World Religion Discussion

We have seen/suggested that Zoroastrianism influenced Judaism. Jesus was a Jew and used the Jewish scripture when he taught. Some even say that Christianity is a sect of Judaism (see Rabbi Norman Solomon, Judaism: A Very Short Introduction). Yet, most Christians claim that their religion is unique.

• Did Zoroastrianism and/or Judaism provide the basis for Christianity or not?
• Pick a side and defend it with three (3) reasons. Explain each reason.

In our chapter we have seen numerous splits in Christianity: In the Book of Acts; the division between Roman Catholicism and the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Protestant Reformation, and on and on. Modern Christianity is sometimes characterized by the split between followers who believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible and those who believe in a figurative interpretation.

• How can one Bible, especially one New Testament, be used to justify so many divisions?
• Is one of these divisions/denomination the “right” denominations? Why?