Religious Tolerance by Carol Wolman

Religious Tolerance by Carol Wolman

 ²In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

 

Christianity is often depicted as an intolerant religion, damning to hell anyone who does not accept Jesus as a personal savior.  In the above passage, Jesus clearly states that there are many forms of worship, and that His followers have one place out of many in the spirit realm.

 

What makes Christianity distinctive?  Later in the same chapter, talking to Thomas,   

John 14:  ⁶Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 

It is this verse that Christians point to when they claim to have the only true religion.  But the key word in this passage is "Father".  There are many ways to experience the Almighty.  For example, to  Jews, He is "the God of our forefathers".  For Native Americans, He is Grandfather, or Great Spirit. 

 

Christians have an especially close, personal relationship with the deity, like a child with its father.  Jesus is saying that in order to experience this special closeness, one must go through the Son, and understand that being a child of God means willingness to sacrifice for Him as Jesus did.

 

Peacemakers have a special blessing as children of God. (Matthew 5: 9).  This gives us special responsibilities, to keep peace in our hearts and speak the truth, no matter what the personal cost.  It is a privilege, and also our cross to bear.

 

In the name of the Prince of Peace,  Carol Wolman