Before He hung up after our conversation about spirituality in America, the network reporter said that it sounded “elitist” to him when he heard Christians claim that Jesus alone can bring eternal life. Unfortunately, some Christians have projected an air of arrogance in dealing with others. We need to be humble, loving, and tolerant while at the same time upholding truth. Real Christianity is anything but arrogant.
Imagine two country clubs. The first has a strict set of rules and only allows in people who have earned their membership. They have to accomplish something, obtain superior wisdom, or fulfill a long list of demands and requirements to qualify for entry. Despite their best efforts, lots of people just won’t make the grade and will be excluded. In effect, this is what other religious systems are like.
But the second country club throws its doors wide open and says, “Anyone who wants membership is invited inside.” Rich or poor, black or white, regardless of your ethnic heritage or where you live, we would love to include you. Entry is based not on your qualifications but only on accepting this invitation, because your membership has already been paid. So we’ll leave the matter up to you. You decide. But remember, we will never turn away if you seek admittance.” That’s what Christianity is like.
Which country club is being snobbish? Christians aren’t being exclusive; they are being inclusive. They’re not being haughty; they are being egalitarian. They are not pretending to be better or more accomplished than anyone else. In fact, D.T. Niles summarized Christianity this way: “it’s “one beggar telling another beggar where to find food”
Extracted from Lee Strobel's God’s outrageous claims
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