"But Don't All Religions Lead to God?"

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There is a danger inherent in writing short books for the general reader. The problem is that a few readers who consider and promote themselves as intellectual experts will give the book a short and general reading. In doing so, they tend to criticize positions that the author has not actually presented. Such critics commit the very same exegetical sin they attribute to Green: they present superficial, controversial and inaccurate claims rather than helpfully substantive ones.

For example, one critic has made an elementary mistake in directing us to "Chapter 5: No other great teacher ever [sic] claimed to bring us to God." In fact, Green writes just the reverse: "No Other Great Teacher Even Claimed to Bring God to Us." His point is precisely that other religions tend to focus on a process of "salvation" in which humans strive [perhaps with a divine assist] to get to God. In contrast, the Green affirms the gospel message in which God took the initiative--reaching out to us while we were yet sinners.

Green is also portrayed as making the claim that "...Christ was the only god-man teacher who promised salvation for his true followers." The issue is not that other religions may or may not claim to provide "salvation" of one sort or another. The question is whether or not the "salvation" offered by other religious figures is as credible or as amazingly suited to meeting the needs of the human condition. Are the claims of other religious leaders supported by historical documents written very soon after the events they describe? Are the manuscripts as well attested as the New Testament documents? Is the term "salvation" being used in a univocal sense by all religions? These are issues with which Green deals, and in a more complex manner than the rather superficial objection offered to the contrary.

Green is acccused, as well, of making "ridiculous" and "ludicrously false" statements concerning the unique nature of the salvation offered through the crucified Christ. Other religious figures are sometimes presented as having been sacrificed in a very similar manner. Unfortunately, those making this objection have apparently failed--again--to consider Green's own premises and conclusions. Concerning the Buddha, for example, the earliest traditions do not present him as the one and only God incarnate, crucified in atonement for sin. While any later traditions may claim any number of things about the Buddha, the earliest ones clearly do not present him in this way. In dealing with Buddhism, Green raises the philosophical issue of a substantial self and personal identity over time. How do these relate to Buddhist "salvation"? To simply equate the soteriological doctrines of Jesus Christ and Buddha is stupendously simplistic.

It is true that there are virgin born, resurrected savior myths in antiquity. The early Christians themselves were very well aware of them, and welcomed the common ground this provided to present the case for Christ as the one, true savior. Green does not deny any of this. His point is that when careful comparison is made, the work of no other "savior" has been so copiously documented, so closely in time to the events described. No other "savior" lived a life of ethical perfection, consistent with his teachings, no other is so rooted in the real history of humankind. This is the vein in which Green argues. His statements appear rash only to those who have not considered the entire context that Green has carefully provided.

The book is not, of course, faultless (how many are?). Green would be the first to affirm this. However, it serves its stated goals excellently. The book is very helpful indeed, and highly recommended.

Green addresses such common themes as:
"It doesn't matter what you believe as long are you are sincere."
"Aren't all religions pretty much the same?"
"But surely all religions lead to God?"
"What makes Jesus so special, then?"

After replying to these themes, Green makes a solid case for the uniqueness of the Christian faith in general, and Jesus in particular. This book is excellent reading for all believers, and for non-believers who are struggling in one or more of these areas. I recommend it highly.