More Highways to Heaven

by Jonathan Pettus

We, as Americans, are living in a very unique time. Our lives are flooded with more commitments, more responsibilities, more opportunities, more choices, more temptations, and according to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life - more highways to Heaven. In an article published Tuesday on Fox News' website (www.foxnews.com), the results of the survey indicate that there is a growing trend in our society of religious tolerance - stemming either from ignorance, apathy, or a blatant dismissal of doctrine.

The survey found that 70% of Americans with a religious affiliation believe their faith isn't the only way to Heaven, and 68% believe there is more than one way to interpret basic fundamental doctrine associated with their faith. D. Michael Lindsey, a sociologist of religion at Rice University said, "The survey shows religion in America is, indeed, 3,000 miles wide and only three inches deep." Another religious scholar from Georgetown University claimed that people are like "butterflies that go from flower to flower, going from religion to religion."

Unfortunately this trend is becoming prevalent in the church as well. Today, many Christians neglect to hold to the truth and instead adopt the "I'm okay, you're okay" philosophy. So what is our responsibility? What stance do we take? Where is the line between doctrinal rigidness and compassion? How are we to best represent Christ and His church in a world that is seemingly in love with religious plurality?

First of all, we must never forget that Jesus is "The way, The truth, and The life" ( John 14:6). The path to Heaven has been paved by Jesus and His blood. We also must remember that through divine inspiration Paul and John warned us that many false teachers will come - some even from among our own flock ( Acts 20:29-30, 1 John 4:1)! Above all, we must hold to the truth and speak and teach that truth in a spirit of Christ-like love ( Ephesians 4:15).

In a world with so many options, it is no surprise that some are teaching that there are many roads to Heaven. As members of the Lord's church, let's all realize the great responsibility and challenge we have in taking God's message of love, salvation, and grace to the world. Be steadfast and unmovable, but be compassionate. Be as wise a serpents but harmless as doves ( Matthew 10:17). Strive to show through your actions and words that God has provided one way back to Himself, and that one way is found when Jesus is our savior and the Bible is our guide.

• Heaven Bound -Nov 12, 2006
• Staying Home -Jan 21, 2006
• Seeing Double -Jan 30, 2005
• The Overcomer -May 09, 2004
• The Inheritance -Aug 04, 2002