"As we know, these men belonged to al Qaeda -- a group of extremists who have distorted and defiled Islam, one of the world's great religions, to justify the slaughter of innocents.""One of the world's greatest religions."
I bring this up not to bash the president or use it as evidence to support the widespread claim that he's really a Muslim but to point out the difference between saying you're a Christian and actually following Christ. A lot of people claim they are Christians while far fewer believe the Bible and do what it says. I don't know anyone who minds the days off work for Christmas and Easter or putting up a tree each December, but following Christ when doing so is socially taboo is something entirely different.
See, I don't know whether Barack Obama is a Muslim or not, but I do know that he has all the signs of being a cultural Christian, as he has professed a faith in Christ yet disregards much of His teachings. Last night's statement is a good example.
In calling Islam one of the world's great religions, Obama is giving it equal billing with Christianity, Buddism, Judaism and the scores of lesser known sects worldwide, each of which I'm sure he'd say represents truth to its followers. The president seems to operate under the postmodernist mantra that there are many paths to Heaven, but that is not Christianity.
Jesus told His disciples in John 14 that He was going away to prepare a place for them and that they knew the way. Not understanding that Jesus was making reference to Heaven via His death and resurrection, Thomas asked how they could know the way, as they didn't know where He was going. Jesus answered with this: "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
By claiming one is a Christian, he isn't saying he believes that Jesus was a prophet who once ministered on Earth and was a great man. No, he's saying he follows Jesus and His teachings. He doesn't just believe in God, he believes God. The Bible makes a distinction between the two. James 2 says even the demons believe there's a God and shudder, while Genesis says Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. It's the space between believing in and believing that makes the difference.
Many claim that what is true for them isn't necessarily true for someone else - i.e. the tenets of Christianity might be true for me but not for a Muslim, and vice versa. But that's an intellectually dishonest statement, as something can't be true and untrue at the same time. And Christ more than drew a line in the sand when it came to eternity.
John 10:24-27 - The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
Christ wasn't working in concert with Muhammad or Buddha nor was He recruiting the half-hearted. He is the one and only way. Mr. President, either you believe Him or you don't.
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