I find this statement to be very confusing.  So, for our discussion let’s limit the scope to Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, New Age Spirituality and Buddhism.  First let’s look at what each believes about God.

Christianity – Christians believe that a loving God created them, as children, to know him.

Islam – Muslims believe in the existence of a powerful but unknowable God.

Hinduism – Hindus acknowledge multitudes of gods and goddesses.  Each with different attributes.

New Age Spirituality – Seekers believe that they are their own God.  That life experiences guide them.

Buddhism – Buddhists say there is no God, they use the lifecycle of suffering and rebirth for guidance.

So, if each of these five groups have such different beliefs about God, then how can they all lead to the same God.  The belief that all religions lead to the same God is called Religious Pluralism and, by definition, is intolerant to the individual religions they try to include.

I know that originally this statement was directed at Christians and how they are intolerant and arrogant, so I will answer from that perspective.  Have you ever been to a sporting event where a fan from the opposing team is loud and obnoxious enough to ruin the event for you.  I bet that many of the opposing team fans were embarrassed by that behavior as well.  It doesn’t mean that they are all arrogant.  Yes, there are Christians who are very arrogant in how they present Christianity.  I would like to apologize on their behalf, because this very action does not align with Christ’s teachings.  Also, I believe there are far more humble Christians than arrogant Christians, just like there are far more respectful fans at a sporting event.  Even when you’re right, it is your ability to present your evidence in a respectful manner.  Remember, knowing what you believe and defending that belief does not automatically make you arrogant.  It makes you authentic.

So, why do I believe Jesus when he said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  Well let’s break this sentence down.  When he says he is the way, it doesn’t mean that we need to do the works that he did.  Yes, keeping the Ten Commandments, reading the bible, giving to charity and helping others is what he wants us to do, but it doesn’t get you into heaven.  He meant that the path he traveled, taking on the sins of the world and being crucified for them, was the way for us to be redeemed.  He took our place and paid for our sins in full, so that we could be presented to God the father as blameless.  The truth is in that God became flesh.  He was fully God and fully man.  He lived a sinless life, as only God could, so that his death was the perfect payment for our sins.  That payment is what makes it possible for us to have eternal life with God.  He is the life.  Christianity is the only religion where you have a personal relationship with God.  It is the only religion where God chose to become flesh and die for his children.  Knowing these truths should humble every Christian on the planet.  We as Christians should be respectfully tolerant of other people’s beliefs.  We should show them dignity and in a respectful, humble manner share the truth of Jesus.  Because in the end it is a choice.  A choice that determines your future beyond this life.  The choice is yours.