What Distinguishes Christianity From Other Religions?

By Hank Hanegraaff

Christianity is unique among the religions of the world for several reasons.

First, unlike other religions, Christianity is rooted in history and evidence. Jesus of Nazareth was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of Caesar Augustus and was put to death by Pontius Pilate, a first-century Roman governor. The testimony of His life, death, and resurrection is validated both by credible eyewitness testimony and credible extrabiblical evidence. No other religion can legitimately claim this kind of support from history and evidence.

Furthermore, of all the influential religious leaders of the world (Buddha, Moses, Zoroaster, Krishna, Lao Tzu, Muhammad, Baha’u’llah), only Jesus claimed to be God in human flesh (Mark 14:62), and this was not an empty boast. For through the historically verifiable fact of the resurrection, Christ vindicated His claim to deity (Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:3–8). Other religions, such as Buddhism and Islam, claim miracles in support of their faith; however, unlike Christianity, such miracles lack historical validation.

Finally, Christianity is unique in that it is a coherent belief structure. Some Christian doctrines may transcend comprehension; however, unlike the claims of other religions, they are never irrational or contradictory. Christianity is also unique in that it cogently accounts for the vast array of phenomena we encounter in everyday life: the human mind, laws of science, laws of logic, ethical norms, justice, love, meaning in life, the problem of evil and suffering, and truth. In other words, Christianity corresponds with the reality of our present condition.

We did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

2 Peter 1:16 NJKV

For further study, see James W. Sire, The Universe Next Door, 3rd ed. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997); and Lee Strobel, The Case for Christ (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998).