In Light of Many Religions:
Is Jesus the Only Way to God? 1

Describe the image.

Tell about your experience with mazes.

A maze is a puzzle; the objective is to get to the center. Though many paths seem right and sometimes lie parallel to each other, there is only one path that ultimately leads to the center. Likewise, many religions have parallel paths, but they also differ in important ways. For example, each religion believes their path is the one that leads to the center—to God. Because religions contradict each other, they cannot all be right at the same time.

Identify similarities and differences between religions you are familiar with.

An example of switched loyalties

From antiquity to our present day, we see that humans are innately religious. The Greeks in the first century, for example, worshiped many gods and goddesses. But when the apostle Paul arrived in Athens, he drew a contrast between their religion of many gods and belief in only one Creator God. Paul said, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:24-25). In part, Christianity sprang from people who responded to Paul’s message, and “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath” (1 Thessalonians 1:9b-10).

What do you think was so compelling about Jesus Christ that people changed their allegiance from many gods to him, knowing that as a result they may be rejected by family and friends?

Have you met someone who changed their religion? Why did they do so and what happened?

What about peaceful coexistence and tolerance?

Many say we should be more concerned about a peaceful coexistence among religions than searching for absolute truth to avoid disputes and fighting with all of its painful consequences. Is it possible to humbly disagree and still treat each other with respect and civility? Consider what Dr. Timothy Keller says about tolerance: “Tolerance isn’t about not having beliefs. It’s about how your beliefs lead you to treat people who disagree with you” (www.goodreads.com/quotes/600767-tolerance-isn-t-about-not-having-beliefs-it-s-about-how-your).

Restate Dr. Keller’s quote in your own words.

Describe the image these words bring to your mind: peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and civility.

What about history?

Unfortunately, past and current events reveal that religious differences are sometimes the cause of war and violence. Yet, ironically, many religions teach people to treat others with respect. It seems that religion and civility should go hand in hand. For example, Jesus once told the story about two men from different racial and religious backgrounds. The one had been beaten up, robbed, and left for dead. The other, at his own expense, helped the victim to safety and healing. Jesus used this story to teach us how loving God and others should transcend our preferences based on gender, race, or social standing (Luke 10:25-37).

In your opinion, what keeps people from treating each other with compassion?

What if a person disagrees with someone else? How can they explain their different position respectfully?