At the beginning of this program we learned: “People have many reasons for rejecting the Christian faith. Some may admire Christ but dislike His followers. Others find it difficult to accept any faith that claims to be the only way to God. Why would anyone limit themselves to only one of the world’s great religions?” How valid are each of these objections? What is your response to each?

[Deleted User]

Many people do admire Christ, but dislike His followers, because His followers (us) are flawed. We all fall short and do not live up to the example set by Jesus, as we are all sinners. Jesus was the only sinless man and therefore, all of us will fall short. When we fall short and claim to be Christians, it can set a bad example for others and therefore can make it difficult for others to accept faith that claims to be the way to God.
People who claim to not want to limit themselves to only one of the world’s religions succumb to the secular world and subscribe to doing what makes them feel good. Christianity is not always going to make you feel good. Repenting from your sins is hard, messy, and can not feel good. Therefore, people often do not want to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior to be part of the only one world religion.
Jesus clearly let his actions speak louder than His words. The number of miracles that Jesus performed is undeniable and a great example of the fact that he is our Saviors. Christians must act or use their actions to help others see that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.” All of man’s questions of life are answered in this verse.
Jesus encouraged a life of love and we as Christians must also encourage and live out a life of love in order to bring others closer to Jesus to know Him and acknowledge Him as Lord and their life.

[Deleted User]

The existence of these objections is undebatable but does not diminish the strength of the Christian faith. However, the beliefs of the Christian faith deem these objections invalid. Christianity does not merely claim that Jesus is the only way to God, it is a truth as Jesus asserts that He is the only way to God. The notion that subscribing to Christianity limits one’s faith is contrary to what Christianity is. Christianity enriches one’s faith because the authority that has been given to Jesus is supported by the numerous prophecies. This shows the statement that Jesus makes about Himself being the Way, Truth, and Life is substantiated.

[Deleted User]

Some may admire Christ but dislike His followers — Isn’t this an obstacle for even Christians today. We are told to love thy neighbor as thyself but still we hold grudges or have difficulty getting along with others for any number of reasons. Many people who reject the Christian faith have unrealistic expectations that all Christians are just like Christ, which we know is not to be true. God is perfect and we are not. Others reject the faith because they can not face their own faults, again perhaps have unrealistic expectations for themselves. I think through spiritual maturity one comes to understand their faith is the only way to God.

[Deleted User]

“Some may admire Christ but dislike His followers.”
This has always been an interesting rejection point for me. Looking at it from a secular view, do we stop admiring Michael Jordan because of unruly fans at the game? That would be absurd! Why then is it entertained as a viable rejection of faith in God? Choosing to follow Him does not require us to act as fools.

“Others find it difficult to accept any faith that claims to be the only way to God.”
“Why would anyone limit themselves to only one of the world’s great religions?”
I have difficulty separating these two objections as they seem as restatements of the same point.
We are taught at a young age that there are many ways to accomplish our goals… some take the path that is winding and full of obstacles, others take the straight and narrow. Hearing that there is only one path to God can seem counter to this teaching. This is an objection that could use a refocus. When the goal is Jesus (because Jesus is God), then the path can take many turns and twists – it is why we each have our own unique stories of how we came to be in relationship with Christ. ____ Religion alone does not equal salvation.

[Deleted User]

To those that admire Christ but dislike his followers: Focus on Christ, his example, his purpose. One cannot focus on his followers, because his followers are sinners at different levels of relationship with God.
To those who find it difficult to accept any faith that claims to be the only way to God: read the gospels, it will transform your view and understanding of who Christ is.
To those who find it absurd to limit themselves to only one of the word’s great religions: Christianity offers a growth in relationship with Christ. It is a personal journey that puts aside focus on man-made religion, and instead celebrates a closeness to Christ and God like no other.

All of these objections are valid, and I value the questions that arise from them. I would urge all to insist on answers looking to God and Christ for them.