• Discussion Forum

  At the beginning of this program we learned: “People have many reasons for rejecting the Christian faith. Some may admire Christ but dislike His followers. Others find it difficult to accept any faith that claims to be the only way to God. Why would anyone limit themselves to only one of the world’s great religions?” How valid are each of these objections? What is your response to each?

  Posted by info on 02/12/2021 at 15:52

  Ronald Stevens replied 1 month ago 115 Members · 117 Replies

  • CA201-01
• 117 Replies

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  Ronald Stevens

  Member

  05/02/2025 at 16:44

  I have always believed that Christ is the only way to God. There has never been another to give his life for mankind and raise up from the dead afterward,,,,

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  Nicole Pasek

  Member

  04/17/2025 at 12:01

  I think every person has valid thoughts when they question the world and the people around them. If we don’t question, we remain ignorant and blind in the world we are born into. It is important to question so we can learn the true meanings of life. If someone does not believe Jesus is the only way to God – you can point him/her to the Bible and how he performed all the miracles, and that God said in the Bible he is the way to everlasting life.

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  Mukasa Alfred Ivan

  Member

  04/14/2025 at 06:13

  Each objection has some validity but can be addressed thoughtfully.

  1. Disliking followers but admiring Christ: Christians are imperfect, but Christ is the standard, not His followers. The faith calls for growth in love and holiness.

  2. Exclusivity of Christianity: If truth is objective (like in science), one true faith isn’t unreasonable. Christianity claims Jesus’ resurrection as historical validation, setting it apart.

  3. Limiting to one religion: Truth isn’t determined by variety. If Christianity is true, exploring others doesn’t negate its validity. The focus should be on evidence, not preference.

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  Teresa Holcombe

  Member

  03/31/2025 at 14:12

  Lesson one mentions two reasons individuals give for denying Christ. The first reason is blatant hypocrisy among believers. Hypocrisy has been an issue among mankind since Adam and Eve, and Christendom from its onset. Jesus strongly disliked hypocrisy. He had an ongoing dispute with Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes, and money changers. A few comments Jesus made to the aforementioned in Matthew 23 include: hypocrites, blind guides, fools, children of hell, whitewashed tombs, and brood of vipers! (Google AI overview) Gandhi, famous for nonviolent resistance when leading India to independence from British rule in 1947, mentioned that he liked Christ but not Christians. (Google AI overview) In our current society, televangelists, pastors, priests, and youth pastors have fallen in scandals ranging from sexual deviancy to greed to fraud, ad nauseam. Every week, many people worship on Sunday and sin shamelessly throughout the week. Matthew 15: 8-9 (ESV) says, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.”

  It is totally reasonable to look at the fruit of followers and think, “Jesus has wonderful teachings and his life is inspiring; but his followers fall short en masse.” Hypocrisy is evidence that mankind is in a fallen state. Otherwise, humans would not need salvation. The sinful state of mankind permeates every individual, family, institution, community, religion, nation, etc. Paul addressed mankind’s tendency to sin in Romans 7 through Romans 8:1. Paul’s narrative is a deep dive into the battlefield between flesh and spirit. So, while all followers struggle with sin, there are believers who walk a serious walk with the Lord; and there are shallow minded, insincere “believers”. Although there are indeed multitudes of hypocrites there are also hosts of sincere followers of Christ who are part of The Church and who are committed to living holy lives. Before becoming overwhelmed and disheartened by those who are not sincerely living out the Christian life, try seeking out individuals that produce Christlike attributes. They are out there.

  The second reason individuals deny the Christian Faith is the rejection of the doctrine that Christ is the only way to salvation. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14. 6, KJV) Instead, they adhere to the idea that “there are many paths to God”. This concept is a belief common to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. The following examples are from Google AI Overview: In Hinduism, the Bhagavad Gita suggests there are “many paths to God, depending on the individual’s temperament and nature, and that true faith is what matters.” In Buddhism, the 8-fold path suggests a “middle way” to enlightenment and understanding. In Islam, a quote from The Prophet Muhammad states, “There are as many paths to God as there are human breaths.

  The Many paths belief is based on how hard the individual works to progress toward enlightenment. However, in Christianity, there are no roads to God. “That would involve self-control, which is contrary to grace. We cannot earn it, become smart enough or good enough, or pay for our own sins.” http://www.cornerstonesf.org.

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  Johnson Onyedinma Ndubuisi

  Member

  03/31/2025 at 01:50

  The objection of disliking the Christian faith due to its followers has some validity as some Christians’ actions have been contrary to Christ’s teachings. However, one should focus on Christ’s life and teachings rather than the actions of individuals. The objection about Christianity claiming to be the only way to God is understandable in a pluralistic world. However, from a Christian view, Jesus’ claim as the only way is based on the Bible, and it’s about His unique role in reconciling humanity to God, not exclusion. Many religions have exclusive beliefs, and an open-minded approach to understanding is key.

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