Exclusive Truth Claims

Is it OK to have exclusive truth claims in today's climate? Is it OK for me to be firm on a belief that excludes others who do not believe? Many in today's culture do not think we should be strong on any absolutes.




OK, this is the longest youtube video I've ever seen. But there was some good highlights I'd like to share whether you watch the video or not.

The first 4 minutes I think is an introduction to the speaker.

Religion has been involved in many conflicts in our world. On large scale and within communities. When we look back at history it is easy to identify where we've made mistakes, but are fundamentalists making similar mistakes today?

8:10 – 9:38

“Now that we all agree that religion is a big problem”

Everyone believes some exclusive truth claims. Some believe the exclusive truth claim that goes something like this "Nobody should push any exclusive truth claims". They believe this statement to be truth, and believe those who hold other exclusive truth claims to be wrong. But they fail to realize they are pushing their own exclusive truth claim.

30:55 – 33:24

"What you need, is people with an exclusive truth claim that humbles them"

The problem is when we make exclusive truth claims and send the message we are better than those who do not believe the truth. "I know the truth, you don't, so I'm better than you." But that is not the message of the Bible. The message could go more like this: "I know the truth, I am an awful person that Jesus is redeeming. I am no better than you, and have nothing to be proud of."

37:46 - 40:40 The Moral Performance Narrative vs. The Grace Narrative

39:13

"Salvation only belongs to those people who admit their moral failure."

Do we see the focus on how we live? Do we focus on making it appear like Christians are better than non-Christians? Or do we focus on the Grace poured out on us?

43:40 – (The last bit of this video clip is a question and answer time with his audience.

I think this give a good perspective and challenge to us. Yes we can believe in absolutes - it would be foolish not to. But we need to remain humble at all times. Knowing the truth does not make us superior in any way. We are made of the same flesh that everyone else is made of. God loves everyone dearly, and we should too. We are not saved because we are better than other people. We have no right to look down others. If we approach our absolutes with this humility we can avoid some of the conflicts fundamentalists often find themselves in.