Chapter 20

How Do You Account for Gospel Resemblances in Non-Christian Religions?

The great world religions have much in common. Hinduism, Taoism, Zoroasterism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Mohammedanism hold to some tenets fundamental in Christianity. They all believe in an overruling power, God, in man’s immortality in some form, and a divine plan for the guidance of man to happiness. All of them recognize that growth and progress come through self-effort, by self-control and self-discipline. The brotherhood of man, cooperation, and the golden rule, are generally accepted as obligatory upon all men. These doctrines are impressively similar to those of Christianity. (See H. M. Woodward, Humanity’s Greatest Need.)

There is a like similarity, though not so marked, in the practices or ordinances of the religions of earth. For example, baptism, the initiatory Christian ordinance, is not peculiar to the Christian Church. In some form it is practiced by many non-Christian communities. In fact, the doctrine of entering through water into a new life is widespread. Moreover, a practice equivalent to baptism is very old. Among the Hebrews it was practiced long before the days of Christ. In ancient Egypt, a corresponding rite was in operation from days immemorial. Other gospel practices likewise appear in other non-Christian religions. (See, Encyclopedia Britannica, Art. Baptism.)

Even the substance of the Ten Commandments date back into far non-Christian antiquity, and among others than the Hebrew people. The Ten Commandments were given by God to Moses among the thunderings and lightnings on Mt. Sinai. Yet, in other forms their teachings were known by peoples who lived before the days of Moses. The code of Hammurabi, a contemporary of Abraham, contains injunctions for correct living resembling the Ten Commandments. (See R. F. Harper, The Code of Hammurabi. )

Such similarities might be multiplied if necessary. How may they be explained? It is a fair question.

In the large literature attempting to answer this question. two opposing answers or explanations appear.

The first, for the moment the fashionable one, sets up the theory of the independent development of such similarities in different lands and among different peoples. That is, religious beliefs and practices have arisen spontaneously and independently in various countries. The founders of the various great world religions originated, from the foundation, the respective bodies of laws and regulations and independently of other religions. The striking similarities that exist, despite the independent origin are explained by a “psychic unity” that leads men independently the one of the other, to arrive at the same destination.” Some supporters of this theory speak of a “convergence” of human ideas towards the same conclusions. In short, the blind or chance operation of some mystic force, explains the similarities appearing in the religious systems of the world.

This explanation is not confined to religious beliefs and practices, but is extended to the general cultural history of mankind. In economic and social fields, in literature, art, mechanics, and crafts, remarkable similarities exist among various peoples the world over. All these, this theory declares, had an independent origin in different lands.

Similar myths, legends and folklore exist among all primitive peoples. The theory of “independent development” holds to the belief that out of the shadows of the forest, the presence of death, and other experiences that stir the superstitions of man, primitive magic was formed alike in different lands. From this magic came religion, which in time, as people progressed, became science. (See, Frazer, The Golden Bough; Folk Lore of the Old Testament. )

The second theory to explain the similarities in the religions and other cultures of different peoples holds that there has been a diffusion of religious, cultural ideas from a common centre or centres. This theory does not deny the possibility of “independent development”, but insists that such development can not be proved. It claims that observed facts are much more easily explained on the theory of diffusion.

In support of this theory are historical evidences of the diffusion of ideas, handicrafts, arts, pretty much over the whole earth. From early times the human race has travelled widely, often by sea. Intercommunication among widely separated countries has long been going on. From land to land the wisdom and the skill of man has been passed on, from land to land, from individual to individual, the accumulation of facts in favor of the diffusion view is large and most interesting. Its modern founder, Sir Edward Burnett Tyler, and his followers have produced a large and convincing literature dealing with the diffusion theory.

This theory agrees with the former that there is a gradual development of culture from primitive to more advanced peoples. It also admits that there are occasional difficulties in this as with every other theory. For example, the trilithons of Stonehenge of England, and those of Tongatabu in Oceania, though very similar, seem so far removed in distance as to have no relationship. Yet, the general intercourse of mankind, since early days, does not make it seem impossible that the idea of these ancient monuments had a common source.

In the field of religion, it has been well established that there has been a wide diffusion of ideas. Mohammedanism is a good example. From Arabia it has spread over Asia, parts of Europe and Africa, and into many islands of the sea. What has been done in this case, within easy historical times, may have and probably has been done with other religious ideas. (See, Sir G. Elliott Smith, The Diffusion of Culture.)

As a side light on this theory, it is interesting to note that the diffusionists are inclined to believe that the centre from which our present culture has diffused, was Egypt; and that the diffusion began about 4000 years before Christ. (See Sir G. Elliott Smith, In The Beginning. )

These two contending and opposite theories—the independent development and the diffusion theories—have followers of equal scholastic standing. As said, the independent development theory has been the fashionable one for some time. But, the history of scientific theories is that they rise and fall in popularity from time to time. The diffusion theory may soon be the one in best standing.

Latter-day Saints agree with both of these theories in part, and differ with them in part.

Revelation, the communication of man with God, lies fundamental in the Gospel structure. Every man born into the earth may receive knowledge and guidance through the omnipresent Holy Spirit. Should it be the will of the Lord, there could be no reason why two men, widely separated, and inaccessible one to the other, should not receive through revelation the same truths. To that extent, the doctrine of “independent development” can be accepted by Latter-day Saints.

Historically, however, the doctrine of diffusion seems, to Latter-day Saints the more likely in explaining the religious and cultural similarities of the varying religions and races of men. Modern revelation, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, has given the clue. Adam, the first man was taught the Gospel, was baptized, received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and was ordained to the Priesthood. While details are not given, the inference seems justified that the father of the human race received a knowledge of the fullness of the Gospel, and all its gifts. We know that he was ordained a Presiding High Priest.

“And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me. And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forever more. And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will. … And thus the Gospel began to be preached, from the beginning, being declared by holy angels sent forth from the presence of God, and by his own voice, and by the gift of the Holy Ghost. And thus all things were confirmed unto Adam, by an holy ordinance, and the Gospel preached, and a decree sent forth, that it should be in the world, until the end thereof; and thus it was. … Now this same Priesthood which was in the beginning, shall be in the end of the world also.

“… And our father Adam spake unto the Lord, and said: Why is it that men must repent and be baptized in water? And the Lord said unto Adam: Behold I have forgiven thee thy transgression in the Garden of Eden. … And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our father, that Adam cried unto the Lord, and he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought orth out of the water. And thus he was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man. And he heard a voice out of heaven, saying: Thou art baptized with fire, and with the Holy Ghost. This is the record of the Father, and the Son, from henceforth and forever; and thou art after the order of him who was without beginning of days or end of years, from all eternity to all eternity. Behold, thou art one in me, a son of God: and thus may all become my sons. Amen.” (Pearl of Great Price, Moses, 5:6-9, 58, 59; 6:7, 53, 64-68.)

Adam taught the Gospel to his children and his children’s children. Upon those who were worthy he conferred the Holy Priesthood. The Gospel with its principles and practices, its Priesthood and powers, were generally known among the people of Adam’s long day.

Satan succeeded in those early days to turn many from righteous lives. These people lived sinfully. Yet, as they departed from association with the people of the Lord, they carried with them the knowledge of the Gospel. Such portions of it as seemed to fit their needs they retained, often warped beyond recognition. But, from the day of Adam, Gospel truth was diffused among the peoples of the earth.

The same thing happened after the Flood. Noah, a righteous man, knowing the Gospel and holding the Priesthood, taught the plan of salvation and the doctrines of the Gospel to his day and generation. Some listened and obeyed, more heard the message with unwilling hearts. Self-conquest precedes full acceptance of the Gospel.

Nevertheless, even those who refused full obedience, took of the Gospel such truths as they desired, and without authority built their religions in imitation of the full truth.

This explains to Latter-day Saints the many striking similarities among the non-Christian and Christian religions. The early knowledge of the Gospel has spread over the earth, as men have so spread, and as inter-communication among nations has continued. The founders of the great world religions, and of less important ones, for that matter, have used to their liking, often in their desire to serve their own people, parts of the truths of the Gospel.

It may be that these founders were led by inspiration to assemble the truths of the Gospel for the use of their fellow men. Even a minor Gospel truth is a blessing, and better than none. However, any such system can only be an approach to the covenant people which is the objective of the Gospel.

Sacred history leaves the conviction that in the increasing purpose of the Lord with respect to the human family, such peoples as have not been prepared for the Gospel have been given parts of it, as much as they could endure. Remember that the Higher Priesthood was taken from Israel in the wilderness, because of their unfitness for the higher privilege. This view seems well confirmed by the following passage from the Book of Mormon.

“For behold, the Lord does grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have.” (Alma 29:8.)

The person who rails at Old Testament accuracy because the substance of the Ten Commandments is found in the code of Hammurabi, makes little impression upon Latter-day Saints who understand the spread of the knowledge of truth from Adam and Noah. The truths embodied in the Ten Commandments are part of the Gospel as taught to Adam. They were diffused among mankind. They were summarized and restated by the Lord to Moses, and preserved in that form for the benefit of Israel and all the world. Much foolish Bible fault-finding disappears in the light of modern revelation.

Such then is the answer to the query at the head of this writing.

QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS

1. What evidence have you that the same idea may come to people far removed from one another?

2. In your experience what truths or practices have spread from a common centre over the earth?

3. What doctrines of the ancient Gospel would seem most likely to be preserved in a day of Apostacy?

4. What is the real meaning of Alma 29:8?

5. How widely does revelation guide mankind?

6. Why was the Gospel with its ordinances and Priesthood given to Adam?