What Religion Believes in God but Not Jesus
Today we will talk about what religion believes in God but not Jesus. Many Christians do not know what this means. It’s essential to recognize that several belief systems acknowledge a higher power but do not accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God or the Messiah. Understanding these religions will allow us to see a broader picture of humanity’s spiritual quest. As we journey together through this topic, let’s be mindful and open-hearted as we explore the shared beliefs and differences among these faiths, keeping the scripture at the forefront of our thoughts. Let’s prepare ourselves spiritually for this insightful journey.
Judaism
Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people, rooted in the teachings of the Torah, which is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrew term for God is “YHWH,” often pronounced as Yahweh. In Judaism, God is seen as a singular entity, the creator of the universe, who guides and judges humanity. Jews do recognize historical figures like Moses, who led them out of Egypt, but they do not accept Jesus as the Messiah or divine. In fact, the Jewish concept of the Messiah is one of a future leader who has yet to come and will restore Israel and bring peace to the world.
Judaism stands firmly on the belief of one, indivisible God—“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!” (Deuteronomy 6:4). This belief sets the foundation that influences Jewish tradition and practices to this day. Historically, Judaism has been around for thousands of years, making it one of the oldest monotheistic religions.
In relation to Jesus, Jews acknowledge his existence as a historical figure, but he is not believed to have fulfilled the messianic prophecies outlined in the Hebrew scriptures. As stated in Isaiah 53, a prominent passage that Christians interpret as referring to Jesus, Jews view as describing the suffering of Israel rather than an individual messianic figure. Moreover, according to John 1:11, “He came to his own, and his own did not receive him,” which explains the ongoing distinction between the Jewish faith and Christianity.
Islam
Islam, another significant religion that believes in one God, refers to the God as “Allah,” which is the Arabic word for God. Muslims respect Jesus as one of the great prophets, but they do not recognize him as the Son of God or part of the divine Trinity as Christians believe. Instead, they emphasize the oneness of God (tawhid), summarizing their faith in their declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.” The Quran, which is the holy scripture of Islam, confirms that Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) was a messenger but denies the notion of his divine nature or crucifixion.
The Quran states, “They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but (another) was made to resemble him to them” (Surah An-Nisa 4:157). Muslims believe that Jesus was neither God nor the Son of God but rather a human being chosen to convey God’s message. The Quran emphasizes that God is merciful and compassionate, but it fundamentally diverges from the core Christian belief in Jesus’s role as the Redeemer.
Historically, Islam emerged in the 7th century in the Arabian Peninsula, where the teachings of Muhammad laid down the foundation of this religion. For Muslims, Jesus is also revered for his miracles and his foundational role as a forerunner to Muhammad. A verse in Surah Al-Imran (3:45) encapsulates this by acknowledging the miraculous childbirth of Jesus, reinforcing his prophetic stance without attributing any divinity to him.
Baha’i Faith
The Baha’i Faith is a relatively newer religion that emerged in the 19th century, founded by Bahá’u’lláh. Adherents believe in one God who has sent various prophets throughout history to guide humanity, including Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and several others. Baha’is honor Jesus as a significant prophet but do not view him as the exclusive Son of God. They believe all these prophets are part of God’s ongoing revelation to humanity and that each has conveyed important truths necessary for their time.
A vital teaching of Baha’i is that religion is progressive and should adapt to new circumstances and eras. They consider the fulfillment of religious promises rather than the singularity of Jesus’s mission. As stated in Baha’i writings, “the purpose of religion is to establish unity among mankind.” According to them, true faith manifests in service to humanity and the betterment of society, echoing Jesus’s fundamental teachings on love and service.
Baha’is believe that the revelation of truth continues and does not terminate with any single prophet. Hence, they see Bahá’u’lláh as the latest messenger who embodies yet another facet of God’s will, offering a fresh perspective that includes Jesus’s core messages while also transcending them. They uphold the significance of Jesus’s teachings while also recognizing the validity of newer revelations to further promote unity and harmony among different faiths.
Unitarian Universalism
Unitarian Universalism (UU) is a modern, liberal religion that stresses the search for personal meaning over adherence to doctrines. The belief in God varies among members, with some believing in a traditional God and others viewing the concept of God more symbolically. UUs often focus on human experience, ethics, and moral responsibility, offering a welcoming community for people from diverse spiritual backgrounds.
While Unitarian Universalism draws inspiration from various religious traditions, including Christianity, it does not necessarily subscribe to the divinity of Jesus. Many UUs appreciate Jesus as an ethical teacher and moral exemplar but do not view him as the literal son of God. Their principles include a free and responsible search for truth and meaning, embracing different beliefs without enforcing a singular viewpoint.
As stated in the UU Principles, they affirm the inherent worth of all individuals and the importance of community. This unorthodox approach encourages individuals to find their own connection to the divine, in whatever form they interpret it, reinforcing the idea that spiritual truth can be found beyond traditional religious confines. UUs hold that faith should be inclusive, valuing multiple perspectives and experiences on the spiritual journey.
Hinduism
Hinduism is often described as one of the most ancient and complex religions, encompassing a wide array of beliefs and practices. Rather than adhering to a singular view of God, it celebrates a multitude of gods and goddesses, reflecting various facets of the divine. Many Hindus believe in Brahman, the unifying spirit or ultimate reality, but this concept is quite different from the monotheistic God of Judaism, Christianity, or Islam.
While some might find connections between Hindu deities and Jesus, offering thematic parallels, Hindus generally do not acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God. Instead, they might recognize him as a wise teacher or an incarnation of divinity (like Krishna or Rama) but not as God himself. The Bhagavad Gita, a central scripture in Hindu philosophy, emphasizes direct experiences of the divine through various paths to spiritual fulfillment, highlighting ahimsa (non-violence) and duty as key virtues.
Moreover, Hinduism places great emphasis on karma and dharma—principles of cause and effect and moral duty. While Jesus’s lessons about love and compassion align with many Hindu teachings, the ways of engaging with the divine and attaining salvation diverge sharply. As stated in John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me,’” further solidifying the Christian view, which differs in interpretation from various Hindu perspectives.
Final Thoughts
In our journey through understanding what religion believes in God but not Jesus, we’ve come across several diverse faiths, each with its views on divinity and spirituality. From Judaism’s emphasis on the singularity of God to Islam’s perspective on Jesus as a prophet, and further to the Baha’i Faith, Unitarian Universalism, and Hinduism—with each having their belief structures, practices, and teachings, we can see a beautiful tapestry of faith. It’s essential for us to acknowledge these differences while also seeking the common grounds that unite humanity in the quest for understanding God, morality, and love. Each belief system contributes to the richness of human experience, inviting respect, openness, and dialogue among individuals who may find themselves drawn to very different paths. Ultimately, love is the greatest commandment, and recognizing our shared human journey allows us to live that truth more fully.
Let’s carry forth these insights with love, kindness, and an open heart as we walk our own paths of faith and understanding.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4