Marie (majsan_au@yahoo.com) asked:
As Christians, what is your general opinion on other faiths? Do you have the attitude of *all paths lead to God*, or the more strict *Christianity is the only way* belief?
Religion is the only subject on earth where people hold such illogical and completely incompatible views. The reigning popular position is to say “pick a religion, any religion, as long as you are sincere, they are all equal”. By default however, this is no more truth than saying it’s okay to believe anything you want about the flavor of orange, it’s all equally valid. Orange is chocolate, orange has no taste, just be sincere and all beliefs are equal.”
This makes ALL religion worthless, and it’s not intellectually genuine. In fact, it is the suspension of logic and reason. Only with religion, or salvation, or eternity do we take such as absurd position as “all beliefs (or most) are equally valid” and consider the conviction that “there is only one way” to be intolerant or strict.
I believe the sun is cold. I believe the sun is hot. I believe the sun is made out of cotton candy. Doesn’t matter as long as you are sincere. Don’t be intolerant and believe there is only one correct answer.
I believe rape is wrong. I believe rape is okay. I believe rape is okay as long as it’s an adult woman. I believe rape is okay if it’s someone I hate. I believe is rape is okay because woman are less than men. Don’t be intolerant and judge my views. All views are equally valid.
I believe freedom is good. I believe freedom is evil. I believe my freedom is good but yours is not. I believe freedom should only be for white people. I believe freedom is deserved on by rich people. Doesn’t matter as long as you are sincere. Don’t have the more “strict” view that everyone deserves freedom.
If we know that “all views are not equally valid” about subjects less important than salvation, how can we then hold to this view on the most important topic: eternity?
I believe salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. I believe salvation comes through being part of the [pick a Protestant denomination, Catholics, Mormons, Muslims, Jehovah’s Witness, Buddhists]. I believe salvation is achieved by being good. I believe God loves everyone and all will be saved. I believe we are all collectively “god” and will end up together. I believe there is no salvation and no life past this. I believe that peanut butter and jelly will save me.
I believe the sky is green. I believe the earth is square. I believe we came from monkeys. I believe we came from UFO’s. I believe that Mother Earth is god. I believe I am god.
You see how absurd it all is??? This whole idea that we are free to believe whatever we want to believe and all beliefs are equally valid IS ABSURD. It’s intellectually dishonest. It’s logically ridiculous. It lacks integrity and courage. It is absolutely devoid of compassion because we leave people without real hope.
The fact is, every religion or group, whoever they may be, BELIEVE THEY HAVE THE TRUTH, AND THAT ONLY THOSE WHO ADHERE TO THEIR TRUTH ARE “SAVED” even if that truth is "all roads lead to heaven". All major religions believe THEIR RELIGION is truth but our politically correct peer pressure humbles us into publicly avoiding any claim to exclusive truth. We all have to walk around appearing to be open, compassionate and loving… the proof of which is our badge of inclusiveness and tolerance.
In truth, this is the most UNLOVING thing we can do for other people because we avoid telling them what we believe is really the ONLY truth about our existence and future.
If we have a belief about TRUTH and do NOT claim to have an exclusive understanding of it, we don’t really believe what we say we believe. There cannot, but logic, by default, be more than one Truth when it comes to salvation, origins or afterlife. I cannot say that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone (as taught by the Christian Bible) and say with any real honesty “but you can believe in salvation by being a good person”. I’ve just denied my own faith, and patronized yours.
Truth by nature is intolerant and exclusive. That’s why it is called TRUTH. If we believe a “truth” about who created us, why we were created, and what is going to happen to us after this life, then we are by default being strict and intolerant. To say believe that all “truths” regarding origins, salvation and eternity are equally valid, is just plain old intellectual foolishness and in fact states categorically that we don’t believe in any TRUTH at all (which then becomes actual intolerant exclusive Truth). The TRUTH is, you cannot avoid having an “intolerant, exclusive” Truth because whatever you believe to be Truth, including a belief in “no Truth” becomes your definition of TRUTH, and everything else is false.
Ironically, it is typically only Westerners, Christians or otherwise, that “play around” with faith and try to take this high sounding road of “all paths to God are equally valid”. (Other religions believe and teach Universalism, but they don't toy around with it.)
It is common in the non-committed, politically-correct, Biblically-illiterate, “religion is a lifestyle choice”, “add church to my weekly social checklist” Western culture that you will find this idea that “tolerance” is the name of the game when it come to eternity.
Now, having laid out the preface, and being an intellectually honest, courageously truthful and genuinely committed Christian OF COURSE I BELIEVE THAT CHRISTIANITY IS THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN AND THE ONLY TRUTH. If I do NOT believe that, then I do not believe Christianity. And if I do not believe it, they I deserve no respect for calling myself Christian if I don't have the courage to stand by its claims without apology or compromise.
Christianity teaches that we are created by God, that we have sinned and separated ourselves from our Creator, and that reconciliation (salvation) comes only through obedient faithful response to God on HIS TERMS. If I truly believe that, I have NO CHOICE BUT TO BELIEVE IT IS THE SINGLE, EXCLUSIVE, INTOLERANT AND UNIQUE WAY TO HEAVEN.
To think otherwise betrays either a lack of understanding about the Bible, an illogical infatuation with political correctness, a successful indoctrination by pop culture religion, or a general lack of intellectual soundness and courage.
For all you “tolerant, loving and inclusive” folks…. You miss the point in understanding that YOUR belief in “inclusiveness” then becomes YOUR TRUTH, which by default is not intolerant and exclusive at all because you declare as “wrong” anyone who does not believe “all religion is equally valid” and “all roads lead to heaven.” You must then reject all major religions that teach exclusivity thereby becoming exclusive yourself.
That’s awfully intolerant and judgmental of you.
The fact is: TRUTH is, by default, intolerant and exclusive. If not, then Truth doesn’t exist at all because incompatible beliefs cannot be equally valid (“I believe the sun is hot, I believe the sun is ice”; “I believe a ball is round, I believe a ball can be any shape”; “I believe 2 plus 2 is four, I believe 2 plus 2 can be any amount”, “I believe the sun rises in the East, I believe there is no sun”.) No friends, in any realm of existence INCOMPATIBLE TRUTHS CANNOT BOTH BE EQUALLY VALID, and we label ourselves as IDIOTS when we pretend that religion is the exception.
Christianity, Islam and Universalism cannot all be equally valid truths because they make incompatible claims about salvation. Mormonism, Buddhism and Moralism cannot be equally valid truths because the make incompatible claims about origins and eternity.
Either one is right and the rest are wrong. Or they are all wrong. They cannot all be equally valid. In fact, not even TWO can be true because they all teaching wholly incompatible beliefs.
I believe the only valid, exclusive, intolerant TRUTH about man’s beginning and end is found in the teachings of Biblical Christianity. I have the courage, intellectual honesty and compassion to say that to you without apology or equivocation. Otherwise, you should dismiss me as a man with no convictions that cannot be trusted to stand firm in what he declares publicly.
YOU have a “truth” today that is intolerant and exclusive. The only question is whether or not you have the integrity and courage to admit it and stand by it. The only alternative is to have no belief and risk your eternity to chance.
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21 comments:
That answer rocked! Many times I've faced that question and only new that my convictions and knowledge of the Bible were the truth... but you're example of beliefs was awesome... more solidified what i already know but gave me a way to explain why I "believe" Christianity is the only way. Thanks Brent!
Right on Brent. That was an excellent answer and very well thought out. Thank you.
Sherrie H.
While you make a good point in this post, I can't help but wonder why Catholics are grouped into other 'denominations' (which are actually religions). If being completely honest, it shows incredible ignorance and actually reflects more of the intolerance you speak of than your actual post.I agree with your views on one path to heaven, but to list catholic separate from the other christian denominations, really is something I challenge you to reconsider. Not on your blog, but in your heart. Many catholics I know are passionate Christians, and while there are those who miss the mark, and focus on the wrong things, or nothing at all, I promise you'll find that same person in the baptist church. It's dangerous (in my opinion) to group Catholics in with churches/religions who don't believe Jesus was really who He was..I am not looking for a debate, just asking you research your views a little more and not let the Culture of christianity (I.e. Right wing-conservative, white bread, christian). Influence how you see Catholics.
Amen to that brother! I'm amazed at how many people think we are intolerant and unkind by believing that Jesus is the only way. But because I do care about others, I want them to know the Truth too. You have a great way of writing what I am feeling. Thanks!
Brent,
This is a such an excellent answer to that question, and just recently I've heard two people say they just decided on their own views about God, since they have no idea who the real God is. I was thinking about how that just doesn't make sense to "create" your own views about God, and how no one would ever do that about any other subject. May I copy or print your post? Or more generally, may your readers copy and paste your posts?
Great post Brent...but i believe peanut butter and jelly will save me...when I have nothing else to serve for lunch! Um, sorry, that was dumb. I just really needed to be dumb for a minute...our little guy is also laying in a hospital bed today, and I can"t imagine doing this daily like you do. In all seriousness, it was a well posted post.
I've known several Baptists, Pentecostals, Lutherans, etc., who believe that anybody who doesn't go to THEIR particular building aren't saved. Or haven't said specific words, or that no other group is teaching truth. It is so very sad to me that the "Body of Christ" is so broken down like this.
This is such a great response. I must admit though, even though I am a born again Christian, raised in a pastors home, ask for prayer for my daughter with heart disease everyday, multiple times a day, I still struggle with this. I want to believe that God WILL change things. He CAN change things. Now, he already knows the outcome...but....ugh, I get so confused. On my blog, my readers are called "V's Knees". They are all faithful warriors for my daughter and my family. I know that prayer can show us how to have faith, but if we say that it doesn't really change what God does, then I'm not sure how to explain that to someone if they ever ask. I will have to definitely pray about this. Thanks for rattling my brain! :) You have great insight and that is very much appreciated by the body of Christ.
Would love for you to be one of V's Knees! Always praying for your Abby. My girls pray for her too.
Have a great weekend!
Ani
Amen to this post! Black & white have been turned to gray in so many issues and areas these days. It is refreshing to see truth stated clearly as well as casting light into those graying areas that we have all (to some extent) allowed our minds to become dulled by.
I too, have known many born again, on fire believers within the
Catholic church; but I have to agree with Brent in the separation simply because at it's very core of faith, Catholicism does not, in itself, invite and encourage the personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Great post Brent. And, "purplemoose" ... my thoughts exactly. I get so frustrated with the Christian churches in our area that believe that "they" are the "chosen", and that no other church preaches what's "right".
I'm just talking Christian churches here. I get so frustrated with all of the insignificant things that Christians can get so up in arms about. I love my non-denominational church. But, I would never tell anyone that my pastor knows the "real truth", while their Dutch Reformed pastor, or Lutheran pastor, or Methodist pastor ... is "wrong". There are beliefs that I could share with them, where our beliefs differ. But, I would not say that my beliefs are the only way to heaven (amongst Christian churches). I believe that while we do not agree on every little principal of our faith, that if we believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one will come to the father but through Him, and if we live out this faith in our daily lives ... that the peripheral "stuff" doesn't really matter in the long run.
Keep writing!
Laurel
Another thing to consider, Emily, is what the Bible says about to whom we offer our prayers. We have been invited, by the blood of Jesus Christ, to enter into the Holy of holies; something no other group of people has ever been invited to do. As Christians, we do not pray to Mary, or anyone else, for that matter. We pray directly to God, in Jesus' Holy name. No other name is Holy.
I needed this today. I hope it's okay that I shared it with several people. One of the hardest things to deal with in the "world" is the belief that "truth is truth". Everything is gray and okay in the world. It's not okay.
Brent, you describe so eloquently feelings and thoughts I've had when recently criticized by a friend for being intolerant. He is a Universalist, but doesn't realize that he is intolerant of those who believe there is ONE truth. If Jesus called Himself, The Truth, The Way, and They Life, who am I to say I trust in Him as Savior, but there might be another way.
Many blessings to you for your courage, praying for Abby,
Robbie
Actually, Brent, the "all roads lead to God" approach does not exist only in the Western world and is very organic in the Hindu faith, where they believe that we cannot understand the greatness of God, and because of this, we have to find God through avatars, or manifestations that we can understand. In these avatars they include Buddha, Krishna, and, oh my, Jesus. So while you raise interesting points, please get your facts right.
Preach it Brother Brent!!
Thank you for sharing. Praying for Abbey and all of you.
Rebekah- I understand that perspective towards Catholics, but am not sure how that relates to what this post was about. There are quite a few things in the Catholic church that even I question, but it always goes back to the basics, John3:16. What I have seen in my own personal experience is that many can't see past certain things in the catholic church (many of which are old practices) and often group them outside of the umbrella of christianity. After reading Brent's response, I realize I made an incorrect assumption earlier and for that I apologize because it's obviously caused quite a bit of grief and that was never my intent. I let my sensitivity to how many in the protestant denominations view catholics influence how I read Brent's post, and focused in on something that I now understand wasn't intended to mean anything. I didn't see other christian denominations grouped in when referencing catholics, and because of that jumped to conclusions. I again apologize for any stress or problems my response caused, I didn't mean to insult you and should have taken the time to review my reply. I have not read your previous writings on these topics, and also don't know your background. That being said, my response was directed towards this post alone, and not something I have gathered based on other situations. I realize that is judgmental, and I truly am sorry for not taking the time to look at your background.
Emily
Excellent! And as I read through the comments above, those who have been critical should read your post a little more closely... and will find their questions answered there.
I think that this very post is the reason Jesus warned us that the "road is narrow"... because there are many who are walking in the right direction but when pressed to the wall on issues such as this one, will err on the side of political correctedness rather than out and out Truth.
So well thought out and spoken. Thank you for addressing such a difficult topic with such eloquence!
Becky
Is this the post that caused the controversy? And it was my question too! Well, I disagree with you but fully respect your opinion. I happen to be one of those tolerent loving and inclusive folks, which is why I would never criticize your beliefs (or anyone elses)!
I should add, many in the Muslim religion actually are taught the "all paths to God", I have some good friends raised in Afganistan pre-Taliban, who were taught about all religions and to respect them. They actually learned it in school!
Marie
Awesome post-- always wish I could bottle up all the reasoning and words you used and repeat it whenever I've been given the opportunity--my mind doesnt work that way though! If you dont mind, I'll copy and paste, copy and paste--and maybe eventually I'll have it memorized : ). I'm continuing to pray....
Hello, thank you for taking such a great approach in an effort to logically show the error in relativity as an eternal viewpoint. Here is my one thought: You left one word out of the whole discussion JESUS, I am wondering why?
very sincerely,
Cathy
This was an AMAZING post. I am so moved by your description of beliefs versus true faith. This is definite food for thought as I try to balance tolerance with my beliefs in the truths of Jesus Christ. I believe God calls us to be tolerant - but to a degree. When it interferes with my ability to proclaim his salvation as the one and only way to Heaven, then I must choose whether to hide behind so-called tolerance, or step up with unwaivering faith in God.
THANK YOU for this eye-opening commentary. This was wonderful.
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