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By Reg Block
Most religions, though differing in theology, find similarities in matters of
conduct ethics, morality and law. The idea of, "do unto others as you would
have them do unto you," seems to be embedded in the core of human nature.
This is demonstrated by the regulations we impose on each other.
Regardless of religious affiliation, no one enjoys being the victim of theft or
violent crime. There seems to be a vein running through humanity that opposes
disorderly conduct. However, it is the same thread that produces civil disobedience
when justice is replaced by tyranny. In most societies the role of religion is
to speak to the deeper part of humanity that believes peace will come and suffering
will end.
There are movements afoot that seek to homogenize all religions and unite them
under a banner of tolerance. On the surface this seems like a good idea; one big
happy family all acknowledging the same creator, divine principal or God. Unfortunately
most religions embrace essential tenets that cannot be easily assimilated into
other faiths. Gandhi said it is a sin to call a person a sinner. On the other
hand Jesus said all have sinned and apart from God’s grace there is no hope
for mankind. Certain religions recognize sin but believe it can be overcome or
atoned for by good works or through a process of reincarnation.
While Islam, Christianity and Judaism all militate against pantheism and animism,
they contradict each other in their definitions of the nature and character of
the one true God. The Koran states that trinitarianism is a blasphemous doctrine,
yet 2,000 years of Christian scholarship insists on the veracity of the doctrine
of the Trinity. And the Torah, though often using terminology that supports a
plurality within the singularity of the Godhead, makes a bold statement that the
Lord is one God.
One might take the position that there are many paths to God. This, however does
not resound with orthodox adherents to most so-called mainstream or organized
religions. More correctly, it might be said that all religions are on a path to
a self described god. However, when push comes to shove, holy wars are fought
over who is right. From a Christian point of view such aggression flies in the
face of respect for human dignity and each individual’s right to God-given
personal sovereignty.
Conversion by force is not admissible. This is made evident in the conversion
of Saul on the road to Damascus. Saul who later became Paul, was previously instrumental
in persecution, imprisonment and murder of Christians. After a blinding experience,
Paul was changed, eventually becoming apostle to the non-Jews. The book of Acts
and the epistles demonstrate ways to share one’s faith through reason and
by respecting cultural differences. Paul went so far as to say, "I have become
all things to all men that many might be saved."
For Christians there is no way to water down or skirt the issue of the person
of Jesus. This is often where dialogue with other faiths begins to break down.
In a sense, it would be a lot easier if Jesus was just one of many great teachers,
spiritual leaders or incarnations. For historic Christianity, the uniqueness of
Christ is central to the faith and cannot be compromised. The Old Testament sets
up future parameters of timing, lineage and circumstance that allow no room for
error when identifying the true messiah. Subsequently the New Testament further
confirms the nature of Jesus Christ, ensuring that he is recognizable and clearly
differentiated from founders of other religions.
It can be argued that the manuscript evidence is not reliable, that it was written
by men, open to sweeping interpretations and subject to error. If this is true,
then the Christian faith is a farce, Jesus was the biggest fraud who ever lived,
martyrs by the thousands died for no reason and for two millennia some of the
world’s most brilliant scholars simply wasted paper and ink.
The historic Christian religion is valid only if Jesus Christ is who he said he
is and if those eye witnesses who experienced his life, death and resurrection
were telling the truth. Herein lies the uniqueness of the gospel of Jesus Christ
and denies its assimilation into other religions.
Reg Block is an apologist for the historic Christian faith. Your feedback
is wel-come at reg@commonground.ca.
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