Coming from a fundamentalist background, I get where the poster of this thread is coming from to a degree. Still, I remembered hearing my old pastor say that God did not hear–that is, neglected or ignored–the prayers of Jews, as well as other nonbelievers. As I thought about this, I was troubled, because in my heart I knew better. I thought of a Jewish woman praying night and day for her deathly ill son of 9, thought of her tears and her cries. I then realized that if what he was saying was true, I didn’t want a part with that god. I pittied those who made the gracious and all-embracing God that I knew Christ was into this person that he simply wasn’t.
I’ve heard this verse addressed in many ways. Sometimes it’s a more complex response, with serious theological grounding, employing biblical examples and logical scriptural analysis.
Othertimes, it’s simpler than that. My RCIA teacher explained it as Christ saying that it is his teaching that is the way, his instruction and his principles. I like this very much, because if he is truth and love, then it naturally followed to assume that Buddhist monks who were walking in such a way were, unbeknownst to them, walking the way of Christ.
I realized that God, who is Christ, is both truth and love, and that those who walked upon these certainly then make Christ their “way,” their path, even if they don’t know the name of the road they’re walking.
This reminds me of the time i visited one of the few mosques in Akron Ohio and had asked a Muslim his views on this very verse. He had told me that, according to him, Jesus meant his guidance. That is to say, that only through following Christ guidance can one go to heaven. Remember, for followers of the Islamic faith it is incumbent for them to accept the Injeel (Gospel) and the Torah as Truth. Now, there are some major points of disagreement that shouldnt be ignore. Still, i feel as though this interpration of John is worth discussing.
Yes, I’m not far along in the Qur’an at all (what a beautiful text!) but already it has dealt with both the Gospel and the Law. It calls itself a “confirmation” of those. I thought, “How amazing!” Muslims may not believe in Christ (Isa) as God, but they do as Prophet, Messiah, Sinless One, and Son of Mary (by a virgin birth)… and the God they proclaim is one, holy, merciful, gracious, creator and sustainer, judge of all mankind. When I read, I see so many themes in common with us.
It to me is a reminder that God has gifted us all with an innate sense of truth, that it is everywhere, to varying degrees. It is the Christian conviction that the fullness of Truth is wrapped up in the Person of Christ and his Church, but it will always excede the Church’s visible barriers and make itself present in others’ lives. It will penetrate those who let it, and thus so will God. I do not believe Christ will let religious or cultural limitations hinder us from coming to know him, even if our image of him is a hazy one.
These are my thoughts, at least. Far from dogma…but mine nonetheless.
I addressed the question posed and offered logic to back up the Church’s position.
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