There is nothing like a good cathartic rant to take us into the weekend but I just need to say a few things. I am a Christian. I stand with Jesus. I will reject everything else for him. I will not be tolerant of anything or anyone if it means discounting or disrespecting my Lord in the least. I believe Jesus.
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who believes in me shall never die…” (John 11:25-26).
I also believe there are false teachers (Colossians 2:16-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 2 Peter 2:1-3). I believe they may appear godly (2 Corinthians 11:14).
It seems that every time some politician or famous person says something about the exclusive nature of Christianity people insist they retract their statements. Culture tells us that we must not insist on Christianity as the sole path to God. Redemption, we are told, is not in exclusive to Jesus. Society allows us to believe in Jesus as long as we keep it to ourselves.
No more.
Like Paul I hold that all men will be judged by Jesus Christ (Acts 17:30-31). Like Peter and John I believe there is salvation in Jesus alone and there is “no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). There is no redemption for anyone who rejects Jesus. It is time for Christians to stop cowering behind their pews and pulpits and stand for and with Jesus.
Now then, I feel much better.
One thing that has struck me in all of this is how many in the public eye (media, pundits, etc.) aren’t even willing to admit that this is in all likelihood for most folks offended the real issue.
I’ve heard things like, “He alienated people” as though that ends the discussion. Bentley alienated people, so he was out of line. But…they are alienated from Bentley. If he has one world view, and they have another, then they are, by the nature of the case, alienated from him to some extent. That isn’t a value judgment, but a simple statement of fact. They are alienated from him. And he is alienated from them. It is what it is. Why would that upset people…people who’ve presumably chosen not to be affiliated with Jesus as Bentley has? He explicitly said he will be everyone’s governor, so that shouldn’t be an issue. And it’s not like he was gleeful when saying non-Christians aren’t his brothers and sisters. On the contrary, he was bemoaning that fact.
So why would folks get offended? From where I’m sitting their anger only makes sense if, when its all boiled down, their basic concern is like you say: they don’t like Christianity’s claims….Christ Himself’s claims of exclusivity.
But, again, I’ve seen a reluctance by folks in the media of even contemplating that. I suppose it’s a symptom of political correctness. First, in a politically correct society we’re not supposed to explicitly talk religion. Second, in my experience political correctness serves to take away responsibility from listeners. We no longer ask, “Do you have a logical reason to be upset?” Rather we say, “Someone was offended. The words used must be wrong. We must change the words.”
Thanks for your comments Nic,
I generally agree with you but I am not so sure it is that benign. I am growing convinced of the existence of a subset of the population that is virulently anti-Christian. That subset is loud and influential. At the first mention of Christ, Christianity, faith, etc. they become inflamed and work to influence others to become inflamed. They will not tolerate any positive mention of faith but quickly jump to heighten any negative commentary or example. Instead of mellowing I am getting myself inflamed against those who show disrespect for my Lord. Logic works for the Christian for God is the author of all the laws of logic. Logic was used by Christ repeatedly and effectively. Our opponents cannot withstand the words of God (c.f. Acts 4:16; Acts 9:22; Acts 18:28 et al). Therefore they oppose through their own foolishness.