http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,370588,00.html
So there’s a new poll out that basically states that Americans are saying that their faith isn’t the only way to heaven. A line from this article jumped out at me this morning as I was reading.
The findings, revealed Monday in a survey of 35,000 adults, can either be taken as a positive sign of growing religious tolerance, or disturbing evidence that Americans dismiss or don’t know fundamental teachings of their own faiths.
Religous tolerance does not mean accepting the tenets of other faiths as true. It just means that I acknowledge every human beings right to make their own choice when it comes to what they do or do not believe. I think a better wording for this is religious freedom.
In America, we are supposed to be free to choose whichever religion we want and not be persecuted for it. Sadly, in this climate of “tolerance” we’ve bent over backwards to create and nurture and environment that is geared towards pushing minority religions to the forefront and villianizing the religion of the majority.
As a follower of Christ, I’ve been labeled as intolerant, old fashioned, and unfeeling by those who strive to keep American Christians from freely practicing their religious faith in the open.
And just to be sure you know my stance, I’ll repeat it. If you want to be a Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Atheist, Satanist, whatever, that is your choice and you can choose it freely. In fact, if you’re one of those or any other religion, I’d gladly meet you for lunch to discuss what you find so fascinating about your choice, and I won’t even try to convert you!
The very nature of the tolerance movement is exclusion. Exclusion of the majority for the sake of the minority. I’m not opposed to minority religions being practiced. I’m not opposed to ANY religion being practiced (so long as it keeps the basic human rights of all people at the forefront). Like I said, it’s up to you to believe what you want.
What is sad is that their are organizations that are actively seeking avenues in which to pour out their own intolerance and hate towards Christ followers in this country. And they actually have the nerve to call it “tolerance.”
Bottom line: Do what ever you want. Choose your own religion. You can in this country. At least you’re supposed to be able to. If you’re a Christian, please don’t embarrass the rest of us who actually believe that Jesus is THE ONLY way to Heaven, by stating your opinions that there are other ways. If that is part of your belief structure than, technically, you shouldn’t be calling yourself a “Christian.”
8 Comments, Comment or Ping
Shey
Well said Russ, I agree with you 100%. I don’t even have anything further to add, great post.
Jun 24th, 2008
russhutto
@Shey. Thanks, man.
Jun 24th, 2008
Jason Butler
Your last paragraph is spot on. I wish people (especially Christians) would be more willing to believe that what they believe is true and what everyone else believes is wrong. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit that changes us to be able to believe in God in the first place, so I’d rather you be a hardcore atheist or Buddhist or whatever - just believe in SOMETHING!
That’s what pluralism is - allowing for the possibility that, although you are right in what you believe, there are others who are equally convinced of their standpoint. And sometimes there is nothing you can do to change their mind.
Jun 24th, 2008
russhutto
@Jason. I believe what I believe and I’m convinced it is the truth. It’s not really my job to “reason” someone into believing how and what I do. That’s God’s department. I’ll just live my life like I actually am confident in WHO I believe in and allow God to do the rest. Like I said, I’ll gladly meet with, hang out with, and even live life with people who believe differently.
I’ll even tell them that I believe what they believe is not total truth, but I love and respect them for who they are. If they ever want to chat about what I believe, here I am!
Being a follower of Christ has never been about imposing beliefs on anyone. Sadly, we’ve messed that up over the centuries, but thankfully we live in a country that, at the very least, is supposed to allow us all to choose freely how and what we believe.
Good comments.
Jun 24th, 2008
Mark Trapp
Great post, Russ. I had saw the study you refer to last night and thought the same thing. As a Catholic, we believe in ecumenism, but it’s based solely on that other denominations will eventually realize that they are wrong, in a very real sense, and come back to the flock. If you’re a practicing Christian and still believe there is more than one way to salvation, there’s a serious liturgical problem going on.
Jun 24th, 2008
russhutto
@Mark, thanks for your comments!
Jun 24th, 2008
Jimmy Linville, Valdosta, GA
You are so right. Tolerance should not mean accepting the beliefs of others. Only tolerating them. According to the New Merriam Webster Dictionary, “Tolerate 1: To allow to be or to be done without hindrance. 2: To endure or resist the action of.”
I am wondering these days if we are in the majority or not in this country
Bill Keller talks on this same subject here: http://www.liveprayer.com/today.cfm
Jun 24th, 2008
Russ
@Jimmy: Well said. Thanks for the comment.
Jun 24th, 2008
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