Destructible Deities

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            When a Buddhist temple burned in a Texas city, the image of Buddha, their object of worship, melted. While none should rejoice in the property loss our fellow-citizens sustained, the melted Buddha provokes reflection on the great contrasts between Christianity and the pagan “world religions” (e.g., Hinduism, Islam, Baha’ism) that have gained many adherents in our nation. Note some of the contrasts between God and counterfeit deities:

• Nature of God: The Bible’s God is the self-existent, omnipotent Spirit (Gen. 17:1; John 1:1–2; 4:24) Who created and sustains all things. He is merciful, loving, and just (Tit. 3:4–7; 1 John 4:8; Acts 17:31). He lives not in earthly temples (24–29).

Buddhists revere statues of a man and some ethical principles veiled in ancient mythology.

Hindus have their choice of 330 million gods in their pagan pantheon, most of which are tied to natural forces.

Muslims and Bahai’s profess monotheism but deny God’s triune nature.

• History: Christianity is firmly rooted in history. The Christ-theme is threaded through God’s dealings with patriarchs, prophets, and princes from Eden to Bethlehem (Gen. 3:15; Gal. 4:4). Jesus proved His Deity by undeniable signs and miracles (John 20:30–31). Upon being crucified, God raised Him, witnessed by hundreds (1 Cor. 15:1–8).

Eastern religions are strong on mystery, but short on certain history.

Islam’s history stretches back only about fifteen centuries, although Mohammed stole Old Testament history to gain credibility for his militaristic agenda.

Baha’ism began in 1863. Like Islam, it purloins its pre-founding “history” from the Bible. Bible-related historical claims of Islam and Baha’ism are contradictory both to sacred and profane history.

• Truth: God revealed all moral and religious Truth and He inspired men to record it in the Bible (John 16:13; 17:17; Jude 3). It is thus objective (men did not originate it). It is both logical and consistent. Jesus is God’s final spokesman, and all spiritual and moral Truth has resided only in the New Testament since Jesus’ death (Mat. 17:5; Heb. 1: 1–2; 9:15–17). He is man’s only access to God (John 8:24; 14:6; Acts 4:12).

Oriental religions hold “truth” to be whatever one says it is with no ultimate standard by which to measure any claim or principle. Their “truth” is subjective (from within), inconsistent, and illogical.

Islam’s “truth” is the Quran, produced by a morally dissolute, violent man whose only prophetic “credentials” were his own claims, backed by brutality.

Baha’is rely upon their founder and self-proclaimed “prophet” for their subjective “truth.”

            All other gods besides the God of the Bible are “destructible deities.” True Christianity is the true religion.

[Note: I wrote this article for and it was published in the Denton Record-Chronicle, Denton, TX, October 17, 2014.]

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