Marketplace Bible Study

Understanding Islam

In part three of Pastor Jamie Rasmussen's series on Spirituality in the 21st Century, he has turned his attention to sharing a basic understanding of the beliefs of Islam.

Jamie shared that the Qur'an teaches The Five Pillars of Islam as a framework for worship and a sign of commitment to the faith:

1. Shahadah - "(I profess that) there is no other god but God and Muhammad is the last messenger of God."
2. Salat - five daily prayers.
3. Sawm - Ritual fasting as compensation for repentance.
4. Zakāt - charitable alms-giving.
5. Hajj - Every able-bodied Muslim is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if he or she can afford it.

The Qur'an further teaches that we are born with a blank slate, rather than the "original sin" described in the book of Genesis. 

It was also interesting to understand that Islam teaches that Jesus, in their view, was a highly respected prophet who came to life through a virgin birth.

Listen as Pastor Jamie Rasmussen shares more about the basic tenets of Islam:

Understanding Eastern Spirituality (Part 2)

The room was packed with around 100 men as Pastor Jamie Rasmussen discussed the second part of his talk on understanding Eastern Spirituality.

Last week, Jamie parsed out a basic understanding of the teaching of eastern religions.  This week, he addressed some of their beliefs that agree with Christianity, and some of the significant doctrinal differences between the two.

For example, eastern religion teaches that there is an "ultimate reality" which people should strive for, where Christianity teaches that there exists a personal, holy, and loving God who is much more than "ultimate reality" or consciousness.

Listen as Jamie explains:

Understanding Eastern Religion (Part 2)

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Download Notes - Spirituality in the 21st Century

Understanding Eastern Spirituality

After spending two weeks exploring why there are so many different religions in 21st century America, Pastor Jamie Rasmussen has now turned his attention to helping us understand the beginnings, and some of the basic tenets of the Eastern Religions.

Eastern religions have a significantly different belief, when it comes to understanding truth and reality, than the foundational doctrines of Christianity.

For example:

• Eastern religions forward the belief that there is an "ultimate reality" in which ignorance and past behaviors prevent most people from ever finding.
• Pain and suffering in this world and the ongoing rebirth cycle are the primary spiritual problems that need to be dealt with in this life.
• It is through meditaion and/or right living that one can eventually attain "nirvana".

Listen as Pastor Jamie Rasmussen further explains:

Understanding Eastern Spirituality

Note:  hover your mouse over the above player to find the start button.

Download Notes - Spirituality in the 21st Century