Emergent Monday: One God, Many Paths - to Hell

Mark Sandlin is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and co-founder of the Christian Left.  His work has been published on "The Huffington Post," "Time," and even the "Richard Dawkins Foundation" and is married to a "Baptist Minister" which pretty much sums up his credentials. 

Poor Mr. Sandlin, he firmly believes that his made up mantra of "One God, many paths" is actually true, and when called on his fallacy he misuses John 10:16 then ends the conversation by "victoriously rotate on my heel and walk away"

Mr. Sandlin believes that John 14:6 is meant for Thomas and Christians alone, no one else. And because Mr. Sandlin's version of Jesus doesn't agree with what the word of God says, Mr. Sandlin admits to throwing out a rejoinder in quoting part of a bible verse with “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold.” Using this as a retort fails miserably for someone who actually knows ALL of John 10:16 -

I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.

Using John 10:16 to prove that Jesus is not the only way actually proves that Jesus truly is the only way. Yes, Mr. Sandlin is right in saying that there are other flocks out there, but he pointedly omits "They will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd". The meaning of this is plainly obvious to anyone who reads it: the people of various religions, and even those without religion, who hear Christ's voice join His flock which is Christianity. One flock following one shepherd = One Way, but to Mr. Sandlin "It just doesn't add up". Clearly math, as well as theology, is not Mr. Sandlin's strong suit. 

I have mentioned in the past the dangers of partial verses, and the need for Christians to Be the Berean and know those dangers. The arguments put forth by Mr. Sandlin are based on partial verses and his imagination. They betray either a complete and utter ignorance of Jesus Christ or the following bible verse is proven true yet again

3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 2:3-4)

Mr. Sandlin claims that it is impossible for him to read Jesus teaching about love and inclusiveness and then read John 14:6 and conclude it is about excluding folks. Sorry Mr. Sandlin, but Jesus NEVER taught about your idea of inclusiveness. Actual inclusiveness (if you actually read the New Testament) is very apparent: the gates of Heaven swing wide open to anyone and everyone who has accepted Jesus as their savior and repented of their sins. ALL people who do that are called Christians which is not a closed club but is open to everyone who fulfills the requirements.

Mr. Sandlin's weak deception about Many Paths is a lie from the depths of hell and it is proven to be a lie by the word of God over and over and over. Jesus truly is the One Way:

"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36)

Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins (John 8:24)

21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:21-24)

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies (John 11:25) 

He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:18)

 I am the door. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. (John 10:9)

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. (John 6:35)

14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; 15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. (John 3:14-15)

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9) 

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16)

Yes, Mr Sandlin, there are many rooms is God's house but maybe you should review your study material a bit harder

Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. (James 3:1)