What about everyone else?

[jaydawg888]

I've seen a lot of opinions on here from people of different faiths and I was wondering a simple thought. If you actually believe that accepting Jesus Christ is your saviour is the only way to reach eternal life in heaven, then can you honestly say that it's "alright" for other people to be other religions that don't believe that? I mean, if you honestly believe that Jesus is the only way... then aren't all other options.. not really options? You'd end up thinking that every religion that doesn't believe that He died for us is wrong..

And my question is.. am I supposed to just be alright with other religions? I mean.. right now I acknowledge their existence, but by believing in Jesus Christ.. I know that Buddhism.. Hinduism.. and others are fundamentally.. well.. wrong.. Like, If I believed that they were valid religions that people should have a choice to pick.. then I would be a hypocrite.. or unfaithful to my own beliefs.


Just a thought I had in my mind. And I've heard a number of different views on the subject. I wasn't going to post it, but after I wrote it I decided "why not?". I'll clear my thoughts if anyone has anything to say, because most likely this won't be taken all too well by some. :-/

 

[Cabbage]

I don't think it is okay, but they have the right to have their own opinion. We are supposed to teach the truth and follow what the Bible says.....other than that, we can't force it down their throats. I do not believe the teaching of other religions is a good thing at all, but one day the truth will be made known. The Bible teaches on false doctrines and gods and tells us to be aware of these things though.

 

[jimmydiggs]

I've seen a lot of opinions on here from people of different faiths and I was wondering a simple thought. If you actually believe that accepting Jesus Christ is your saviour is the only way to reach eternal life in heaven, then can you honestly say that it's "alright" for other people to be other religions that don't believe that? I mean, if you honestly believe that Jesus is the only way... then aren't all other options.. not really options? You'd end up thinking that every religion that doesn't believe that He died for us is wrong..

No, they are not options.

And my question is.. am I supposed to just be alright with other religions? I mean.. right now I acknowledge their existence, but by believing in Jesus Christ.. I know that Buddhism.. Hinduism.. and others are fundamentally.. well.. wrong.. Like, If I believed that they were valid religions that people should have a choice to pick.. then I would be a hypocrite.. or unfaithful to my own beliefs.

Depends on how you mean "alright'. Obviously we are to be "alright' in the manner that we aren't running about with Kalashnikovs asking, "Are you religion X?" "er, yeah" *RATATATATATATAT* This, "multiple ways to God" stuff is false..

Religious pluralism in that sense is an utter failure. The worlds religions agree on the most peripheral of issues, but when it comes to the essential, central, and prime issues, they violently disagree; metaphorically and of course the literal.

Just a thought I had in my mind. And I've heard a number of different views on the subject. I wasn't going to post it, but after I wrote it I decided "why not?". I'll clear my thoughts if anyone has anything to say, because most likely this won't be taken all too well by some. :-/

Happy to discuss religious pluralism. Just as with any other matter pertaining to Christianity I can be of aid on. To often Christians backdown out of fear.

 

[shemaiah]

Well according to James 1: 27 the bible says that "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." That is the only religion encouraged in the bible, of kindness and humility. The other religions give glory to the earth, and human made things, when God only wants us to worship Him alone.

 

[psymon23]

It's a matter of belief you believe that Jesus Christ is your saviour and you follow Christianity whereas someone else may follow Islamic beliefs and then theres Atheism, as of right now there is no definitive proof for any to be completely true beyond a reasonable doubt so all you can do is be true to yourself and acknowledge different viewpoints until the day (If it ever comes) one way of thinking is proved to be true.

 

[jaydawg888]

as of right now there is no definitive proof for any to be completely true beyond a reasonable doubt

I could go and argue that there is proof... but that should be in a different (albiet, closely related) thread.


Anyways, I've enjoyed what I've read so far, and I know there's a lot more people on CC than this who have an opinion. Let's get it rolling!

 

[psymon23]

I could go and argue that there is proof... but that should be in a different (albiet, closely related) thread.


Anyways, I've enjoyed what I've read so far, and I know there's a lot more people on CC than this who have an opinion. Let's get it rolling!

I'm sure you think there is proof but you have faith in "God" not actual evidence of his existence because if there was we all would believe but like you say another time and place

 

[GloryBe]

When I look at other religions I always ask myself the question...if there is any power in this religion...what is the Source of that Power?

There are lots of spirits and powers around that are NOT of God and whose purpose is clearly to lead people away from the true God. There is only one Way and one Truth and that is Jesus Christ.

Love your neighbors, pray for the lost, but that is not the same thing as acceptance of false religions. I've seen nothing to suggest that Gods attitude toward false religions is "Tolerant" or "Democratic" as we in the western world are taught is the (pc) correct way to think.

 

[jaydawg888]

When I look at other religions I always ask myself the question...if there is any power in this religion...what is the Source of that Power?

There are lots of spirits and powers around that are NOT of God and whose purpose is clearly to lead people away from the true God. There is only one Way and one Truth and that is Jesus Christ.

Love your neighbors, pray for the lost, but that is not the same thing as acceptance of false religions. I've seen nothing to suggest that Gods attitude toward false religions is "Tolerant" or "Democratic" as we in the western world are taught is the (pc) correct way to think.

I know! And that's what is aggravating for a lot of people. Suddenly Christians become persecutors and villains because we are one of the few belief systems that says there is only one way to heaven and to our God. Everyone else gets a pat on the back for "acceptance".

Being politically-correct is one thing... I mean, I believe it to a point. But as long as I breathe I will never denounce that God is my creater and Jesus my Saviour, even if it means people assuming that I'm "intolerant" towards any beliefs that aren't my own.

 

[princessbella]

THats exactly it jaydwg people have their own beleif systems, we wouldnt like to be told we had to beleive alah was God because thats not what we beleive. Its accepting people have a right to beleive what they choose...No one is asking you to denounce what you beleive, i surely wouldnt.
People make their own free choice to beleive or not to beleive in God and Jesus and so do we.
its just treating people as human beings just like us and accepting jesus said love oneannother as i have loved you, irrespective, of religeon, belief system or even sexuality , even when we think their wrong , because they think were wrong too..

I know! And that's what is aggravating for a lot of people. Suddenly Christians become persecutors and villains because we are one of the few belief systems that says there is only one way to heaven and to our God. Everyone else gets a pat on the back for "acceptance".

Being politically-correct is one thing... I mean, I believe it to a point. But as long as I breathe I will never denounce that God is my creater and Jesus my Saviour, even if it means people assuming that I'm "intolerant" towards any beliefs that aren't my own.

 

[See_KING_Truth]

I'm sure you think there is proof but you have faith in "God" not actual evidence of his existence because if there was we all would believe but like you say another time and place

We don't have to proof God's existance, and Jesus' existance is documented. God reveals or proves himself to people individually, and a lot of times the revelation goes over people's heads because they mistake it for coincidence or some other explanation other than a divine work of God.

If God revealed himself to everybody what would be the need for faith?!?! Faith is believing in something without proof of existance. There would be no such thing as faith in God if he proved His existance undoubtedly, it would boil down to obedience or disobedience to God at that point.

I don't think there would be nearly as many people living in sin if they truly knew that God exists and the power He possesses, it would take away from His concept of our free will. People wouldn't feel like they had as much of a choice if they could see that they were standing in the presence of God.

God wants us to make the decision by our selves to believe in his Son, love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; to seek His will to be done and live in obedience to his word.

 

[psymon23]

We don't have to proof God's existance, and Jesus' existance is documented. God reveals or proves himself to people individually, and a lot of times the revelation goes over people's heads because they mistake it for coincidence or some other explanation other than a divine work of God.

If God revealed himself to everybody what would be the need for faith?!?! Faith is believing in something without proof of existance. There would be no such thing as faith in God if he proved His existance undoubtedly, it would boil down to obedience or disobedience to God at that point.

I don't think there would be nearly as many people living in sin if they truly knew that God exists and the power He possesses, it would take away from His concept of our free will. People wouldn't feel like they had as much of a choice if they could see that they were standing in the presence of God.

God wants us to make the decision by our selves to believe in his Son, love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; to seek His will to be done and live in obedience to his word.

If "God" wants us to make our own decisions then why do we have a book of rules we supposedly have to live by?

 

[See_KING_Truth]

If "God" wants us to make our own decisions then why do we have a book of rules we supposedly have to live by?

Like I said, it's free will, we make our choices. Keeping God's commandments and living by the word is a way of showing our love for God. It's simple, if you don't make a sincere effort to obey God, then you don't love God. Love isn't just a word to be thrown around, it is a verb- a word of action.

Yeah, people mess up and God knows it, that is why He sent His only begotten Son to abolish death so that we may have a chance to live eternally.

 

[jimmydiggs]

I know! And that's what is aggravating for a lot of people. Suddenly Christians become persecutors and villains because we are one of the few belief systems that says there is only one way to heaven and to our God. Everyone else gets a pat on the back for "acceptance".

Being politically-correct is one thing... I mean, I believe it to a point. But as long as I breathe I will never denounce that God is my creater and Jesus my Saviour, even if it means people assuming that I'm "intolerant" towards any beliefs that aren't my own.

You sir, gain 1 Internets.

 

[psymon23]

You say it's free will but if you don't follow "Gods" rules then you're not doing right in his eyes so really free will is taken out of it to some degree.

 

[jimmydiggs]

You say it's free will but if you don't follow "Gods" rules then you're not doing right in his eyes so really free will is taken out of it to some degree.

Depends on our underestanding of free will. If you speak of Libertarian Free Will, then yes, I think I would agree with you on that. However, there is reason to believe Libertarian Free Will does not exist.

EDIT:
However, on a Compatabilistic understanding of Free Will, I would have ot disagree.

 

[GloryBe]

THats exactly it jaydwg people have their own beleif systems, we wouldnt like to be told we had to beleive alah was God because thats not what we beleive. Its accepting people have a right to beleive what they choose...No one is asking you to denounce what you beleive, i surely wouldnt.
People make their own free choice to beleive or not to beleive in God and Jesus and so do we.
its just treating people as human beings just like us and accepting jesus said love oneannother as i have loved you, irrespective, of religeon, belief system or even sexuality , even when we think their wrong , because they think were wrong too..

Government gives us the Right to choose what we believe . And this is exactly as it should be for a government...... as no one but Jesus Himself is qualified to head any government in this world that does otherwise.

God however gives only the ability to choose what we believe (free will). He does not give us the right to choose whether or what we believe. Those who do not believe in Him are not permitted to be a part of His kingdom and will be judged accordingly.

There is a big difference here between "rights" and "free will" ...one not to be confused.

 

[See_KING_Truth]

Im not sure that I see how the free will is taken out. Wanting to please God does not take away from this. It is a transforming that takes place from wanting our will to be done to wanting God's will to be done. So the free will is not taken away to any degree, it is only changed.

I can see how somebody who doesn't believe can see it that way, but why would somebody who doesn't believe in God care if they were doing right or wrong in God's eyes anyway?

 

[GloryBe]

You say it's free will but if you don't follow "Gods" rules then you're not doing right in his eyes so really free will is taken out of it to some degree.

Free will IS our freedom to choose between right or wrong, rather than just follow blindly wherever we are led.


A pet locked up in a pen has no freedom to choose, but he is safe. Let that pet out of the pen and he has freedom (as we have our free will) to choose whether or not he wants to hang around or wander off down the road. However, this new freedom he has does not free him from the consequences of walking down the middle of the road if that is what he chooses to do.

We are a bit different than pets of course, but you get the idea, I hope.

 

[psymon23]

It's fine because I choose to live the way I do with no fear of consequence as I don't believe in "God" so I suppose it doesn't matter.