Creation Project

Is Jesus the Only Way to God? (Pt 1)

By | May 30th, 2011 | Category: Gospel and Culture | 5 comments

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 loathe 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 question is: “Yes, Jesus is the only way to God” a line is drawn where we would rather things remain fuzzy. Why would we prefer this particular claim to remain fuzzy? In many cities there are an array of religious beliefs: Mysticism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, 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 likable, respectable people. I, for one, have met many people I would consider more generous and sacrificial than some Christians I know.

We make 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 why some people insist there are many paths to God.

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  1. Is Jesus the Only Way to God? (Pt 2) - Creation Project June 2nd, 2011 5:03 pm :

    [...] the previous post, we observed the tendency to answer this theological question through social experience. Many [...]

  2. Lois June 3rd, 2011 5:52 am :

    This post really got me thinking…I have been a regular reader for a long time and, for some reason, this one got to me like no other. So, even though you have moved on to part 2 already, I am finally going to respond to part 1. I just have to unload my thoughts. It all started with the phrase “way to God.” It made me wonder if it means something different to Christians than it does to others. Does trying to find the way to God motivate those of other religions in ways that it does not motivate the Christian? This might be why so many of us say that we know non-Christians who put Christians to shame with their charity, zeal, sacrifice, and boldness. We don’t just know the way to God, we KNOW God; we have a “relationship,” we have been forgiven, we have grace to fall back on, we judge not lest we be judged…. The other religions are still working on the “way.” They have a sense of fear that they might not get there and may even still be wondering how they will know when they have arrived. They will not get complacent or backslide for fear that one slip up will be too costly. I don’t want a religion like that, I grieve for these people who are working sooooo hard and are driven by fear and mystery. But I also grieve for what I am missing when I get so familiar in my “relationship” that I let opportunities for ministry or acts of kindness go by because I have lost my sense of ….mission? of dedication? I have arrived, I found Jesus, and now what? If I’m not too busy, I work on growth and if it’s not too threatening, I will reach out. I don’t think that this is where you are going with this series but this is the application that I got from it and it has moved me. The phrase “faith without works” suddenly has a new meaning to me and I feel driven. Hey, I think I need a fight club or something! :) Thanks for writing, Mr. Dodson. I am looking forward to the rest of this series.

  3. Jonathan Dodson June 3rd, 2011 2:11 pm :

    Hi Lois,

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree “the way” can be a slippery phrase, which I will address in the final post. I think you will find your thoughts line up with some of what I’ll say.

    So wonderful to hear how this was a grace to spark fresh faith and work in you, and with good reason!

  4. Links of the Week « My World June 3rd, 2011 8:26 pm :

    [...] Dodson on Is Jesus the only way to God? Part 1, and Part [...]

  5. Is Jesus the Only Way to God? (Pt 4) - Creation Project June 9th, 2011 5:02 pm :

    [...] the prior three posts (Pt 1, Pt 2, Pt 3) we have examined the claim that Jesus exclusive claim as the only way to God is both [...]