Breaking Religious News Around the World

[ELD] Jerusalem bishop visits Gaza five weeks after being denied entry by Israeli authorities

Today's Episcopal Life Daily includes: * TOP STORY - Jerusalem bishop visits Gaza five weeks after being denied entry by Israeli authorities Worldwide Faith News

Birth report bodes poorly for children, society

A spokeswoman from Concerned Women for America says the findings outlined in a new report on U.S. births in 2007 highlight a disturbing trend in American society.Agape Press

Religious tensions rise again in India
Bishop Felix Machado of Nasik invited Christians of India never to forget that their faith must be lived "in its integrity." "God can never become a negotiable item" in a pluralistic society.
Spero News

Science is my job - faith is my rock

This week, when Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for Science and Technology, declined to discuss his Christian beliefs in the face of accusations that they were influencing his work, the fallout cast ...The Globe And Mail

Spanish scholar contradicts allegation over religious freedom in Tibet

A Spanish scholar published Thursday an article contradicting the Dalai Lama clique's allegation that Tibet "lacks freedom of belief." The complaint of the so-called Tibetan government in ex...People's Daily

Catholic Church faces obstacles in Africa

In Africa, some Roman Catholic priests have children and nuns counsel patients to use condoms against the scourge of AIDS. Faithful consult medicine men even though the church condemns that as witchcraft...The Seattle Times

Pope tells Muslims that religion rejects violence

YAOUNDE, Cameroon — Religion must reject violence, Pope Benedict XVI told Muslim leaders Thursday before celebrating an open-air Mass in front of thousands and delivering a message of hope for Africa...The China Post

Congregations Face Difficult Choices in Sour Economy

-- When Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Simpsonville, S.C., was planning a 10th-anniversary celebration dinner, the $15-per-person ticket price seemed reasonable -- until members started doing the ...Crosswalk

Coliseum Way of the Cross Echoes Plight of Christians in India [2009-03-19]
Zenit.org ).- Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, India, was chosen to prepare the meditations for this year's Way of the Cross that the Pope will pray on Good Friday at the Coliseum in Rome....Zenit

4 Minute Devotions: Dogmatic Dinosaur

If we accept Christ and His teaching, can we adopt a world view that all religions are equal and bring us to God?

Podcast version here

Titus 1:9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Some people wonder why I get bent out of shape when it comes to teaching and preaching Christianity. Why can’t I just evolve like the rest of the world and accept different ideas from different cultures, giving other religions and faiths the respect they deserve? Why can’t I acknowledge that there are many ways to God and that Jesus is only one of them? Wouldn’t it be much easier on myself if I would just let go of my dinosauric doctrines and outdated teachings?

Like Paul, I am the chief amongst all sinners and cannot claim to be perfect in any way. So why do I ‘self-righteously’ insist upon the uniqueness and exclusivity of Christ? What makes me think that I have it all right and the rest of the religious world is totally wrong?

I struggle with this and wrestle with my doubts. At times, I would like to capitulate and be all things to all people, as Paul once suggested. But if I did that, it would be insincere and hypocritical. It wouldn’t be me, and if I cannot be true to myself, how on earth can I remain true to Christ?

Let me put it this way: if Christ is only one way to salvation, then He is a liar, a charlatan, and a cheat. He Himself states “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If there are other ways, other doors, and other rooms to be eternally with God, then Jesus has lied across the centuries and Christianity is a false religion. So for me, it all boils down to this: Christ is who He insists that He is, or He is the biggest liar in the Universe.

My own experience of Jesus is this: His promises are true and He is true to His words, therefore I cannot accept that other religions can find salvation through their understanding of what God is. If that makes me a dogmatic dinosaur in the world’s eyes, then so be it. I stand alone in Christ, I can do no other.

If you’re having trouble with accepting this, please take time to read one of the Gospels. Each time you read Christ’s own words, ask yourself these questions: does Jesus mean what He says, and if He does, what does that mean for me?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, our world is so different from New Testament times. We have more information about other people and their religions. We have more access to other religious ideas and thoughts. Please show us the truth about God and help us, in this religiously diverse world, to know what You would have us accept, express, and do. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.