Hi Rebecca.  From what you said, it is apparent that you don't believe in absolute truth.  We believe that there are absolute spiritual laws just as there are absolute natural laws.  We believe all these laws were handed down by the Creator of the universe, who is eternal and unchanging.  These laws have been passed on to mankind in the form of the Bible.  We believe Jesus when He said, "I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).  If we didn't believe that with all our heart, this ministry wouldn't exist. 

 

The Bible has the most documentary support of any other ancient text.  It's historical accuracy has been confirmed through extra-biblical historical accounts as well as through archaeology.  In fact, no archaeological find has ever disproved any part of the Bible.  Almost one third of the Bible is prophecy, and since every prophecy (with the exception of end-times prophecy) has been fulfilled exactly, the odds of the Bible NOT being divinely inspired are staggering!  Therefore, I'm inclined to believe what it says.  When the Bible says that Jesus is the only path to salvation, I believe it.  When the Bible says that practitioners of magic and sorcery will be condemned (unless they repent), I believe it.  You look at Christianity as a religion, and religion as a matter of personal preference, much as some people might like argyle socks where others do not.  I look at Christianity as the following of Jesus Christ, the promised and prophesied Messiah, God incarnate.  His truth is not relative.  His ministry was one of love, but not one of blanket acceptance.  He offers the free gift of salvation to all people, but we must choose to accept it and to follow Him.  Jesus never taught that all religious beliefs were equal and truthful.  Jesus taught about condemnation as much as He taught about salvation from that condemnation.  It's no accident that of the references to Hades in the New Testament, most of them were spoken by Jesus Himself.  You must realize that if someone is condemned to Hell, it is not the act of a cruel and heartless God.  Condemnation results when an individual rejects God's truth.  In essence, man condemns himself.  God is not only loving, He is also just, and he only punishes those who have rejected His gospel. 

 

You said you would appreciate it if we "could be even a little open-minded about other people's faiths."  We were once, when we investigated the claims of the Bible and whether they could be trusted.  Having now been convinced of the truth, we cannot be open-minded about sin.  Jesus wasn't, and neither are we.  You asked, "Is it not enough that they practice peace and love?"  No, it isn't.  The Bible is clear that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by being peaceful and loving.  "Do they have to share all the same beliefs as you?"  No, of course not.  But if you're referring to belief in biblical truth, people reject that at the risk of their own condemnation where Jesus will judge them, not us.  We're simply trying to get the word out before it's too late.  You see, Jesus instructed us to do this in the gospel of Matthew.  If people tell us we are intolerant for doing so, then they are guilty of the same intolerance they attribute to us.  I hope this answers your questions.

 

In Christ,

Ben and Jennifer Rast

Contender Ministries