Welcome back to Basil Evans of Emmanuel Fellowship. Today Basil places some cults, based on Eastern Religions, under the microscope. The Lord Jesus Christ warns us to beware of false prophets (Mathew 7:15) even more so in these end times. Thanks to Basil for this timely article.

Gibber! Gibber!

Chugley

Number 3 Eastern Religions –

I heard a very well known TV evangelist with perhaps the largest single church in the USA being interviewed and asked will Religious Jews and Muslims get to heaven? His answer was “Well, God knows, after all we do worship the same God”.

The correct answer is NO. Jesus said He is the only way.

The next group of religions definitely do not accept Jesus except as a guru or a wise example of living the right way so with them there is no question that their followers cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. No matter how good a life they may lead there is no salvation outside of Jesus.

There is a belief called universalism that says eventually all created beings will be saved. This is based on the desire to be “nice.” If God is a god of love how could He condemn anyone to eternal punishment. After a cleansing period God will restore all things to eternal perfection. The problem with this belief is that it contradicts what the Bible says, In Matthew 25::46 Jesus talks of eternal punishment and eternal life. The same word, eternal, is used for life and punishment so if our salvation will never end so will eternal punishment.

In Eastern religions however the belief is that eventually everyone will cease to exist after maybe countless reincarnations. They will become one with Brahman or the universal spirit.

BRAHMAN SYMBOL

Eastern religions only started to affect Western culture in the 1800s but received a boost with youth from the Beetles who pushed Hinduism in many of their songs such as “My sweet Lord”. The Hari Krishna movement started in 1965 and spread rapidly.

HINDU SYMBOL

Buddhism’s growth in the West, starting in the mid-19th century, was spurred by immigration, globalization, the decline of Christianity, and increased Western interest, leading to the development of mainstream Western Buddhism by the 20th century.
Now Hindu and Buddhist temples’ are quite common throughout Australia. And Buddhism particularly very actively spreads the “Peace” movement.

Also New Age shops are found everywhere with interest in supernatural pushed by the fancy trappings of incense and statuary of gods and angels, taro cards etc. The media have also pushed astrology daily horoscope readings and star signs.

The major eastern religions hold a belief in reincarnation, especially Hinduism and Buddhism. They hold in common a doctrine of karma, the law of cause and effect, which states that what one does in this present life will have its effect in the next life. In Hinduism the process of birth and rebirth—i.e., transmigration of souls—is endless until one achieves moksha, or liberation (literally “release”) from that process. Moksha is achieved when one realizes that the eternal core of the individual (atman) and the Absolute reality (brahman) are one. The end of Hinduism is being absorbed into the universal godhead.

In Buddhism the concept of rebirth, often understood as reincarnation, is a core principle, suggesting that consciousness, not a fixed self or soul, continues after death and is reborn into a new form of existence, determined by karma. The ultimate goal of Buddhism, across most traditions, is to achieve Nirvana, which is a state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth (samsara). In other words to cease to exist. 

The Lotus Flower

Hinduism

In every religion it is common for followers to be unaware of what their religion really believes but just follow the family or community practices. This is particularly the case with Hindus.
Hinduism, is the third largest world religion. Its origin is the Indian subcontinent, encompasses a diverse range of philosophical, belief, and ritual systems, with roots dating back over 4,000 years. It’s characterised by concepts like dharma, karma, and reincarnation, and lacks a single founder, scripture, or set of doctrines. 

The basic “official” belief is that there is only one god, Brahman.
Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are the three primary manifestations of God. The three manifestations are interdependent. Brahma creates; Vishnu sustains; Shiva destroys. Note that these are the equivalent of Satan’s demonic powers – Baal, Ashera and Moloch. (Creativity, sex and power) . They are one and the same, infinite and eternal. However, God is also present in all creation – this is pantheism. God’s manifestation in creation goes by many names. It is the one infinite, eternal, Divine Being that is manifesting n countless ways.  the same Divine Lord has been addressed as Shiva, Vishnu, etc and as Divine Mother, Kali, Durga, etc. God can also manifest as an extraordinary being in human form, who is then known as an incarnation of God, such as Krishna, Rama, etc. Since it is the one infinite God alone that is being looked at in different ways, all these manifestations can be prayed to for help and protection. This is the underlying principle behind all the different sects of Hinduism. Those who prefer a particular manifestation of the divinity will form a sect devoted to the contemplation and worship of that manifestation. As a result there are estimated to be over 300 million gods, but it’s more accurate to say it’s a poly-monotheistic religion where one supreme being (Brahman) manifests in millions of forms, including major and minor deities, to help people on their path to liberation. One can select whichever one likes and worship it.

Hinduism is based on four principles:

O Dharma that is most simply is religious or societal duty which is a personal decision.
O Karma that is your earthly desires,
O Artha or spiritual value and
O Moksha that is liberation from the round of reincarnation and becoming one with Brahman.,

One must add Artha to one’s life by following his Dharma and fulfill his karma but the ultimate goal must remain as to reach Moksha or the liberation or freedom from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara), ultimately leading to a state of enlightenment or union with the divine. 
Hindu ancient, sacred texts were written in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India. The Vedas are the oldest – about 3000 years old. They are a collection of hymns, prayers, and magic spells but they are not considered infallible in any way but merely guidance and inspiration.

The caste system divides Hindu society into four main categories – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. Many believe that the groups originated from Brahma, the Hindu God of creation.
At the top of the hierarchy were the Brahmins who were mainly teachers and intellectuals and are believed to have come from Brahma’s head. Then came the Kshatriyas, or the warriors and rulers, supposedly from his arms. The third slot went to the Vaishyas, or the traders, who were created from his thighs. At the bottom of the heap were with Shulas or menial workers. .Outside this system are the Dalits (formerly “Untouchables”) who were born into this group because of many past incarnations where they committed lives unacceptable to the gods so they are shunned by the other castes – receive no help from anyone and are absolutely discriminated against.  

To summarise a little the Hindu religious system is following the path of righteousness, building positive karma to be reincarnated at a higher level each birth until reaching the level of oneness with Brahman.

Buddhism
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Buddha means “awakened one” or “enlightened one” and is the title given to Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in ancient India. Buddhism is a philosophy and spiritual practice that emphasizes the path to enlightenment and liberation from suffering through practices like meditation and ethical conduct, ultimately aiming for the state of nirvana. 

Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism who later became known as “the Buddha,” lived during the 5th century B.C. Gautama was born into a wealthy family as a prince in present-day Nepal. Although he had an easy life, Gautama was moved by suffering in the world.

He decided to give up his lavish lifestyle and endure poverty. For nearly six years, he undertook fasting and other austerities, but these techniques proved ineffectual and he abandoned them. He eventually promoted the idea of the “Middle Way,” which means existing between two extremes. Thus, he sought a life without social indulgences but also without deprivation.

After regaining his strength, he seated himself under a Bodhi tree in west-central India and promised not to rise until he had attained the supreme enlightenment. After fighting off Mara, an evil spirit who tempted him with worldly comforts and desires, Siddhartha reached enlightenment, becoming Buddha at the age of 35. He spent the rest of his life teaching others about how to achieve this spiritual state.
Buddhism is based on the Buddha’s teachings, which are called the Four Noble Truths.

O The first truth is that life is made up of pain and suffering.
O The second is that all suffering is caused by one’s desires.
O The third is that one can be free of these desires. The freedom from desire is called nirvana.
O The fourth truth is the Eightfold Path, which explains eight ways to achieve nirvana.

The Eightfold Path is also called the Middle Path. It teaches that people should not indulge in too much luxury and pleasure. But they should also not harshly deny themselves all worldly comforts. Instead, people should take a middle, or balanced, course in their behaviour.

Buddhism has three main parts. These parts are called the Triratna, or “the three jewels.” They are: the Buddha, or the teacher; the dharma, or the teaching; and sangha, or the community of believers. Buddhist monks believe that the three jewels protect them. This is expressed in the Buddhist prayer, “I take refuge in the Buddha. I take refuge in the dharma. I take refuge in the sangha.”

Buddha taught that there is no supreme god but many spirit beings, good and evil.
In Buddhist cosmology, the “spirit world” encompasses various realms of existence, including the six realms of rebirth, and higher states of enlightened consciousness, all part of the cycle of samsara (rebirth). 

The Six Realms of Rebirth are:

⦁ Hell: Beings in hell suffer intense pain and torment for their negative karma. 

⦁ Hungry Ghosts: These beings are characterized by extreme hunger and thirst, with small mouths and large stomachs. 
⦁ Animals: Beings in the animal realm experience suffering and hardship. 
⦁ Asuras: These are beings who are often described as demigods or titans, characterized by conflict and jealousy. 
⦁ Humans: The human realm is considered a precious opportunity for spiritual growth and the possibility of achieving enlightenment. 
⦁ Gods: Beings in the realm of gods enjoy pleasure and comfort, but are also subject to suffering and rebirth. 

BASIL’S BIOGRAPHY

Basil De Lacy Evans has had a rich and successful life. Born in Sydney, Australia in 1933. He attended Canterbury Boys High School, Scots College and Sydney University, where he graduated with a degree in Pharmacy. He obtained further qualifications in International Business and management from the USA and Australia.

Basil’s commercial career included time as Assistant Chief Pharmacist at Royal Alexandra Hospital Sydney in 1958 to being Planning Manager for the international division of a major multinational pharmaceutical company based in New Jersey USA. There were many highly responsible appointments in between including running a marketing division employing 120 staff in Sydney.  Locations included Australia,  Indonesia,  New Zealand and Hong Kong.

He retired from the multination group in 1988 to start his own Medical Regulatory Affairs consultancy which is now still operating owned and  managed by one of his daughters.

Basil’s Christian walk has included serving as Deacon, Youth Leader and adult Bible teacher in Sydney Petersham AOG from 1956 – 1967. Attending Livingstone NJ  AOG USA from 1967-1970. Founder and Pastor of Dural Christian Assembly, 1990-2004