Opposing beliefs

In a previous letter Mr. Monday stated that world peace could be achieved if people of all religions would accept, rather than just tolerate, other religions. Last week he wrote, “I do accept Christ and all His teachings.” These two assertions would appear to be in conflict when one considers these words, spoken by Christ and Paul:

• John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

• 1 Timothy 6:3 “If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing.”

Though many false religions have adopted and adapted parts of the Bible, the book that has been on more bookshelves (throughout history) than any other makes it clear that God’s grace comes only through surrender to the deity of Christ. Many use ‘fundamentalist’ pejoratively to refer to those who adhere to the authentic, original teachings of Christ, which are found in the written word of God as distinguished from the traditions of mankind (i.e. Ramakrishna).

If the Bible is the word of God, studying the Bible will yield far more wisdom than any number of books authored by mere men. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (reference Isaiah 29:14).

Read “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel for the facts about the Bible’s history. Strobel is an investigative reporter who set out to prove Christianity false by exposing the Bible in the way Mr. Monday suggests.

Either the Bible is the word of God or it isn’t. If it’s just another history/philosophy book with a few fairytales thrown in, it has no more value than any other “holy” book. In which case, I guess it would be pretty easy to accept all religions!

Margot Holman