The Exclusivity of Christianity: Myth or Reality

[Dawnofhope]

Some Christians belief that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus.

This could mean only Christians make it to heaven and people of all other faiths are destined for hell.

One of the most commonly quoted passages from the bible to justify this view is: John 14:6

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

What's the best way of looking at this passage?

Is their reasonable justification for Christians' claims that only their faith can save? Is there a better way of understanding salvation?

 

[Neo Deist]

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Some people will interpret that verse in a literal sense, that only by accepting Jesus and using him as the intermediary or savior, will they get to God.

Others (myself included) understand that what Jesus meant was "but by me = by my teachings." In other words, living according to what is written about the laws found in the OT. That is also why Jesus said in Matthew 5:17-18 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."

The Law refers to the Torah, or the first five books of the Bible. The Prophets refers to the books named after the major/minor prophets of the OT (like Isaiah). Jesus is saying to live according to the Word.

No where in the Bible do you find anything about having to accept Jesus into your heart. That is merely ceremonial. Most Christians run into the problem of having to read the Bible in their native language (English for most) and don't understand Koine Greek (NT language). They rely on translation X, and those are subject to biases of the translation teams working for publishing houses or religious organizations.

Having said all of that, it is fine for Christians to believe their way is the right way, if they live a moral life and follow the Word. It does not mean that they are right, but no harm = no foul. However, I personally do not think that their way is the only way for a variety of reasons. The Cosmic Theology thread (last paragraph) in the Deism DIR goes over "why".

 

[Kemosloby]

Some Christians belief that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus.

This could mean only Christians make it to heaven and people of all other faiths are destined for hell.

One of the most commonly quoted passages from the bible to justify this view is: John 14:6

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

What's the best way of looking at passage?

Is their reasonable justification for Christians' claims that only their faith can save? I there are better way of understanding salvation?

In context he seems to be saying he is the same as the Father. Since nobody knows the Father you can only know the Father by knowing Jesus.

 

[Dawnofhope]

In context he seems to be saying he is the same as the Father. Since nobody knows the Father you can only know the Father by knowing Jesus.

There are certainly circumstances when the Father and Son are One, particularly in the Gospel of John. However, more commonly there is distinction between the Father and the Son.

I would argue that Jesus speaks as the Son, and says it is 'through' the Son we come to the Father.

 

[Dawnofhope]

This spot reserved for when I have more time...

Knowing your background I look forward to it

 

[Neo Deist]

Knowing your background a look forward to it

Updated.

 

[Neo Deist]

In context he seems to be saying he is the same as the Father. Since nobody knows the Father you can only know the Father by knowing Jesus.

Jesus never says, "I am God."

 

[Kemosloby]

Jesus never says, "I am God."

That's not what it says. It says if you know the Son then you also know the Father. Since nobody has ever seen the Father the only way you can know the Father is by knowing the Son. Which implies that the Father and Son are the same in spirit, or in nature.

 

[Neo Deist]

That's not what it says. It says if you know the Son then you also know the Father. Since nobody has ever seen the Father the only way you can know the Father is by knowing the Son. Which implies that the Father and Son are the same in spirit, or in nature.

Now tell it to me in Koine Greek.

Actually what it means is that the Father and Son are of a like mind; on the same page; in sync. Jesus is saying that he knows what God wants, and is teaching accordingly. Even when he says, "The Father and I are one," it follows the same principle above. It's also why he says, "...for the Father is greater than I." Jesus was separating himself from God.

That and if Jesus was God the omniscient, then he should have known the boy that he "cast a demon out of" was actually just epileptic.

 

[Kemosloby]

Now tell it to me in Koine Greek.

I'm just telling you what the passage seems to mean to me, in context.

 

[Neo Deist]

I'm just telling you what the passage seems to mean to me, in context.

Fair enough. Eye of the beholder and all that.

 

[Kelly of the Phoenix]

Since nobody has ever seen the Father

But this is patently false. Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel, Abraham, Job, Jacob ... God HAS been seen.

Jesus: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall SEE God". I mean, Jesus says you CAN.

This is why I'm against Christian exclusivity, because it flies in the face of practically everything in the bible, both OT and NT.

 

[psychoslice]

I believe this so called Jesus didn't mean he was the only way, the way is to be One with the Source, or God, so Jesus'way is he's way, just like sings that point to a certain destination, it all depends on which way you are traveling, you see signs telling you where your destination is, but each sign is different than each other, but they all point to the same destination. So no matter what god-man you believe in, if he or she points to your true Self, that is your Oneness with the Source, then that is your way.

 

[Kemosloby]

But this is patently false. Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel, Abraham, Job, Jacob ... God HAS been seen.

Jesus: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall SEE God". I mean, Jesus says you CAN.

This is why I'm against Christian exclusivity, because it flies in the face of practically everything in the bible, both OT and NT.

It says they Shall see God, not that they have seen God.

Apparently it was Jesus in the Garden, and Jesus is also God, but not God the Father. Those who saw God actually saw Jesus before Jesus came in the flesh. Also notable in the psalm, "The Lord said to my Lord" meaning " God the Father said to God the Son"

John 1:18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

 

[Neo Deist]

It says they Shall see God, not that they have seen God.

Apparently it was Jesus in the Garden, and Jesus is also God, but not God the Father. Those who saw God actually saw Jesus before Jesus came in the flesh. Also notable in the psalm, "The Lord said to my Lord" meaning " God the Father said to God the Son"

John 1:18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

Uhm, in the OT, God gets into a wrestling match with Jacob and cheats to win. He dislocates Jacob's hip with a divine touch. Go look at Genesis 32:22-32.

Not the first time Jesus was wrong.

 

[Kemosloby]

Uhm, in the OT, God gets into a wrestling match with Jacob and cheats to win. He dislocates Jacob's hip with a divine touch. Go look at Genesis 32:22-32.

Not the first time Jesus was wrong.

Yes, God the Son wrestled with Jacob, which was Jesus before he came in the flesh. Jesus coming in the flesh was called Emmanuel "God with us". But God the Son is not God the Father.

 

[allfoak]

Some Christians belief that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus.

This could mean only Christians make it to heaven and people of all other faiths are destined for hell.

One of the most commonly quoted passages from the bible to justify this view is: John 14:6

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

What's the best way of looking at this passage?

Is their reasonable justification for Christians' claims that only their faith can save? Is there a better way of understanding salvation?

The simple answer is no.

 

[allfoak]

Some Christians belief that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus.

This could mean only Christians make it to heaven and people of all other faiths are destined for hell.

One of the most commonly quoted passages from the bible to justify this view is: John 14:6

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

What's the best way of looking at this passage?

Is their reasonable justification for Christians' claims that only their faith can save? Is there a better way of understanding salvation?

If Jesus is seen as a metaphor rather than a god then it would be much easier to understand.
The Christ is inside of us.
The second coming of Christ is an internal experience.
Salvation is a free gift to humanity.
It is our birthright.

 

[Shem Ben Noah]

Uhm, in the OT, God gets into a wrestling match with Jacob and cheats to win. He dislocates Jacob's hip with a divine touch. Go look at Genesis 32:22-32.

Um, actually that was Esau's guardian angel wrestling. Consider the upcoming confrontation. Why as an angel he HAD to leave in the morning. Sure, he was an agent of God, but that's all.

 

[Neo Deist]

Um, actually that was Esau's guardian angel wrestling. Consider the upcoming confrontation. Why as an angel he HAD to leave in the morning. Sure, he was an agent of God, but that's all.

Evan's guardian angel is one theory out of several, based on which textual camp you are in. However, it is not definitive.