January 17, 2005

Religious proselytizing

I must take issue with your statement (regarding religious vilification laws in Australia, Dec. 3) that "an essential part of the task of proselytizing for one faith is convincing listeners that there is something seriously wrong with or deficient about others."

While there are certainly misguided individuals claiming that their faith is The Only Way, this does not apply to everyone. Even Pope John Paul II has said that "salvation is not denied to non-Christians".

Badly done, sir. Broad, sweeping generalizations are usually not your style. -- Duane Roelands, Paradise, Pa.

Good point; I should have specified that some (as opposed to all) faiths hold such proselytizing to be essential. I've fixed the relevant text, with an explanation -- W.O.

Posted by Walter Olson at January 17, 2005 10:57 PM
Comments

With no intention of being rude, let me just say that, once again, the Pope is completely off his rocker. He shows a lack of BASIC KNOWLEDGE of the scripture, not to mention basic logic:

If there is any other way to redemption, tell me, why would Chrst be willing to die on the cross? It boggles the mind...

...almost as much as people taking the Pope's words as gospel.

Posted by: Deoxy at January 18, 2005 10:34 AM

My point was simply to provide an example of someone who does not think that faiths are mutually exclusive; not to enter into theological debate.

Posted by: Duane Roelands at January 18, 2005 11:36 AM

Such religions do indeed exist, but as to starting a "theological debate", I beg to differ - as you said:

"While there are certainly misguided individuals claiming that their faith is The Only Way, this does not apply to everyone."

A non-"thrological debate" way to say that would be something like this:

"While there are certainly individuals claiming that their faith is The Only Way, this does not apply to everyone."

"misguided" is the term in question, and, whether you personally hold the tenants of Christianity to be true or not, you would certainly be misguided to claim Christianity is not an "exclusive" religion.

People with the ability to read (and the inclination to actually read the bible) would understand that Christianity specifically, repeatedly, overtly, and obviously claims to be "The Only Way". Faith not required.

Posted by: Deoxy at January 18, 2005 05:00 PM

That's a fascinating non-sequitur, but I must eat pizza now.

Posted by: Duane Roelands at January 19, 2005 11:19 AM