Grace, a distinct element of the Christian faith, is amazing because it requires no performance on the part of the believer. As a result, Christianity becomes the most non-discriminatory religion in the world. The only requirement is to rely upon Jesus for our relationship with God. People can believe in Jesus just moments before they die and gain God's friendship for eternity.
- Buddhism requires that we denounce all worldly aspirations and detach from human emotions
- Hinduism requires that we do good in order to earn karma for the benefit of the next life
- Judaism and Islam have us keeping religious laws to get in God's good book
- The smaller/local gods in many cultures require us to make sacrificial offerings of many kinds
Graceless religions demand our performance. In essence, followers of these religions become their own saviours; everything depends on their effort. Some (most? all?) of us haven't got the talent or ability to do good work. Others of us have been so abused or damaged by life circumstances that our good will is depleted. A little closer to home, most of us can't even abide by the simplest moral code of honesty--almost all of us tell lies here and there.
Give me Christianity. I am much safer with the God who sees my infirmities and yet--amazingly--still loves me, than with another deity who demands my performance.
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