Forum: 

The One Way

Trixy's picture
Submitted by Trixy on

I hear very often that people think that Christianity is too exclusive in it's claim to have a monopoly on the truth: the way to get to heaven, the way to live, the personality/characteristics of God, etc.

Is that the viewpoint of the people in this forum?  If so, why?

So, what about works without faith?

Ever read The Inferno? At least in Danté's vision that'll still land you in Hell, but the very nicest part of Hell  ;)

"faith without works is dead"

Ok.  Agreed.  So, what about works without faith?  I'm not just being a smart ass.  I'd sincerely like to know.

I would argue that non-pluralist religions like Sikhism or Unitarianism (no they aren't Christian's, they were kicked out) allow for everyone to get to their own salvation through which ever way they see fit.

As an Orthodox Jew, my view is obviously that for Jews, Non-Trinitarian Christians*, and all Other Monotheists (Muslims, Monotheist Hindus (I am told that they exist), Bahyists... etc) will all get to the next world provided that they abide by the 7 Noahide Laws

1)Avodah Zarah: Prohibition on idolatry.

2)Birchat HaShem: Prohibition on blasphemy and cursing the Name of G-d.

3)Shefichat Damim: Prohibition on murder.

4)Gezel: Prohibition on robbery and theft.

5)Gilui Arayot: Prohibition on immorality and forbidden sexual relations.

6)Ever Min HaChay: Prohibition on removing and eating a limb from a live animal.

7)Dinim: Requirement to establish a justice system and courts of law to enforce the other 6 laws.

I should add, a Jew is expected to fulfill the 613 commandments.

*Trinitarianism is viewed in Judaism as a belief in Three Dieties which makes it pagan. And to quote South Park (Sexual Harrasment Panda ep.) "We don't take kindly to [Pagans] around here."

No, Hansthegod, going to church isn't what makes you a Christian, it's the relationship with God and Jesus.  However, if you don't have regular fellowship, hear teaching, receive guidance and delve into your Bible, your faith is in danger of dying.  And, although the reference escapes me at the moment, "faith without works is dead", so try and live out your faith, not just believe that Jesus died for your sins.

Simply enough (in my opinion), believing that Jesus came to pay for your sins is all you need to get into heaven. That's what it boils down to anyway... Most people just get way into it and feel that they have to do all this 'religious' stuff too.

I'm a Christian, if one who doesn't go to church. but then going to church doesn't make you a Christian, does it?

Maybe if they played VNV.  ;D

Most people laugh when I say I'm a Gothic Christian. I don't know why.

Well, to be fair, I don't think it's just Chritianity that claims to have "the one way" to get that Divine Members-Only Pass... lots of different religions seem to have that attitude. And really, I think that it's more the Church as an institution that has pushed this idea on people rather than the followers themselves. I know Christians who have the attitude of "what works for me may not work for you" when it comes to religion. 

Erhm. I think that's my point.

-N

I think the media claims to have a monopoly on thruth...  but I think most people realize they are only pushing empty lies.  Most people who don't look for a deeper meaning or truth, whatever that may be, I think, can't honestly say they're happy.

Personally, I think mainstream media and corporate advertising has more of a monopoly on the truth than Christianity.

What is good shall appear, what appears is good...