Vol. 7, No. 8, 1990

Articles on Other Religious Topics

Craig Branch

In the recent Christianity Today issue (May 19, 1990), there was a focus on subjects near to our heart and the heart of Christ.

In an editorial titled "Many Mansions", Terry Muck reminded us that there is an incredible controversy emerging concerning the uniqueness of Christ. That is, is Jesus not only one of several ways to Salvation.

Most American Christians are aware of the issue raised by a contingent of liberals and New Agers here, but often fail to remember that a large part of evangelism and missions is taking place in our nations and cultures where Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Animism have normally reigned.

There is tremendous pressure for new Christians in these cultures "to synchronize their new beliefs with traditional ones" (p. 14).

These Asian and African theologians are looking to America for a definite "defense of the faith that has been once and for all delivered to the Saints" (Jude 3).

Yet ironically, with the steady flow of other religions and the New Age movement, some American theologians are waffling and are suggesting a reconsideration of the uniqueness of Christ and salvation.

We are reminded in another article "The Riddle of Religions", of the reality of this pressure both inside and outside our borders. The writer, Colin Chapman states, "To speak of `other religions' is ultimately to refer to two-thirds of the human race. The worlds other religions present a challenge to Christians not only because they have worldviews that conflict at many points with our own, but also because their influence is growing" (p. 16).

Chapman reminds us that we live more today in a global village with transportation and communication so available - international trade and immigration.

"There are now more Muslims than Methodists both in Britain and the U.S...." That is startling to some, but it has also been stated that already the Muslims have replaced the Jews as the #2 religion in our country.

Actually in the West, Christian churches have declined in numbers.

Christians must be exhorted to receive a wake-up call. We need not practice isolationist, fatalistic "Christianity."

We need to learn how Christianity is a comprehensive solution to all aspects of our culture and any culture.

We must be about the business of advancing God's kingdom by ministering, loving and evangelizing these people. But by all means, let us never compromise on the heart of the Gospel - faith alone in the incarnate Deity.

Christ alone is the only way of Salvation.