THE CURIOUS CHRISTIANS

  Why the Resurrection Matters Among the central claims that set Jesus apart from all other religious figures is His resurrection from the dead. While many spiritual leaders have inspired followers or been remembered for their teachings, Jesus is unique in claiming and demonstrating victory over death itself. The resurrection is not simply a theological concept; it is a historical event that has profound implications for faith, salvation, and the identity of Jesus. Historical and Scholarly Perspectives The resurrection of Jesus is widely regarded by scholars, even many secular historians, as a remarkable event that shaped the origins of Christianity. Empty Tomb: Multiple independent sources in the New Testament attest to the discovery of Jesus’ empty tomb by women, a significant detail since women’s testimonies were culturally undervalued, suggesting authenticity. Post-Resurrection Appearances: Eyewitness accounts record Jesus appearing alive to His disciples and many others over...

In the previous discussion, we explored how Jesus uniquely stands apart among religious figures through His identity and historical reality. Continuing this exploration, we now turn to the profound claims Jesus made about Himself, claims that set Him decisively apart from other gods and spiritual teachers in history. The Boldness of Jesus’ Divine Claims Unlike many religious leaders who present themselves as guides or enlightened beings, Jesus explicitly claimed a unique and unparalleled divine status. “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30) - This statement shocked Jesus’ contemporaries. It was understood as a claim to deity, equality with God, provoking strong reactions that eventually led to accusations of blasphemy. “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58) - Here Jesus adopts the divine name “I AM,” echoing God’s self-identification in Exodus 3:14. This claim to eternal, self-existent being distinguishes Him from all other religious figures whose authority is temporal or symbolic. ...

In a world shaped by diverse religions, countless spiritual leaders and deities have offered pathways to truth, morality, and ultimate reality. From the polytheistic gods of Hinduism to the enlightened sages of Buddhism and the prophets of Islam, humanity has long sought understanding of the divine and its relationship to human life. Among these figures, Jesus Christ stands apart not only as a religious leader but as one whose unique claims and life events have shaped history in profound ways. This comparative analysis respectfully explores the distinctiveness of Jesus Christ alongside other religious figures, aiming to illuminate why Christianity regards Him as uniquely divine and salvific. Claims to Divinity: Unique Identity of Jesus Jesus: God Incarnate Christianity teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man. His claims affirm this divine identity: John 10:30 : “I and the Father are one.” John 8:58 : “Before Abraham was, I am.” These statements reveal Jesus’ claim to eternal exis...

Jesus is Lord: Why Christians Can’t Compromise In a pluralistic world, it is tempting for Christians to soften distinctive, to speak of Jesus merely as a prophet, moral teacher, or religious reformer. This is especially the case in interfaith conversations with Muslims, who respect ‘Isa (Jesus) as a prophet but reject His divinity and His role as Savior. Yet the New Testament does not leave us room for compromise. The earliest Christian confession was short, clear, and revolutionary: “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:11). This was not a polite religious statement; it was a bold claim that Jesus shares in the identity, authority, and worship due to God alone. The Core of the Gospel is Christ Himself Christianity is not first and foremost a moral code or a set of religious rituals. It is a living relationship with the risen Lord Jesus. His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead are not optional beliefs but the very heart of the faith (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). To deny ...