I was recently at a faith-based event that advertised as Christian. In reality is was a mixed bag. Some of the presentations were very clear expression of faith in Yeshua (they called him "Jesus" at this event, but that's OK, since I am bilingual). However, other presentations and comments were rooted in what we might call a spirituality of absolute tolerance.
What I mean by absolute tolerance is the viewpoint that all faiths are equally valid, which can be and should be celebrated together.
What was striking was how this understanding was being asserted, in fact it was preached by those claiming to be Christian. They even used the Bible as their basis for this, including Yeshua's directive that we "Love one another" (John 13:34) and Paul's words, "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13).
It is grievous how people could so twist what both Yeshua and Paul said. I won't take the time here to list the abundance of references that establish the uniqueness of Yeshua and his exclusive claim upon all people. To use his words to justify what amounts to a spirituality completely foreign and opposed to the spirituality of the Bible is disgraceful.
Yes we are to be tolerant and respectful of all people. That we engage those who differ from ourselves in a loving and peaceful manner is one of the New Covenant's gifts to all humanity. How different from the spirituality of most of the religions that these people want to integrate.
Proponents of absolute tolerance fail to see that they are digging a pit into which they will eventually fall. A wishy washy Jesus who accepts everyone and everything no matter what is not Jesus at all. The Messiah of the Bible is one who calls us exclusively to himself at the very cost of our lives. To transform him into a messiah of absolute tolerance is one of the greatest disservice we could ever do to ourselves and to those whom we are claiming to love and accept.
2 comments:
Well put Alan! The problem i have with alot of so-called Christians is that they forget that they have invited Yeshua / Jesus into their LIFE. It is not just about sitting on a pew, but He even wants to share a sandwich so that one might want to share it and Him with another. It is aslo a CALL to Repentance for THERE IS NO OTHER NAME BY WHICH MAN CAN BE SAVED and this means that 'tolerance' is inviting 'other names.' The G-d of Israel never has done, and never will have anything to do with other 'false gods.' The only way to 'tolerate' anyone is to love them with the truth: if they don't know Yeshua / Jesus as personal L-rd and Saviour, they are eternally doomed.
At a Shavuot service last week, a recent convert to (rabbinic) Judaism expressed disapproval of his previous faith's lack of tolerance, in that it had recognized only one path to salvation. By implication, he seemed to think more paths are better than only one.
That left me thinking, just how many paths do we think G-d is obligated to provide to salvation? If He makes one path available, to every person and at no charge, isn't that enough? Why do so many of us feel that G-d is under obligation to us to provide what only He has and what we desperately need on our terms? That He provides even one way is more than we deserve.
Post a Comment