Amen.

Response to Mr. Land:

If your argument that all the written scripture is bunko because it wasn’t written by Jesus, you can hardly use it to support your own ideas. The fact is, a lot of things have been written purporting to be inspired of God. Most of it isn’t. That’s the catch-phrase that the real argument’s about, Inspired By God. If it wasn’t, then we can ignore it and decide for ourselves what’s best. But if it was, then it means that it was given to us by God so that we can advance our own happiness and progression.

Did you know that’s what God’s main purpose is? Our happiness, progression and development. Not as humanity as a whole, but each one of us as individuals. To this end he’s spoken to people on earth, given them authority to act in his name and told them to write certain things down for our benefit. That is the origin of scripture, not a man writing down something he thought would be important, or trying to convince others that he’s right.

Cal, well stated.
Jon, I am going to respectfully disagree with you as you appear to have lost your way and have become a good example of what Cal is talking about. Maybe you need to rethink your position.

Jesus, said in John 14:6–I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. So, how hard is that to understand. Also the Lake of fire IS in the Bible. Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:10, 14, & 15. You should pay attention to Revelation 20:15, “And whosoever was not found in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” How hard is that to understand? That means, any person, who has not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, will be cast into HELL–the lake of fire. There are more Christians than you think, that believe this Word of God, for what it says! I dont know how the survey was put to people, but they didnt survey very many Christian people. If they go to Church to hear of the Loving God and forgiving God and a God that will bless them, and their preacher doesnt preach of sin, or going to Hell, then they need to find a Man of God, that will Preach the Word–not water down the word.!!! God Bless the preachers that are annointed and preach the truth. God is loving, forgiving, and does want to bless us, but we dont get a free ride in this world. Noone is perfect, but we live our life each day, trying to do better each day and live for God, like HE wants us to.

Good article. I am a Christian and those verses about Jesus are the basic tenants of the faith.Anything else would be heresy.I was born in India and I have several Hindu and Muslim friends and as much as I love them I am pretty clear to them when it comes to matter of my faith.Christians should stand-up for Christ not back down.Blessings

Raj

Great job Cal. As a Catholic, I minister to those incarcerated as a lay person. I am not ordained, but strongly believe in the faith. I was lost, but have been found. God calls us, we don’t call Him. Prayer is truly the answer to many things and if we don’t start praying for unity among all nations, we will pay the price. God is all loving, and full of mercy, but you have to want God and Trust in His Mercy!.

Comment by Jon Land
June 24th, 2008 at 1:29 pm

Jon…you have many fundamental errors in your post. I’ll highlight a few.

Here’s the thing Jon, early Christian creeds and even the Q evidence confirm Christians were asserting words and deeds of Christ as they are described in the four canonical gospels before the four canonical gospels were written. The New Testament’s veracity is accepted as sound by the majority of new testament scolars.

Luke was not illiterate (he also takes careful measure at the beginning of his gospel to state that he researched thoroughly the events he’s describing), nor was Mark. Mark in case you’ve forgotten, wrote for Peter, you’re assertion is contradicted by the facts right there Jon. Therefore mentioning the Apocalypse of Peter is a fundamental flaw in your argument along with any other aprocryphal text which mainstream theologans and new testament scolars acknowledge were written at least in the second century AD.

The four canonical gospels are all accepted by mainstream scolars as having been written within living memory of the events they describe. I can offer sources if you wish to contest this.

Although the four gospels are technically anonymous, again mainstream theologans and scolars maintain that there are no credible competitors for authorship. This anonymity is also not unsual for texts in that period of antiquity. I’m sure you’ll find a fringe scolar here and there who is willing to contest that but….Luke, Mark, Matthew and John are the most credible authors, and no early Christian creeds or evidence offers any contradiction to this, nor do the hostile witnesses.

To sum up, Cal is accurate in his article. It’s people like yourself and the people he describes that are playing fast and loose with the gospels. Cal’s safe in his assertion.

Hope this helps Jon.

Comment by Jon Land
June 24th, 2008 at 1:29 pm

Jon…you have many fundamental errors in your post. I’ll highlight a few.

Here’s the thing Jon, early Christian creeds and even the Q evidence confirm Christians were asserting the words and deeds of Christ as they are described in the four canonical gospels before the four canonical gospels were written. The New Testament’s veracity is accepted as sound by the majority of new testament scolars.

Luke was not illiterate (he also takes careful measure at the beginning of his gospel to state that he researched thoroughly the events he’s describing), nor was Mark. Mark in case you’ve forgotten, wrote for Peter, you’re assertion is contradicted by the facts right there Jon. Therefore mentioning the Apocalypse of Peter is a fundamental flaw in your argument along with any other aprocryphal text which mainstream theologans and new testament scolars acknowledge were written at least in the second century AD.

The four canonical gospels are all accepted by mainstream scolars as having been written within living memory of the events they describe. I can offer sources if you wish to contest this.

Although the four gospels are technically anonymous, again mainstream theologans and scolars maintain that there are no credible competitors for authorship. This anonymity is also not unsual for texts in that period of antiquity. I’m sure you’ll find a fringe scolar here and there who is willing to contest that but….Luke, Mark, Matthew and John are the most credible authors, and no early Christian creeds or evidence offers any contradiction to this, nor do the hostile witnesses.

To sum up, Cal is entirely accurate in his article. It’s people like yourself and the people he describes that are playing fast and loose with the gospels. Cal’s safe in his assertion.

Hope this helps Jon.

Speaking of “the way to heaven”,can any of all you gurus out there tell me how will all the ” humans ” that live in the jungles of the world, who never heard of Christ,or Muhammed,or any God,or the Bible,or the Coran,be judged as to Heaven or Hell?
They were never told right from wrong! They are as much humans as you and me,placed on this planet by the same Creator! So, what’s your answer?

Comment by Jon Land
June 24th, 2008 at 1:29 pm

Jon…you have many fundamental errors in your diatribe. I’ll highlight a few.

Here’s the thing Jon, early Christian creeds and even the Q evidence confirms Christians were asserting words and deeds of Christ as they are described in the four canonical gospels before the four canonical gospels were written. The New Testament’s veracity is accepted as sound by the majority of new testament scolars.

Luke was not illiterate (he also takes careful measure at the beginning of his gospel to state that he researched thoroughly the events he’s describing), nor was Mark. Mark in case you’ve forgotten, wrote for Peter, you’re assertion is contradicted by the facts right there Jon. Therefore mentioning the Apocalypse of Peter is a fundamental flaw in your argument along with any other aprocryphal text which mainstream theologans and new testament scolars acknowledge were written at least in the second century AD.

The four canonical gospels are all accepted by mainstream scolars as having been written within living memory of the events they describe. I can offer sources if you wish to contest this.

Although the four gospels are technically anonymous, again mainstream theologans and scolars maintain that there are no credible competitors for authorship. This anonymity is also not unsual for texts in that period of antiquity. I’m sure you’ll find a fringe scolar here and there who is willing to contest that but….Luke, Mark, Matthew and John are the most credible authors, and no early Christian creeds or evidence offers any contradiction to this, nor do the hostile witnesses.

To sum up, Cal is entirely accurate in his article. It’s people like yourself and the people he describes that are playing fast and loose with the gospels. Cal’s safe in his assertion.

Hope this helps Jon.

Their are only five major religions in the world. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhists. Three all center around Jerusalem were David brought the twelve tribes together, Christ rose and Muhammad received his doctrine from God. Make your own decision on that, the point is a Christian I have never been able to understand what happens to those before Christ and those who have not been able to hear the word of Christ today. It is in the Billions. I belive in Christ and my salvation is through him, I like to think all those others have a way to. This is me I don’t really have anything from the bible one way or another to back me up.

100% Agree! Glad someone is saying it!

The road to salvation is indeed narrow and few find it. On the other hand, the road to destruction is wide, and many find it. The same heresies that plagued the church of 2000 years ago, still plague it now. Gnosticism is not dead (witness the renewed interest in non-canonical and heretical books like “The Apocalypse of Peter” as noted in some of the comments above) and what Solomon said in Ecclesiastes is also still true; there is nothing new under the sun! It is sad, because these people are in for quite a shock on Judgment Day. We can only pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten them. Amazingly enough, people will accept the testimony of one or two people nowadays. Yet the testimony of over a dozen disciples, plus many other followers and the words they penned under the guidance of the Holy Spirit are called untrue.

Thanks for saying what many are afraid to. Many turned their religious noses up to Jesus to; even after seeing all the miracles He performed. One day every knee shall bow.

jon land said it better than i could VVV

Jon Land…

If the Bible is completely hogwash or just the ruminations of effective writers, then explain why we are seeing the Apostasy–the falling away of the Christian “faithful” which was prophesied/promised in the writings of the New Testament, attributed to Jesus, Paul, John, Peter–occurring right before our very eyes?

This must have just been a ’shot in the dark’.

Most who claim that the teachings of the Bible are unfounded and untrue have never investigated said teachings. Lee Strobel has written a number of books refuting most of the famous ‘contradictions’ and ‘questionable writings’ of the Bible.

Your simplification of the complex teachings of our Creator voiced through the writings of faithful men, is proof positive of the accuracy of surveys such as those cited in this editorial.

Well said Cal. I see that some have inevitably tried to legitimize relativism by suggesting it is some how more enlightened in step with the times. The problems with this, as nice as such rationales sound, are multiple and not difficult to see. Any informed understanding of why and how things ended up in the Bible makes it pretty clear that the “what about other books that didn’t make it” argument is really just an argument for an argument’s sake with little merit. The books made it based on very sound scholarly principles and standards. Enough said in this context on that problem with relativism.

The other problem with relativism is perhaps the truly huge one. Relativism is perhaps the most critical half of the socio-political equation that got us most of the great human horrors of the last century, horrors that make most all that went before pale in significance. The other half of that horrible equation is the vision or hope for a better tomorrow. Either half of this equation like Nitrogen and Glycerin are harmless by themselves, but when you combine them the results should be feared. If one has a hope or vision of a greater tomorrow to work for and also has a relativistic view of truth, right, and wrong, then anything becomes possible in trying to reach that brighter day. The end result of this combination has pretty consistently been Hell on earth.

Relativistic Christianity is not just a question of personal belief. It’s a question of vulnerability. I can’t think of a more fertile ground for the next great human horror than a perverse mixture of relativism and Christianity. Churches do indeed need to start teaching their people what it really means to be Christians. Failure to do so could literally get people killed.

I think the research was misunderstood. From what I’ve seen in the press (I know, never a good source) what was meant was that people felt no one sect (Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, etc.) has the one true path to the afterlife. Christians all think Jesus is the path but they don’t think Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormons have an exclusive lock on that.

If one is going to claim to be something - anything - one should conform to that standard. If one is to be a communist, one should venerate Karl Marx. If one claims to be a Buddhist, one must follow the teachings of Buddha. Mormons should acknowledge Joseph Smith, and so forth.

However, there is a growing tendency for people to label themselves Christian, and then redefine what that means. For instance, how can one be a Christian and not believe in Christ? How silly. But it seems to be more and more popular all the time.

Lately, we also see the growing tendency for non-Christians to attempt to define Christianity. It would be funny if it weren’t taken so seriously by others equally ignorant of the matter.

I am a Christian. I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, based on His work and my acceptance of His grace. I didn’t do much in this, merely accepted His offer. That will apply to anyone who accept’s Jesus’ offer on His terms and the label doesn’t matter.

What is truly silly are those who deny the reality of Christianity and then feel offended at the notion the Christian God might not accept them into Heaven.

To Jon Land:

Jesus didn’t write anything, but all the authors of the Gospels agree that salvation is through Christ. It is HIGHLY unlikely that they were illiterate- that’s just your ignorance showing through. You have no proof to that effect. Jewish society at the time of Jesus was highly literate and many spoke more than one language.

Your brother’s church’s break-up on the issue of the existence of hell is not the authority on the topic. The world ‘hell’ (Greek ‘hades’) is not used often but the concept of judgment or torment after death is is found in both the Old and New Testaments. The Gospels clearly show that Jesus spoke of it enough for it to be a reality to be seriously considered.

In Revelations 20, this point is clarified:

13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14 Then death and Hades [hell] were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

People are coming to their senses apart from biblical study. Much of the New Testament was taught by Paul but that doesn’t mean he’s not accurate or consistent with what Jesus taught. What he taught is totally consistent with the Gospels’ record of what Jesus taught. The Gospels focus on the life and teachings of Jesus. Paul’s epistles take a deeper look in to the practical application of them.

Jon, you are a prime example of biblical illiteracy. You take a few facts, a couple pieces of misinformation and make conclusions without taking time to study. You THINK you know what you’re talking about, but you only misspeak, at bestl.

(2 Timothy 4:2-4) For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Jesus talks about hell more than anyone else in the Bible. He said there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Whatever that means.

You are making a lot of assumptions Jon Land. Of the contradictions I’ve heard about in the Bible, they mostly stem from wrong interpretations. My guess is that you’ve probably never actually read and studied the Bible, but just listen to what a bunch of people tell you, rather than find out for yourself. When you say folks like you are becoming fewer and fewer you better not make that a global statement, because over the entire world Bible believing Christians are becoming greater and greater. However, in America it could be very likely that folks like us are becoming fewer and fewer.

Hell is described as a lake of fire in Rev. 20:14-15.

That’s interesting you said Jesus never wrote anything. You know, my boss doesn’t write out her instructions for me either. She dictates. I write. It’s simple chain of command procedure. She tells me what to do, and I write it down so I don’t forget it. Isn’t that what some of the disciples were doing? Those who were not present (i.e. Mark and Luke) did the research necessary to obtain an accurate recording of Jesus’ life and crucifixion. If you agree that God is the Creator, don’t you think someone who is that powerful could manage to find a way to communicate to us? Don’t you think that way would be by way of the written word? (We all know how distorted word of mouth becomes) Those of us who believe in the written words that Jesus spoke know truth when the Spirit of the Lord reveals it. I hope you will come to know the truth. You seem like you’re at spiritual crossroads.

Other books have been written and left out of the Bible that contradict the Bible. There is no proof these books are from any of the Lord’s disciples. These books were found recently and have been assumed to be authors we associate with the Lord’s disciples, but there is no proof. All they have is a first name written, nothing else.

I totally agree with Jon Land. The Bible, though a wonderful book of rules to follow, is flawed. The Bible has been edited by man, and, therefore, is imperfect. Several books of the Bible were taken out due to man’s ideals that they weren’t “inspired” writings. My belief is simple, read the WHOLE Bible before you make a judgement on your faith.

The normal “Christian” church doesn’t teach their people about these books because they contradict the majority of what the church has pushed on people for a couple of thousand years. As society becomes more educated about the TRUE Bible, they will more and more drift away from simple minded thinking like you have displayed in this article. My suggestion is, for anyone who hasn’t, read up on the “lost books” of the Bible. After you get the whole story, then make your conclusions about what God expects of his children.

What I’ve found is that there seems to be a lot of experts on a book that they’ve never read. As Thomas proclaimed after seeing Jesus, “My Lord and my God”. We shall proclaim him as the only way to the Father. I agree with Mr. Thomas, there is but one way. Jesus said it!! I believe it!! That settles it!!

There are many different Christian churches (Baptists, Pentecostals, Methodist, Catholics, etc). It would be helpful if we knew the exact wording of the question. All Christians may believe the way to Heaven is through Christ, but may not understand that their religious affiliation is not the only church that teaches this.

To Jon Land: my, what a broad brush you speak with. Most people, fewer and fewer, more and more folks; my how you label numbers of people to fit your niche. Not to mention that you are a biblical scholar to boot. You should have started your rant with that disclosure. Humans have, and my guess is always will, try to bring down “Higher” callings to their own level, if for nothing else but comfort. To remain comfortable in sin, man has to bring down the “Higher” to his level. Christ spoke often in terms that all men could, and would, understand. “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” speaks volumes in very few words, and my guess is so that no one would be confused then and in the ages to come. God gave us the words of Life, through inspired writings; inspired by the Holy Spirit who is also God, part of the Holy Trinity. If for some reason “christians” cannot come to terms with that or accept that, he provided us with the answer: it’s called free will.

If Jesus is “the only way” to get to heaven, one has to wonder what happened to the billions of souls who came before Him (e.g. Greeks, Persians, Asians), or the billions of souls who came after Him but never heard this religious dogma / doctrine for centuries after his death (e.g. Asian, indigenous people in Australia, North America, etc.). Is God really so cruel as to condemn billions of souls to eternal hell just because he hadn’t gotten around to sending Jesus, or because it took centuries before this written history (the Bible) of a certain group of people living in Palestine reached other civilizations? What about the written history of other civilizations and their relationship to and with God . . . doesn’t that count?

For a good read on the Universal Laws that served as the foundation for many world religions, past and present (including Judaism and Chrisianity), read the book “The Bamberg Affair in THE ALL” written by William S. Beigh. It may add meaning to your own faith. I have read it four times now and I gain more insight after each read. (http://www.TheBambergAffairInTheAll.com).

It would be a good read for you Mr. Thomas. I enjoy your commentary on Fox News, but I think you are just a tad off on this column. Apply the biblical passage you quoted, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me,” after reading the above referenced book.

John Land said” Even the four gospels were not actually written by their namesakes (who were likely illiterate anyway).” This is exactly what Cal is saying, John is ignorant of the truth of the bible cause he doesn’t read it for himself. If he did he would KNOW that MARK, LUKE, and JOHN were in fact authored by Mark Luke and John. Luke also authored the book of acts, and was a physician, not an illiterate! He would also know that hell is in fact preached by JESUS and the term “lake of fire” is taken from the book of revelation.

Thanks for confirming that the duty of fundamentalist christians is to damn everyone who doesn’t believe exactly as they do. It is truly shocking that such an intelligent and spiritual religion is shrinking by the day.

This is what happens when people believe the culture more than they believe the Bible! Many so-called Christians don’t invest in their own religious studies or just cherry-pick precepts to suit their conscience. It’s too EASY to study the Bible for anyone to come to this pluralistic conclusion. If you do, it’s because you choose social truth over biblical truth- which you have every right to do- but doesn’t make you Christian. But this comes as no surprise because the Bible addressed and resolved this issues long ago.

JESUS TAUGHT:

John 3:3-21 (NIV):

3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.[a]”

4″How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!”

5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in him [Jesus] may have eternal life.

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him [Jesus] shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

18 WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM IS NOT CONDEMNED, BUT WHOEVER DOES NOT BELIEVE STANDS CONDEMNED ALREADY BECAUSE HE HAS NOT BELIEVED IN THE NAME OF GOD’S ONE AND ONLY SON.

19 THIS IS THE VERDICT: LIGHT HAS COME INTO THE WORLD, BUT MEN LOVED DARKNESS INSTEAD OF LIGHT BECAUSE THEIR DEEDS WERE EVIL.

20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

This is why Christians were warned THOUSANDS of years ago (2 Timothy 4:2-4):

2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

3 FOR THE TIME WILL COME WHEN MEN WILL NOT PUT UP WITH SOUND DOCTRINE. INSTEAD, TO SUIT THEIR OWN DESIRES, THEY WILL GATHER AROUND THEM A GREAT NUMBER OF TEACHERS TO SAY WHAT THEIR ITCHING EARS WANT TO HEAR.

4 THEY WILL TURN THEIR EARS AWAY FROM THE TRUTH AND TURN ASIDE TO MYTHS.

It is what it is. Jesus said what He said. You many not believe it, but you can’t deny it.

Well said Cal…. one comment from a reader stated that “My brother’s evangelical church recently broke apart because half of the members decided they could no longer except the belief in hell. Hell by the way is hardly mentioned in the Bible, and never described as a lake of fire, just a separation from God. People are starting to come to their senses and ….”

This is not folks coming to their senses, this is adjusting doctrine to accomodate what they are comfortable with. Realizing that there are consequences to sin and that we as individuals cannot save our souls through our works is disappointing. It is much more interesting to believe there is no Hell and if I show up in church once a week I am a good person and will get the gold star when I reach the pearly gates.

Not the way it works folks….. Scriptures are the inerrant, perfect Word of God and have stood the scrutiny of men throughout history. As the critics encourage us to test our faith, I re-focus the same challenge to them.

I am a Christian, but I do not agree with Cal that one has to be of the Christian faith to receive eternal life. Jesus came to save us from our original sin, which was not following God’s word. Jesus saved Jews and Gentiles alike, and pointed out to people of the Jewish faith how they were misconstruing God’s word in the Old Testament(eg: Jesus performing miracles on the Sabbath, explaining people born disabled or impoverished is not punishment from God). I believe Cal is a man of faith, but he has no place talking as though he were heaven’s gatekeeper. Jesus was the embodiment of God and all that is good for us to model ourselves after; living as a good person is to come to the Father by Jesus and this is the only path. There are no “separate paths”, which Cal provides as his reason why people of other faiths can’t reach heaven, all good people know God indirectly whether they are Christian or not. To misconstrue the “New Testament” in this fashion is tantamount to the misinterpration of the Old Testament by the Jews in Jesus’ time.

Response to Jon Land

Gnostic arguments are nothing new and have been heresies in the Catholic Church since the creation of the Church; along with the likes of Arianism, Nestorianism, etc.. There are countless arguments against these books for example St. Augustine of Hippo. For some reason since the Da Vinci Code people think Gnosticism is something new. I also think the people you are referring to are those who interpret the Bible literally. I believe overgeneralizing Christianity is a rather weak way to go about doubting the Truth of this particular religion. I also think using one church as an example doesn’t prove anything. It seems that it no longer matters that someone has training or is a member of a recognized faith. I could start a church in my basement if I wanted to. Just because someone leaves doesn’t make them right.

This is a tricky subject. Bible “canon” has been determined over thousands of years. Books are admitted, books are rejected, etc. all by men who supposedly had the hand of God on them directing them to create the perfect New Testament.

However - consider - the earth is fallen and the domain of Satan and the other fallen angels (biblical) so if the evil side have sway down here, and given God’s apparent reluctance to intervene on a daily basis, who is to know if canon is really from God or of its been polluted by evil?

Once you throw doubt on whether the NT is then 100% legit its really hard to know the truth of things.

Christians believe we must go via Christ. Jews - the chosen people - say Christ is not the Son and they follow the Law of Moses. Islam believes the wrong family tree was followed and believe in Allah and the 7 Pillars. Hindu believe in reincarnation. Who is to say what (if anything) is true?

As a Christian I try to have faith etc. but I would dearly love to see God come down from on high and spell things out, get everyone on the same page, versus simply allowing chaos (followed by wars and death based on “my belief versus your belief”) and its really enough to make you conclude its all bunk. I’m sure Greece, Rome, Egypt, etc. all believed their systems were valid as well and now where are they?

Thank you for saying what needed to be said! Our society should be more concerned with what God has to say instead of hurting anyone’s delicate little feelings. Truth is truth whether or not everyone likes it, and truth can be spoken in love (even if it goes against how people live their lives).

God is love, and God is truth. While God is slow to anger, there will be those who suffer his wrath for not choosing to follow him.

Very well said. It is sad that most Christians (so-called because they are followers of Jesus who is “the Christ” or Messiah) have never had the opportunity to read the Bible for themselves. Many churches to not suggest it or encourage it. It may have been written by human hands but under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
I would encourage everyone to read throught the entire Bible at least once in their lives before passing judgement on those of us who believe that Jesus is the one true way to heaven. Even if you read it for entertainment the Holy Spirit will change your mind about what you read and your own spirit will bear witness to that fact.
All of us are destined for everlasting life - the question is “Where do you want to spend it?” If there was even the slightest chance that Jesus is the truth - would you really choose to live in misery for eternity? Or would it be better not to take that risk? If you were the only person ever to live Jesus would have still died on the cross to redeem you - that’s how much He loves you!

I Agree with everything you’ve said. Sadly this is a generation that is pure in it’s own mind.Truth is you can’t live any way you want and then get into heaven. Living against the Will of God is a straight path to hell.And yes hell is real; and hell isn’t a party. Souls in hell suffer for eternity. Look it up it’s all in the good book;the Bible is right,Somebody is wrong and it’s not Mr. Thomas because he is preaching straight from God’s word.

Thank you for speaking up! I can’t help but wonder how the question was couched. Certainly Christians are cautioned not to judge; but sometimes I think we are perhaps a little too cautious. If you are indeed a Christian, you can not separate salvation from the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. When Jesus said “I am the Way…”; He meant the only Way. Religion is man reaching out to God and it is flawed. Salvation is God reaching out to man. Where religion is imperfect; God’s Plan of Salvation is perfect. True Christians understand that belief in the sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is critical to salvation. The only thing in our lives today that is of eternal importance is an intimate, personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Why bother, but … “the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, … shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire…” Rev 21:8. Jesus said, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the lake of fire …” Matt. 25:41. It goes on and on within the Bible, which was cannonized over a thousand years ago. Authorship doesn’t meet much scholarly resistance outside of a couple of books, none of which are the Gospels.

Thanks for the word Cal!

AMEN BROTHER…
They are denying Christ ……
Thank you for standing up for what is true and right.

I believe that Jon Land described the problem quite clearly in his comment above. Professed Christians and many pastors who teach them have rationalized that the Bible is not the divinely inspired Word of God.

Many feel that if they believe in God they are set apart somehow and OK. The NEWS for this type of “believer” is: Satan believes in God with all of his being and that includes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believing in God just means that a person is not a fool. Satan is loving the form of religion that has no substance. He loves the created beings that are so briliant as to believe that it is OK to create the Creator in their own image.

The Democrats think that the constititution is a living, breathing document that must fit the times…why wouldn’t they treat the infallible word of God the same way?

A true Christian is one who has the Life of Christ living in him. Thus, No Christ, No Life, Not Christian, no eternal life.

Jon Land’s comments are startling ironic–exactly the type of biblical illiteracy Cal Thomas speaks of. Particularly so here: “Hell by the way is hardly mentioned in the Bible, and never described as a lake of fire, just a separation from God.” Man alive; read the Book!

Great article Cal! That is the problem that we as Christians have that our religion is exclusive. Acts 4:12 says, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” The only name that anyone can call on for salvation is the name of Jesus Christ.

In response to Jon Land, “you are showing your Bible ignorance Jon”. You need to read Revelation 20th chapter. Three places reference is made to the “lake of fire”. Also a reference in Revelation 19. Here is one of them: Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Jon, I am afraid that unless you repent and believe on Jesus you are going to be there. The Bible standard is that two witnesses are required to establish the truth of testimony. God gave us four witnesses in the persons of the four gospel writers to document his ministry. So the truth of Christ’s life is “doubly” established. Not to mention the recorded fact that he was seen of 500 people at one time after his resurrection (I Corinthians 15:6).

Jesus prayed in John 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth.”

Isaiah 8:20 says, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”

2Pe 1:19 says, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”

You need to stop being a critic of the word and follow Jesus’ advice in John 5:39 and search the scriptures.

Comments like this one come from all religions. They ALL believe there way is the one. If, for argument’s sake, they ALL live a perfect life, but only ONE groups gets the big payoff, That’s rather cruel, and I don’t know if I want to be a member of a group that EXCLUDES all people, even righteous ones, cause they don’t go to the same “club” Its the worst part of organized religion. And what has been previously said is also true. We don’t know is what was written hundreds of years after his death is what he actually said. Its all BS to me. Living a good life is payment enough for me, I don’t need to get “Payed off” in the afterlife as a reason to be good in this one. If someone lives a “perfect” life only due to the expectation of a “big payoff”, is not one who has actually earned the payoff. Dorks…

Way to go Cal. Tell it like it is.

http://www.venganza.org/

All praise to the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Every bit as plausible as the fairy tales in the Bible.
Or perhaps when we die we all go over the rainbow to Oz.

Jon Land

the author’s of the gospel are irrelevant to Cal’s point. The book of Peter is not in the Bible therefore is not a biblical contradiction. Jesus spoke of hell many times - see the parable of Lazarus and the rich man.

Jon,

Your unessential points are just that !

By the way, what “contradictions” please name the most prominent that immediately comes to mind.

Yes I can believe this. The whole Democratic Party beleives that the Constitution is a living, breathing document that must adapt to the times…why not the Bible?

Truth is being sacrificed for emotion. Right and Wrong are being swept under the rug. “Acceptance” is being touted as an attribute more highly desirable than self-control. This survey only shows a deep, deep illness within our society and culture. Truth does not change, no matter how it makes people feel. The answer is yes, they think Jesus was a liar, though they will deny it for social purposes.

Cal Thomas DID say who conducted the Poll; the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. This is a group that has long been dedicated to to polls on Religion in American Society; read up on them yourself, they’re completely neutral.

I know it’s hard for some right-wing zealots to grasp, but just because a poll doesn’t produce favorable data in your opinion, doesn’t mean the pollsters are a bunch of liberals hellbent on destroying religion.

I agree with Cal Thomas that Jesus IS the only way to God, but it doesn’t make me angry that other people don’t feel the same way. Cal Thomas needs to look at his own life before declaring other people false Christians, considering he’s spewing angry articles filled with ad-hominem attacks.

Cal, remember, it’s up to God to judge the people on earth, NOT YOU.

Thank you Cal for saying it. I have a note to Jon Lind. If you are willing to see the other side there is a book that you can read. It is called Final Authority by Grady. It is obvious you do not believe the Bible is the very Word of God and that is your choice, but are you really sure you have all the facts.

Yes he was. A liar, a thief, an imposter!

“Apparently they must think Jesus was a liar, or mistaken, when he said: “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me.” Look it up.”

He does realize that he said no such thing. Or anything else in english, either. Look it up.

Wonder what ELSE is his personal agenda?

Sorry ….

“If there are many paths to heaven, Jesus suffered and died for nothing. He could have stayed in heaven, sent down a book of sayings and avoided crucifixion.”

should be..

If there are many paths to heaven, Jesus suffered and died for nothing. God could have not created his Son, but instead sent down a book of sayings and not had him crucified.

Indeed, Cal, this is very alarming and disturbing news, but, very well predicted.

There has been a concerted effort in the U.S. to cause this lack of Biblical understanding and retreat from “absolute” moral principles.

Even as John the Baptist ushered in the ministry of Christ, so do the false prophets usher in the Anti-Christ. I believe we are in an age of the false prophets, where people so lack Biblical understanding that they are willing to fall for just about anything spiritually, emotionally, and particularly politically.

I can’t say it any better than Cal Thomas. I appreciate his putting his thoughts on the matter into a column.

Thank you, Cal, for speaking for us, the Evangelical-minority, who believe that Jesus IS THE Way, the ONLY Way to Heaven, and that indeed he was NOT a liar. We may not win this war in our lives, but won’t they be surprized in the end. PLEASE encourage us by keeping on keeping on and speaking for us, the Evangelical-minority!!!

Jeff & Gloria

Jon Land, your saying the Bible is not the word of God? Just because a man wrote it on paper or sheep skin. You are so wrong sir, when the Lord can lead a fool like me and let me see wonderful things that he has done and is still doing today, I have to total believe that he can inspire men back thousands of years ago to write his word. I shall pray for you Jon Land for you need it.

“Mine is the way, the truth, and the light. No man comes to the father but by my way.” What was Christ’s way? Only Two Commandments: love God and your fellowman. Many cults and theologies include these Commandments. Those denominations who call themselves “Christian” don’t have a lock on Christ’s way.

People can follow Christ’s way without singing Jesus songs, listening to boring sermons every Sunday, venerating Jesus’ mother and other made-up saints, denouncing abortion, hating homosexuals, or voting for Republican politicians.

Rejoice, don’t be shocked and appalled, that Christ’s way can be expressed in competing theologies and many languages! You have no Scriptural right to judge the faith and salvation of others.