John 14
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Is Jesus really the only way? In an environment of such plurality and diversity this really seems an implausible or even arrogant claim of Christianity. Below are a few responses to common objections:

Objection #1
Don’t all faiths basically point to the same God?

There are similarities in all faiths; however, this doesn’t mean that we should overlook them entirely. Mortimer Adler, editor of the Encyclopedia Britannica made the observation, “there is a common core of sound morality and perspective truth in all major religions.” In addition scripture teaches us that God’s moral law was written on our hearts, which indicates why there might be so many similarities in every culture and every religion. When they are all taken into account there is a similar message of don’t harm one another, honor your mother and father, be kind to others, don’t lie, etc. These similarities don’t necessarily mean we should ignore them entirely.

Objection #2
Isn’t “truth” culturally and historically conditioned?

This argument simply concludes we are all a product of our social conditioning and because I am born in a culture that values Christianity then I am likely to be a Christian. That is true, however, the validity of something isn’t determined by its cultural and historical conditioning. That question presumes that culture and history dictates truth.

Objection #3
Isn’t it arrogant to imply others should believe it?

Again, that question views Jesus’ claims as one out of many claims that are to be considered. Therefore, it is arrogant for it to metaphorically stand up and say, “I am the best”! However, Jesus’ claim isn’t one out of many, but one that was established from the beginning of humanity when all of humanity was separated from God and as a result we see conflict with ourselves, others, and God.

In the end, Jesus doesn’t make this claim out of arrogance but out of compassion. He is supreme creator of all things and the greatest act of compassion done on the cross wasn’t done in secret, but up on a hill for all to see His atoning work take place on the cross. Romans 3, “25whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through fait.h This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed;”