Are Christians Intolerant?    

Yes. Christians believe that faith in Jesus is the only way that a person will get to heaven. Jesus himself said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6 NIV

Christians view their intolerance like the intolerance of a physician for a fast-growing tumor. They respect other people's beliefs, but they believe all other faith systems are wrong, and if followed until death will cause the person to become permanently separated from God. Christians do NOT think they are better than others, simply that they have been forgiven.

John Newton (1725-1807), a former slave ship captain who converted to Christianity, embodies this idea in his hymn Amazing Grace:


Amazing Grace
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
as long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil
a life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
the sun forbear to shine,
but God who called me here below
will be forever mine.

 

© 2011 Amy Deardon | www.amydeardon.com
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