Understanding Religious Symbols Across Cultures for Effective Missionary Work
Judeo-Christianity refers to shared ethical and religious principles shared between Christianity and Judaism. Since Christianity and Judaism have a common origin, they tend to share some values and beliefs. On the other hand, non-Judeo-Christian religions include Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, among other belief systems. Non-Judeo-Christian organizations are different from mainstream Christians. However, some symbols and rituals in non-Judeo Christianity match those in mainstream Christianity, even if they are not identical.
Similarities
According to Bacquet (2019), one of the similarities between non-Judeo religious groups and Christians is the use of Scripture as a religious guideline. Muslims use the Quran, while Buddhists use Tripitaka as a guide on the best way to live. Both religions regard These books as sacred, and worshipers use them to improve their moral standing. Besides, just like mainstream Christians, non-Judeo-Christian religious groups attach history to the writing of their holy books, and followers respect scripture teachings. Although the writings in the scriptures may be different, they tend to communicate the same message. To that end, a member of mainstream Christianity may use a Bible to teach non-Judeo Christians, like Muslims, the moral obligations expected of them in the Quran.
Another common ritual between mainstream Christians and non-Judeo religious groups is prayer. Although the two religious groups pray differently, prayer is used for a common purpose amongst both groups. They use prayer to communicate directly with God, present requests, ask for forgiveness, and thanksgiving, among other purposes (Bacquet, 2019). For instance, Muslims are required to pray at least five times a day. On the other hand, no limits are attached to the number of times mainstream Christians may pray. Nonetheless, mainstream Christians are encouraged to pray as often as possible to move closer to God.
Consistently, worship is common to both mainstream Christians and non-Judeo-Christian religious groups. One of the similarities regarding worship is that both groups have special holy places of worship (Bacquet, 2019). The places of worship have different names since Christians call them churches, Muslims refer to them as Mosques, and Buddhists worship in temples. Worshipping in both groups involves chanting, singing, praying, and interpreting scriptures, but they serve the same purpose. It is also worth noting that the two groups have different ways of chanting during worship services, but the end goal aligns. The worship ritual across all religious groups is used to show the importance of praising God, cleansing oneself, and presenting offerings to God.
Differences
Whereas mainstream Christians and non-Judeo Christians share virtues and principles, they differ in how they express these virtues. Specifically, the most recognized means of inclusion in mainstream Christianity is the cross (De Waal, 2020). The cross, which is directly linked to Jesus’ crucifixion, is a symbol of salvation and forgiveness in mainstream Christianity. Therefore, mainstream Christians remind themselves of their promise and responsibilities to God by donning the cross daily. On the other hand, non-Judeo-Christian religious cultures, like the Muslims, use the ritual of the five pillars as a reminder of their responsibilities and promise to God. The five pillars of the Islamic faith include faith, alms, prayers, pilgrimage, and fasting. In the same regard, mainstream Christians emphasize reconciling with God and reaching heaven. On the other hand,
Application of Knowledge to Avoid Theological Misunderstandings
Missionaries out to spread the gospel across diverse cultures can leverage the similarities between mainstream Christianity and non-Judeo-Christian religious groups pass across the gospel. For instance, Christianity teaches its followers to be benevolent, diligent, and willing to seek the Kingdom of God. In this regard, a Christian evangelist and a Muslim can have a common ground about what is expected from both of them (Scott et al., 2014). Therefore, a Christian evangelist can influence a Muslim spiritually by making their teachings relevant and approachable to an Islamic faith adherent.
Moreover, Christian evangelists may also focus on clarifying the distinctive differences between mainstream Christianity and non-Judeo Christianity to ensure non-Christians understand the gospel. For instance, in Christianity, the rainbow shown to Noah represents unity and inclusion. However, a Muslim can only understand such insights if a Christian evangelist specifies the meaning of such light and the role of enlightenment in the Christian faith. That way, a non-Christian will be able to understand what ties Christianity and other faiths.
Conclusion
In summary, non-Judeo-Christian religious groups and mainstream Christianity share similarities and differences in values, beliefs, and virtues. One of the similarities between the two belief systems is the application of the Scripture as a moral guide. Although readings are not identical, the Scripture in both faiths is a moral guideline for followers getting closer to God. Also, both belief systems use prayer to connect to God. Another common feature among the different belief systems is that they have special days and venues of worship. However, there are differences in the way both belief systems express their obligations and responsibility to God. Whereas Christians use the cross as a symbol of forgiveness and responsibility to God, non-Judeo Christians such as Muslims rely on the five pillars to remind themselves of their obligations.
References
Bacquet, S. (2019). Religious symbols and the intervention of the law: symbolic functionality in pluralist states. Routledge.
De Waal, T. (2020). Liberal Democracy and the Judeo-Christian Tradition. Neth. J. Legal. Phil., 49, 7.
Scott, A., Campbell Evvy Hay, & Greener Susan Moreau. (2014). Effective Intercultural Communication: a Christian perspective. Baker Book House.
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Question 
Matthew 28:18-20 says: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'”
Understanding Religious Symbols Across Cultures for Effective Missionary Work
In response to this call, Christian churches send missionaries to other cultures to spread the gospel, plant churches, and disciple people in those cultures. In this process, missionaries communicate important rituals and symbols of the Christian faith as well as learn about non-Judeo-Christian religious symbols from the cultures they are evangelizing. As a result, it’s important to understand the meaning of these religious symbols when conveying the gospel message and forming discipleship relationships.
For this assignment, you will research the symbols or rituals of a non-Judeo-Christian religious organization or culture. The terms “symbol” and “ritual” may be interpreted variously; the focus should be on verbal and nonverbal choices used to convey religious meaning. As long as you cover this in principle, there is flexibility about what particular symbolic or ritualized communication pattern you choose.
Then, in 750-1000 words, compare the symbols or rituals they use with those of mainstream Christianity. How are the two sets of symbols or rituals similar? What makes them different? How could someone apply this knowledge to accurately convey the gospel, aid missionaries in teaching other cultures to obey all that Christ has commanded, and avoid theological misunderstandings that may be expressed in that culture’s symbols or rituals?
You should use two to three reputable and authoritative sources.