Romans

& World
Religions
 Introductions

Introductions
Paul’s letter to the Romans was written in the mid 50’s AD in
order to further explain the Christian faith to the ethnically
Jewish and Gentile Christians living in Rome at the time. A
major feature of this epistle to the Romans is the
equalization of Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ and a
focus on the doctrine of Christianity, especially as it relates
to salvation and the role of faith in that salvation.
• Read Romans 1:16-17
• This is the “thesis statement” of Paul’s letter to
the Romans. What does it tell you about
Christianity only looking at these two verses?

World Religions and the

Pluralism of Postmodernity
We live in the philosophical period of “post-modernity”. This
means, simply, that we are in a period of thought that
questions and responds to the “absolutes” of Enlightenment
(approx 1800 to 1920) philosophy. One of the hallmarks of
this post-modern age is a questioning of the absolute value
of “one true religion”, and the embrace of “pluralism” (the
simultaneous acceptance of several beliefs, regardless of
possible contradictions).
• Read Romans 1:18-23
• How does Paul explain the existence of other
gods that people worship?
The problem of sin
One area in which religions will disagree will be on the
concept of “sin”. This concept of “wrong doing” and “wrong
thinking” is present in all religions as something to strive
against, but is not treated in the same way throughout those
religions. Some religions will see “sin” as a natural part of
existing in a material world, while others will claim that even
their divine being can exist in and experience sin.
• Read Romans 5:12-14
• What does this section of Romans tell you about
sin?

The problem of grace

Another area in which religions will disagree is the concept
of “grace”. This concept basically asks a question of how
loving God is, and how we can know His love. Some
religions see God as basically aloof of human suffering (if
not causing it), and others describe Him as a strict judge with
no sense of favor for human beings.
• Read Romans 5:15-17
• How do other religions that you know of deal with
the concept of “grace”?
For Next Time
Do some research into a particular (non-Christian) faith
group. You can do this through talking to someone who
believes differently or you can do your research through a
book or the internet. We’re just interested in what you come
back with.

Special note: NO BIBLE CLASS on March 20!

PJ will be out of town. We will resume on the 27th!

Please don’t throw this away. If you’re not going to use it, leave it for
someone else to use.