The Bible and other religions
Christianity should have a positive attitude to people of other religions. St. Paul said:
“There is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised……but Christ is all, and is in all.”
Colossians 2:11
“There is no difference between Jews and Gentiles… you are all one in union with Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28
Christians believe all people are made in the image of God and are loved by God. Jesus taught all people are welcome in the Kingdom of God, especially those excluded by society.
Jesus has a positive attitude towards people of other religions:
- A hated Samaritan was the hero of the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10).
- He accepted all people and taught that everyone was deserving of love.
- He praised a Roman officer (Luke 19:1-9) saying he had not found faith like his even from Jews!
Exclusivism
There are those who believe other religions are wrong: Christianity is the only way to God. Most Christians still believe this, especially the R.C. Church, and evangelical churches.
“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jesus, John’s Gospel 14:6
Christians believe the Bible is the word of God, so the Bible must be TRUE. If it says Jesus is the ONLY was to salvation, then it must be true. They believe people can only be saved by hearing about, and responding to, Jesus. Jesus’ final words to the disciples seem to reinforce this:
“Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptising them…..teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19-20
