Is Jesus the Only Way?
Jonathan Dodson » God Worldviews Culture Apologetics
This is the perennial question of our generation: “Is Jesus the only way to God?” Some ask it with disdain: How could anyone assert that Jesus is the only way to God? Others ask it with genuine sense of doubt. Is Jesus the only way to God? Only in books do we find this question asked and addressed so explicitly. So while the question may mark our generation, we are loath to discuss the answer. Why is this question so besetting for our generation? Over the next few posts, I will address this question with honesty and sincerity.
Answering the Question Socially
If the answer is: “Yes, Jesus is the only way to God” a line is drawn where we would rather have things remain fuzzy. Why would we prefer this particular claim to fuzziness? In many cities there are an array of religious beliefs: Mysticism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, just to name a few. The presence of so many different religions in cities leads many people (Christians included) to the conclusion that all religious paths lead to God. Why? When we meet people from various religions who are kind and sincere because of their religious beliefs, it seems arrogant to insist they are wrong. After all, their religion appears to have made them very enjoyable, respectable people. I, for one, have met many people I would consider more generous and sacrificial than some Christians I know.
“What if our generation became known for not only posing great questions but also grappling deeply and sincerely with their answers?
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A Theological Decision Based on Social Experience
When people of other faiths rival Christian character, we face a tendency to affirm all religions as valid ways to God. We make a theological decision based on social experience. Rather than investigate the answer to one of the most important questions, we prefer to glaze the question with inch-deep reflections upon the character of people we meet. Understandable…but not wise.
What if our generation became known for not only posing great questions but also grappling deeply and sincerely with their answers? Many Christians claim that belief in Jesus is the only way to God. Others insist there are many ways to God. In the next post, I will explore more on why some people insist there are many paths to God.
Jonathan Dodson » God Worldviews Culture Apologetics
Answering the Question Socially
If the answer is: “Yes, Jesus is the only way to God” a line is drawn where we would rather have things remain fuzzy. Why would we prefer this particular claim to fuzziness? In many cities there are an array of religious beliefs: Mysticism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, just to name a few. The presence of so many different religions in cities leads many people (Christians included) to the conclusion that all religious paths lead to God. Why? When we meet people from various religions who are kind and sincere because of their religious beliefs, it seems arrogant to insist they are wrong. After all, their religion appears to have made them very enjoyable, respectable people. I, for one, have met many people I would consider more generous and sacrificial than some Christians I know.
”
A Theological Decision Based on Social Experience
When people of other faiths rival Christian character, we face a tendency to affirm all religions as valid ways to God. We make a theological decision based on social experience. Rather than investigate the answer to one of the most important questions, we prefer to glaze the question with inch-deep reflections upon the character of people we meet. Understandable…but not wise.
What if our generation became known for not only posing great questions but also grappling deeply and sincerely with their answers? Many Christians claim that belief in Jesus is the only way to God. Others insist there are many ways to God. In the next post, I will explore more on why some people insist there are many paths to God.
6 Fertilize my soul:
I see many people take many different paths to find God and sometimes it seems they may never get there. Great post.
In Roman Catholic Church it is more and more popular teaching, that all religions are ways to God. I know many Catholics, who thinks in this way. But if all religions and cults are this same way to one God, how we can explain so many differences? Islam deny Trinity, this same do Jehova Witnesses. Hinduism and pagan religions are polytheistic. In Buddhism there is no God.
So, if someone tell me that all religions are this same way to God, I answer that he or she need more knowledge from Religion Studies.
I believe that only Jesus is way.
If we believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired word of Almighty God...then that word tells us that there is no other way to the one true and living God than through his son Christ Jesus and his sacrificial death on the cross.... by that name and our faith in him only,are we saved.....if God said it ....than I believe it! Blessings dear Amrita
John 14:6
actually, all roads eventually lead to God..even atheists, however, that is not the question...how will they meet Him?..as a righteous holy Judge or a beloved Father? only through Jesus shall we be saved from our sin by His death on the cross...
.we are saved through faith, not works..most religion is work oriented... ..
I appreciate your comments friends. Affirming the faith
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