Is Jesus the only way?

There are three principal texts (though there are also others) used to defend this notion. On the surface, they appear straightforward. But, like most things textual, they are not so cut and dry in context.

1) "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6)

It is possible to look at this one not as a universal declaration, which would be peculiar as Jesus (at least in the Synoptics) is addressing only Jews. In other words, he is not saying he is the only way, he is saying that he, as opposed to Jewish Law, is the way, the truth and the life.

2) "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)

If we look at the context in which this was said, Peter is speaking to the Jews at Pentecost. He is not addressing Gentiles (though there may have been a few stray God-fearers in the midst or perhaps some Roman soldiers), he is speaking to the Jews as v. 8 states:

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, 'Rulers and elders of the people...'"

In other words, there is no other name [i.e. as opposed to the Law] under heaven whereby we [i.e. Jews], can be saved.

3) "For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,

so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

This is a reference to Isaiah 45:22-23:

"Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.

I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth [in] righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear."

Notice that it is at the name of Jesus every knee will bow. But notice who it is to: God the Father. This is not saying that every knee will bow to Jesus but will bow in recognition of His lordship as it was bestowed upon him by his Father (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:28).

It is fairly clear that these interpretations, taken in their proper context specific within the book in which they fall (rather than conflating them with the New Testament as a whole), are not without merit.

This is actually not a dig at the truth claims of Christians. This is more to bring awareness to the simplistic method in which these Scriptures are often used. They are often a shortcut to any true dialogue. Consider also that many people do not accept the Bible as authoritative.

Worse, these passages are often used in place of the more difficult proof: one's life. This, more than anything, is the issue. The only real proof of the Christian message is found in the lives of those who claim to follow Jesus. It isn't about being right; it is about life.

Many a well-meaning Christian will quote these verses as if they somehow prove, in and of themselves, that only someone who believes in Jesus will reach heaven. I don't know that Jesus (or Paul) ever phrased it in such fashion. It seems to me that this "going to heaven" thing is of recent origins and has no appeal to me. If that is my motive for the whole shebang then send me to hell.

Rabiah of Basra, an early Muslim mystic/ascetic (see, the "spiritual mutt" thing is in the blood...) is quoted as saying:

"O God! if I worship Thee in fear of Hell, burn me in Hell; and if I worship Thee in hope of Paradise, exclude me from Paradise; but if I worship Thee for Thine own sake, withhold not Thine everlasting beauty!"

My sentiments exactly.