Is it ridiculous, arrogant and narrow-minded to believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation? That anyone or any belief that contradicts Him is false, because he is the truth? Considering all the other religions and traditions in the world, is it wise to insist then that they are all wrong except Christianity? Isn’t it more tolerant to say that all religions are valid if those involved are sincere and faithful to their principles? No doubt, the popular view is that we are all God’s children no matter what faith you belong to. God may be called different names; Yahweh, Allah, Krishna, Braham, Chisumphi etc but He is the same Father to us all. However, this does not mean that if you do not believe in Jesus you will go straight to hell, because surely there are many routes to heaven or so the modern wisdom goes.

What makes the situation worse is that there are some people who do not at all believe in God, let alone heaven or hell. There are even some who worship Satan, and others, the earth or the sun. It is impossible to count the number of religious systems of beliefs and the views that these systems have held through out man’s history. But one has to ask ‘is it not in this diversity that humility and respect for the opinions of others that virtue is created?’

I know that so far in this article I have asked a lot of questions but they have been the wrong type of questions to ask. For the purpose of this article, I should be asking these questions: do not all types of people claim to have the truth? I bet you have never heard anyone say “my point of view is false and that is why I believe in it.” I contend that even those that say “nobody has the truth” thinks that their opinion on certain topics is correct otherwise they would not espouse it. What is the point of seeking truth if it can not be found? What is the point I ask of agreeing or disagreeing with me if none of us has access to the truth. It would be like two blind men arguing about colors. Is it not more logical to state that everyone has a right to claim possession of the truth than to forbid any person from thinking he is right?

Furthermore, doesn’t the word ‘tolerance’ assume that people will disagree? After all, you do not tolerate what you already agree with. One tolerates that which they do not like for the sake of civility and co-existence. Nowadays, it is almost as if you are an evil, mean, judgmental person if you declare publicly that other religions are untrue. Tolerance now seems to mean that you accept other people’s religious points of view as valid or true at least for them. Quite frankly, I think that is “sophisticated and civilized” nonsense. It is logically impossible for all opposing views to be right at the same time. This then creates a struggle of whose views are backed up by logic, evidence and reality.
I am convinced that God exists and that the evidence for His existence is actually undeniable. I subscribe to the belief that Jesus is the unique Son of God who existed from all eternity and that He came to earth to save humankind from sin and death. He was crucified, buried and raised from the dead on the third day. He ascended to heaven from where He will come again to judge the world. It is written that some will go to everlasting punishment or banishment from God’s presence while others will spend eternity with Him. I also believe the bible is God’s very word and our authoritative guide. I think we all have the truth in Jesus Christ. 

In this regular column, therefore, I will present why I think that logic, science and history are on the side of Christianity. I will also examine opposing views and hopefully show their inconsistency not just with typical Christianity but with reality as well. I know that there always is someone who will agree or disagree, just make sure you write me and tell me why. If you want a debate (civil of course), let me know. Finally I ask you the reader to please tolerate me and this column. To close it all a word of warning, this column is not for the fainthearted!

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