There are a multitude of folks in media whose sites are vibrant locales for shaping thoughts and preferences on anything you can think of, including religion.  With people living such hurried lives, I’d guess that more young people use digital media to keep their lives going than tune in to TV anymore. Some even use pages on social networking sites in place of going to church now because of their overwhelming lives.

Even so, TV is still a major influence in contouring an audience’s values and beliefs, and those given a stage have an obligation to change lives in a positive way, especially if they call themselves followers of Christ. Those who come toe to toe with non-believers should never cower down and we are not called to have a knockdown, drag out fight with them, but I say, sound your battle cry if you have one!

I watched a recent show that featured a TV personality and a progressive evangelist.  The TV host brought the reverend on to debate several things contained in the Bible, such as slavery, polygamy and the now seemingly never-ending topic of homosexuality.

Whatever the TV host asked this reverend, he kept coming back with, “Jesus said feed the poor.”  He dodged every question asked by the host, who is atheist.  What an excellent “pulpit” offered to this guest to reach this man and the multitudes, for that matter.

When questioned about homosexuality, the evangelist said Jesus did not talk about this subject.  Well, yes He did.  Also, the first miracle recorded in the Bible Jesus did at a wedding, and you can believe He attended a wedding between a man and a woman.  God allowed polygamy but did not ordain it.  David and Solomon were polygamists and look at how it affected their lives.  

I was a bit ashamed for the reverend because he did not defend our Lord or His Word.  The Bible says “be prepared to give an answer” and he was not. Know that there is a big difference in carrying a Bible and understanding what it says.

Katie

By Katie Altobellis

 “All paths leading to God are equally good.” – Mahatma Gandhi

I was sitting across from a young man not too long ago who is Muslim and his words prompted me to write this article. 

Folks who live in an idealistic world think that just as long as they are “good” sincere, loving and kind; they will end up in Heaven one day.  They have a mindset, as the quote seems to suggest, that all religions blend nicely together and there are many ways to get into Heaven. 

Since world religions do not all teach the same thing, I wonder how this could be?  And just why are there so many religions with their varied beliefs?  Perhaps it is because there are those who have rejected the one, true God and are seeking salvation their own way.  After all, for some, it is easier to pick and choose how to live because of the personal freedoms allowed. As we have said before, some opt to choose the broad way in lieu of the narrow gate.

Muslims believe in a God who is unknowable and that one’s works will determine if they get in Heaven or not. Buddhists do not believe in any deity, try to avoid suffering and hope for reincarnation. Hindus believe in multiple gods and in reincarnation.  Universalism is a belief that all religions are equally good and therefore, all will lead to Heaven.

Satan must be having a good chuckle at our expense.  He knows that all this confusion about God will ultimately defeat many who otherwise think they are going to Heaven.

Heads up:  all roads may lead to God but they do not lead to Heaven.  We will stand before God one day to be judged but as Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Those that reject Him will not enter into Heaven no matter what spin they put on it.

I believe what I believe because the truth is in me.  I cannot really understand with clarity why those who have been exposed to the truth reject it, but I keep them in my prayers every day.