 and Romans 1:20. What kinds of miscommunication might arise when talking about God with a pantheist? How could you overcome this problem?
  4. Read Genesis 1:27. According to the Bible, in what ways is God essentially different from human beings?
  5. Why do you think some people might find pantheism to be appealing? What do you think they would say is “beneficial” about being pantheistic?
  6. Why do you think it is important to maintain a distinction between God and his creation?
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

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What Is Atheism?

One of the most basic categories in world religion today is atheism - the belief that there are no gods. But what does the Bible say about it?

Talking Points:

  • Religious atheism is a spiritual system that doesn’t acknowledge any personal God or gods. More common in Western society is a new, naturalistic atheism – a belief that nothing exists outside of the natural world, including God and spiritual beings.
  • In the Old Testament, we see the Israelites consistently following false gods, idols created by other nations. The God of the Bible had a very clear opinion about these fabrications of the human imagination and their creators. Isaiah 44:9-10
  • The clear verdict of the Bible is that atheism is foolish – not just intellectually, but morally and spiritually. For many, atheism is driven by a desire to be free from objective moral authority. Whatever the motivation, God’s opinion is that it is folly to pretend that he isn’t real. Romans 1:19-20
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. When is the last time you were amazed by something you saw in nature? What was it?
  3. Read Romans 1:19-20. How does creation point to the existence of God?
  4. In what way can certain religions be essentially atheistic?
  5. How would you define “naturalism”? Why do you think people find this philosophy attractive?
  6. Read Isaiah 44:9-10. Why is the worship of images foolish?
  7. How can we be respectful toward others even though we disagree with their beliefs about God?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

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