I am the way and the only way

[MichelleT]

I'm wondering if anyone can interpret this quote in a way that would recognize other religions as being valid ways of worshiping God.

[Kimberly]

I am probably not of much help in regards to the quote, but my perception says religion (any) is a means to an ends, if one fits you better than the other then that is just fine and you might should follow that. If none match, ditto that.

[rottingteeth]

are you talking about John 14:6? "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

honestly, I think it includes other religions. I've given this a lot of thought, actually I've been thinking about religion heavily in the past few months, starting with an epiphany I had.

I realized what God IS. 1 John 4:8 says "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

I had memorized this verse in childhood, but I never really understood it until just a few months ago. God is love. I believe that anyone who chooses to love, to be selfless in their life, has God in them already, regardless of what you call it. I think the verse John 14:6 is true...no one comes to God but through Jesus. but I don't think that means literally the man Jesus and only him, but rather his message, and his message was love.

was that what you were looking for?

[Robyn]

As I recall, my minister explained it as a broad statement.  Since Jesus and God are expressions of love, the statement means to be AS Jesus - that is, to be a person of love.  No matter what religion or sprituality or even atheism, if one practices unconditional love - as Jesus and other spiritual entities have done - one will find his or her way to God.


Robyn

[rottingteeth]

exactly! if only more christians understood that... :(

[MichelleT]

John 14:6 is what I was referring to.

I am not a Christian but I do believe in the teachings of Christ. I am able to interpret Christ's teachings as allowing for the validity of other religions. I was just curious as to whether Christians could do so.

Obviously judging by the few responses not many can. But it is encouraging to know that at least a few can.

[Lisbeth]

As in alot of other things I tend to follow C.S.Lewis in my thinking.  He said, and I agree with him, that in any religion if you believe and trust in god, Jesus' life and death cover you, too.

[jamesBrine]

hey,
  As always i love to comment on christian teaching and more so in religous thought. I'm with C.S. Christ love covers and salvation provided to all. This does not mean other religions are right but that they are wrong. Just cause they are wrong does not mean someone will go to hell. For Christ to say this is to say that if anyone is getting to heaven or the better place that it will be through what he did. The death and ressurection. he makes many comments like this one throughout the scripture but due to the time I will choose not to find them right now. The gospel according to John will have many sayings of this sort. Other places to look would be the writtings of Paul, Galations, Corinthions, Philipians, etc...
       just my thoughts,
            James

[Lisbeth]

hey,
  As always i love to comment on christian teaching and more so in religous thought. I'm with C.S. Christ love covers and salvation provided to all. This does not mean other religions are right but that they are wrong. Just cause they are wrong does not mean someone will go to hell. For Christ to say this is to say that if anyone is getting to heaven or the better place that it will be through what he did. The death and ressurection. he makes many comments like this one throughout the scripture but due to the time I will choose not to find them right now. The gospel according to John will have many sayings of this sort. Other places to look would be the writtings of Paul, Galations, Corinthions, Philipians, etc...
       just my thoughts,
            James

Since you like Lewis, let me draw your attention to The Last Battle, the last book in the chronicals of Narnia, and to a character named Emeth.  Once you have pondered his conversation with Aslan, turn next to Lewis' last book ever written, Till we Have Faces and Orual's encounter with the One who loves all and meets each within the framework of their own lives and beliefs.

[jamesBrine]

hey liz,
  Due to a busy schedule i have been unable to read your suggested readings. Could you offer the pages to read where those conversations happen. Along with this could you sum up your position for me. I would greatly appriciate this. I would feel more comfortable responded to your comments with a greater knowledge of what you are quoting.
        Thanks,
             James