Guest Blogging at USAToday

Wednesday April 29, 2009 ~ 3 Comments

I have been serving as the guest host of the USAToday Faith & Reason blog. Cathy Lynn Grossman has written with USA Today for a decade and asked if I would fill in for her on the blog while she is in Europe on assignment.

I chose an easy topic to handle: the issue of exclusivity in terms of obtaining eternal life. You know me; I do not like controversy. No sir. Keeping it nice and light.

I started by discussing some recent research. Here is the wrap-up to my second comment that will give you a flavor of where the discussion is going:

To further the discussion, let's talk about the core issues of exclusivity of beliefs and how that affects culture, religion, and human interaction.
How do you view those who hold such exclusive beliefs? Why do you think that people increasingly seem to hold universalistic and pluralistic beliefs?
Let's make it personal, as well: Many faiths believe there is only one way to God, heaven, righteousness, etc. If you are a person of faith, does your faith teach that? If so, why does it matter?

So please stop by the blog or the forum.

Be nice. Engage the culture. Listen.

Posted on April 29, 2009 at 10:56 PM ~ 3 Comments

Tagged with: blogging, usa today

3 Comments

By Becky Harmon on April 30, 2009 9:56 AM

I believe Jesus is the only way, truth and the light. Yes, that narrows down the path but I think that would be his point:)He wasn't much into needing the affirmation of people, just his father! However, I also am a business owner and coach and pray with people of all faiths. I just prayed with a jewish woman for her son who is trying to kick a drug habit to be successful. I pray in the name of Jesus, and she weeps in gratitude. I love prayer because it connects people of all faiths and manifests the power of God. In Christ's way, not mine.I do not try and convert her, I pray for her heart because it is hurting. I let Christ draw and convert her if that is what she feels drawn to. I especially do not water down my prayers because I think it might offend someone. I think it is important to connect with people relationally because we respect them and their beliefs. I have done bible studies with wiccans and lesbians attending and I loved it. I love when people passionately believe in their cause or religion. Even if I don't agree, atleast they are not wishy washy about it! I just want to be respected in the same way they do and given the priviledge of disagreeing without being called a bigot or homophobic.

By John Moore on May 1, 2009 1:33 AM

I believe in inclusion. There is a new thought movement (agapelive.com, chicagocsl.org to name a few) that has been long in the making but is now becoming more mainstream, thanks to people like Oprah and Dr. Beckwith. I was raised Catholic as a child, but my beliefs have expanded the more I have educated myself and explored other religions. I believe there is more than one way to have a relationship with God, and why shouldn't there be? It's GOD!!

By KDL on May 4, 2009 1:33 AM

I wrote about this on my blog on Easter. I am a Christian. I think our culture has misunderstood Christianity when they label it as exclusive. Jesus said He is the way, He didn't limit who can find the way. Everyone is welcome regardless of any labels that might otherwise be applied. Jesus came to open doors, not close them.