Code:
Isn't it sad that religion has so often been a barrier when it should be a bridge? Can you imagine Jesus condemning people to hell because they are Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, etc.? I can't. Narrow-minded, arrogant bigots likely upset him far more.
But Jesus wasn’t a hippie. He offered welcome to anyone–whether Jewish, Roman, Samaritan, or Canaanite–who was open to finding and following the truth wherever it led. Many Buddhists and other non-Christians must be in this category.
Still, Christ had some very strong language for those who knowingly refused to pay Christ heed, whether out of lukewarmness or hard-heartedness.
From Matthew chapter ten:
[34] “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
[35] For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
[36] and a man’s foes will be those of his own household.
[37] He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
[38] and he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
[39] He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.”
From Luke chapter nineteen:
[11] As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.
[12] He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive a kingdom and then return.
[13] Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten pounds, and said to them,
Trade with these till I come.' [14] But his citizens hated him and sent an embassy after him, saying, We do not want this man to reign over us.’
[15] When he returned, having received the kingdom, he commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by trading.
[16] The first came before him, saying,
Lord, your pound has made ten pounds more.' [17] And he said to him, Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
[18] And the second came, saying,
Lord, your pound has made five pounds.' [19] And he said to him, And you are to be over five cities.’
[20] Then another came, saying,
Lord, here is your pound, which I kept laid away in a napkin; [21] for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man; you take up what you did not lay down, and reap what you did not sow.' [22] He said to him, I will condemn you out of your own mouth, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking up what I did not lay down and reaping what I did not sow?
[23] Why then did you not put my money into the bank, and at my coming I should have collected it with interest?’
[24] And he said to those who stood by,
Take the pound from him, and give it to him who has the ten pounds.' [25] (And they said to him, Lord, he has ten pounds!’)
[26] `I tell you, that to every one who has will more be given; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
[27] But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them before me.’”
Let’s avoid making this matter into a false dichotomy consisting of the options “all religions are equally valid ways to heaven” and “all religions and their followers are the tools of Satan deserving our mockery and contempt”.
We can take a third way–“O most respected family, friends, acquaintances, and neighbours, Christ is risen!” (I wouldn’t actually speak in this fashion–it’s just for effect.)
I am a recent convert to the Catholic Church and so very happy to be Catholic, but it was a road of study through scripture and the early Church fathers, history, apologetics that finally convinced me that this is where I belong. Along the way I’ve met many Catholics very ignorant to scriptures and their rich faith, it’s sad. I pray that the Lord revives His Church!