POLITICALLY CORRECT RELIGION?
(By Jay Yeager)
Out of the ashes of September 11 came many things for which every American can be thankful.
The following is some of the more obvious:
1. A renewed patriotism that has laid dormant for far too long.
2. A genuine appreciation for our police and fire departments.
3. A resolve to fight terrorism both at home and abroad.
4. Recognition of the tremendous value of our military.
5. A grim reminder of how fragile our physical existence is.
But also out of September 11 came something that is not health at all; namely, a politically
correct religious tone that suggest that all faiths are good, implying that the way to heaven has
many different paths. Please understand, I am not suggesting for a moment that the freedom to
choose should stop. God has given to every accountable soul a voluntary will (Leviticus 1:3),
and the right to make spiritual decisions (Joshua 24:15). Any religion that would use force,
physical threats or harm someone in order to make or keep converts is in rebellion to the very
nature of God’s creation.
Now, having said that, in order for man to make the proper choice, God has given us an absolute
truth to follow that heaven may be our home (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:3). Truth is not in
any fashion determined by political correctness nor popularity, but by the word of God (John
17:17). Beloved, I am not advocating being deliberately offensive, but if the truth offends, then
let it offend. “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth” (II Corinthians 13:8).
Therefore, when I speak of Christianity I am not referring to “a” religion, but to “the” religion.
“Well”, says one, “What about other world religions?” Friends, they are incapable of saving even
a single soul. The apostle Peter speaking before a hostile audience said this of Jesus Christ:
“Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given
among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Surely none would accuse Peter of speaking those words out of malice, but rather because he
genuinely cared enough about their souls to speak the truth. Friends, even if Peter was not
inspired, and he was (John 14:26; 16:13), how vivid would be his memory of the night Jesus was
betrayed, and the words spoken by Christ in the upper room. “…I am the way, the truth, and the
life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). The audience that Peter was
addressing on that day was hearing an inspired apostle sincerely trying to convey to them that
Divine truth. Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world (I John 4:14).
Politically correct religion? Not hardly! When souls are at issue, people need to hear the saving
message of the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16), even if that inadvertently makes some folks our
enemy (Galatians 4:16). There is one faith (Ephesians 4:5). And if you and I are going to get to
heaven, it will be because we know, obey, and earnestly contend for that faith once delivered
unto the saints (Jude 3). May God bless us to that end!