Is Jesus the only way to God? Why or why not?
Discuss.
(I'll remain coolly silent and aloof as invisible moderator. As INTJ, I'll be silently critiquing each answer.)
Posted by Clifton at April 1, 2004 12:03 PM | TrackBackYes. I think any other answer, such as "yes for Christians, but other religion's paths to God are equally valid" completely undermines the cross.
Now, I would still like to hope for universal salvation, like von Balthasar. But in this hope I still say, if we're all going to get there, it's going to be through Christ. I agree with this account from "First Things: http://www.firstthings.com/ftissues/ft0108/public.html#will
"As both Redemptoris Missio and the year 2000 statement of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Dominus Iesus, make clear, everyone who is saved is saved because of Christ, even if they have never heard the gospel. If they are in heaven, they will certainly know then that it is because of God’s reconciling work in Christ. As it is usually put, faith’s response to the gospel proclaimed and enacted in word and sacrament is the “ordinary means” of salvation. That is exactly right. At the same time, God is not limited to the ordinary. Why evangelize? Evangelization is most importantly driven by the means of salvation revealed, by Christ’s clear command, and by the sharing of fellowship so that “our joy may be complete” (1 John 1:4). We know what we are to do, and why. But the fullness of what God can and will do for the world that He loves is not limited to what we do."
Posted by: Jennifer at April 1, 2004 03:47 PMI realize I didn't fully give a why to my "yes" but I will try and tackle that later...
Posted by: Jennifer at April 1, 2004 03:48 PMUrggle. I will refrain from this particular conversation. *plays INFP card*
Posted by: Tripp at April 1, 2004 04:25 PMThis is a good link for this conversation.
http://evangelismproject.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Tripp at April 1, 2004 04:26 PMOkay-- here's an ISFJ contribution:
Scripture tells me that Jesus is "the way, the truth, the life..." you know the drill. But it also shows us, over and over, a God who is an offerer of endless second chances.
So, will I witness to Christ crucified as God's ultimate salvation offered once for the world? You bet. But I'm also not about to speak condemnation on those who have not accepted Him; because neither salvation nor condemnation are mine to give or withhold. That's the Boss' job, and I don't want it.
Posted by: Jane Ellen at April 1, 2004 10:04 PMBeing not quite sure about your M-B Astrology, I'll stick with my traditional Freudian Passive Agressive stance and make a post at Doxos :-)
Posted by: Huw Richardson at April 2, 2004 05:16 AMINFP...let's make everyone happy while we look for our own truth.
Thus, liberal mainline protestant.
Posted by: Tripp at April 3, 2004 02:22 PMYes.
God Says So. In fear and trembling before my God I can not stand for anything else.