People who believe pluralism is plausible are, in essence, naive. To think that all belief systems are equally valid and lead to the same outcome is akin to believing that the Republican and Democratic parties have virtually identical platforms that will lead to the same destination for the country. They simply do not. Secularism and Humanism are deeply intertwined within the politics of pluralism, and both feel threatened by the exclusivity of Christianity. This perceived threat is so significant that these ideologies are rapidly influencing new laws and court decisions, potentially transforming America into something unrecognizable to those who value its historical foundations.
The only way pluralism can seemingly function is by restricting the free expression of Christianity and other faiths that hold to exclusive truth claims. However, the issue of faith in Christ alone for salvation extends far beyond the realm of politics. Followers of Christ should expect trials! But here is the good news: adversity tests faith, adversity strengthens faith, and adversity weeds out actions that merely mimic genuine faith.
I can point to numerous biblical passages that directly conflict with the pluralistic school of thought, but none more powerfully than the conversation Jesus had with Thomas when He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Thomas eventually “got it,” understanding the exclusive nature of Christ’s claim. Jesus often answered challenging questions with a question of His own. Following this model, if someone were to ask me about the distorting realities of pluralism, I might reply with a question: “Do all of the animals in the zoo really coexist harmoniously, or are they simply confined in close proximity to one another, their natural instincts suppressed? True reality is found in the freedom of the open range, and the undeniable truth that not all animals are equal.”
My attempt at philosophy is simple and direct: Jesus is King of the Jungle! As Revelation 19:16 proclaims, “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords”. This verse underscores the ultimate authority and sovereignty of Jesus Christ over all creation. He is not merely one option among many; He is the King.
-Jim
#kingofthejungle #pluralism #truth