Other Religions

Sometimes the bottom line of a proposition is so obvious that it is simply ignored.  Sometimes a necessary conclusion compelled by the facts of a case is so politically or socially troublesome that it remains unspoken.  And sometimes hypocrites will adopt the arguments of a proposition but reject its conclusion because it does not further their agenda.  So it is with many Christians when considering other religions.

Christians share a common belief and faith that centers around the Bible and Jesus Christ.  The whole point of religion is salvation, and Jesus said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6)  So, if you know about Jesus Christ (and now you certainly do!), and reject His teaching, you are lost.

Christians know that the only way to salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ, and that our only way to the Father is through the Son.  We weren't left to guess about that.  We were specifically told.  To ignore that instruction would be unforgivably stupid.

Therefore, If you are a Christian you must know that other religions are wrong and false.  Other religions are worse than valueless, they are destructive and evil.  They lead their followers away from God.  The only exception is Judaism, which is wrong for being incomplete, but is still one of God's works in progress. 

As Christians we are given the responsibility to carry the Word to nonbelievers.  In regarding the evil of other religions we should always remember the principle of hating the sin, but loving the sinner.  We should not be tolerant or accepting of other religions.  There is no excuse for them.  But we should approach nonbelievers with love in our hearts, and kindness in our actions.  If we are met with hostile resistance we should politely move on.  That was Jesus's example, and we should follow it.

Christians should never fall into the trap of thinking that tolerance means partial acceptance.  When it comes to our core beliefs, there is no room for compromise.  We Christians must be unyielding in our beliefs, yet live peaceably with unbelievers in our midst.  We sell ourselves and God short if we allow the presence of unbelievers to temper our faith.  Many American Christians have particular difficulty reconciling our traditional Freedom of Religion to belief in the exclusive Truth of Christianity.  Yet that is the only proper Christian position.  Jesus understood freedom of religion.  He didn't try to force His teachings on anyone.  Neither should we.

As Christians we should shun all aspects of other religions.  And as American Christians we should vehemently oppose all political measures that would introduce aspects of other religions into our laws and public practices.  We must remain committed to fight evil wherever it is found, even when it masquerades in the name of religion.