Having had a philosophical education before coming to Christ, I have gained a great respect for other philosophical schools of thought.  There are many great thoughts and spiritual insights to Buddhism for example.  The spiritual life on a daily basis for the Muslim with prayer, fasting, alms giving, and reading of the Koran is noteworthy.  The spiritual life of many Hindus is very commendable.  The insight of Plato and Aristotle, Kant and Descartes has fascinated many a passionate learner in the school of epistemology and metaphysics.  People who have followed some of the masters rival the spirituality of the average Christian.  So what's the difference?  What makes Christianity any better than any of the other systems of spirituality and thought?  The answer is this.  If we follow any other religion or school of thought, we may live a very good spiritual life here on earth.  We might learn the lesson of solitude and silence, spending time with nature, disciplining the body, and having love and respect for our fellow man but when this life is over, we will not overcome the grave.  St Paul tells us to have hope only for this life is not good enough.  Better to eat, drink, and be merry which was the theme of the Epicureans.  Only Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.  Only Jesus is the eternal Son of God.  Only Jesus has the remedy for sin.  Only Jesus was raised from the dead and only faith in Jesus will give you eternal life.  That is the difference.  It does not matter if you are not as spiritual as the Buddhist, Muslim, or Hindu.  What matters most of all is that you have dealt with sin by pleading the blood of Christ and have Jesus living in your heart.  What matters is that the Holy Spirit has given you love, joy, and peace and that you are now a new creature in Christ. 

            So for those looking for a long relationship with God, not just seventy, eighty, or ninety years, but eternity with God, then Jesus is the answer.  Only Jesus conquered the grave.  Only Jesus provided the remedy for sin.  Only Jesus is the eternal Word of God.  Other religions can only give you hope for this life.  Jesus gives you hope forever and ever.  Receive Him today!

Amen