Christianity Is Exclusively Inclusive

Christianity Is Exclusively Inclusive

It is often said that Christianity or at least some sects of Christianity are too exclusive or intolerant in that they do not accept any other faiths as valid and even reject other sects of Christianity. There is a lot of truth in that accusation. The question is whether the accusation should be taken as a criticism and thus provoking change or as an affirmation that truth is being presented to the world and the world is rejecting it as has been prophesied and indeed is recorded throughout history.

Since the Garden of Eden mankind has asked, "Yea hath God said…?" and each time God responds with an affirmative they question still more. Mankind is rather stubborn or stiffnecked as the KJV puts it. We do not like to be told what to do and certainly not that there is only one-way to do it. Tell a person, "No" and he will most surely do it despite any consequences. That is primarily why the jails are so full. Say that it has to be your way and you will see him nearly kill himself if need be to prove you wrong and do it some other way. Now, whether the project will be done as well is another story but it will be at least done another way.

We like options and we do not like guilt. That is why we are in the current age of "tolerance." All ideas are equal in the public forum and we must accept all these ideas as valid and having worth. Oddly, the promoters of this concept are the least tolerant of all and reject the claims of biblical Christianity as worthless and not to be tolerated and the only absolute is that there are no absolutes, which are ludicrous and extremely bigoted and prejudicial premises. Yet, they claim to have no prejudices and hate bigotry. I will explain "biblical" Christianity later.

Thus Christianity does pose a problem in this age because God does not think in those terms. Since He created the universe and all that is in it He expects to be the one making the rules, which He has said are for our own good. (Deut 10:13; Joshua 23:14) However, if you break the rules you pay the consequences. (Deut 11:17; Josh 23:11-13) Even an atheist would tell you that if you rebel against the law of gravity by jumping from a ten-story building unaided by a parachute or bungee cord that you will die when you hit the ground. We have crowded jails because men must pay the consequences of breaking human laws so why is it so hard to understand that God might have laws or principles that must be obeyed?

God also states that He, and He alone, is Lord and sovereign. That is pretty exclusive.

Isa 45:5-6

5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. (KJV)

I can already hear the opposition whining that I am using Scripture and they do not recognize it as coming from God. Well, they are prejudiced, not me. The definition for prejudice is as follows:

prej·u·dice (prèj¹e-dîs) noun

1. a. An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts. See synonyms at predilection. b. A preconceived preference or idea.

2. The act or state of holding unreasonable preconceived judgments or convictions.

3. Irrational suspicion or hatred of a particular group, race, or religion.

4. Detriment or injury caused to a person by the preconceived, unfavorable conviction of another or others. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition copyright © 1992 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Electronic version licensed from INSO Corporation. All rights reserved.

I have nearly six thousand years of proof for the Old Testament and two thousand for the New Testament. That proof comes by archeology, science, fulfilled prophecies, and changes in millions of lives. Indeed the Jewish people are living proof of the Old Testament since nations have tried to destroy them for millennia and they still thrive. Even the fact that there is an Israel is proof of fulfilled prophecy. Yet, Christianity’s opponents refuse to accept the Bible. That is indeed a classic example of the primary definition of prejudice.

One of my co-workers has never read the Bible and claims he does not need it nor sees its value. Yet, he would claim to be a member of a "Christian" sect. Many opponents have not truly searched the Scriptures either. They just cut and paste pieces they do not understand nor leave in context as a basis for their unbelief and assault on Christianity. Since there is a wealth of evidence and volumes of current and historical apologetics they hold unreasonable convictions and preconceived judgments placing them under the second definition as well.