Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 79:313 (Jan 1922)
Article: The Intolerance Of Christianity
Author: James G. Hunt

BSac 79:313 (Jan 1922) p. 43

The Intolerance Of Christianity

James G. Hunt

It is the claim of religion that it meets the deepest needs of mankind—needs that have their seat in the abysmal deeps of human personality. There are several great religions making such a claim. Not all of them make exclusive claims. Some frankly say, with a generous tolerance of other faiths, “Your religion is good for you; ours is good for us.” Can Christians return this compliment? There are those who will readily answer in the affirmative, and decry any other attitude as savoring of narrow bigotry. But can it with truth be said that, while Christianity is the best faith for us, other faiths may serve as well or better for other portions of the human race? Or has Christianity elements that render it unique and indispensable to all mankind?

The answer to this question is vital to the whole outlook and program of the Christian Church. Christianity’s claim to be a world religion, its right to be a missionary religion depend upon it. If what she has to offer cannot be duplicated in the markets of religion, and if it can be shown to be absolutely essential to human welfare, then, and then only, can Christianity make good her claim to be an exclusive and universal faith. Then, and then only have we the right to press its claims upon the adherents of other faiths. Who that knows the tragic results that often follow the deserting of one’s ancestral faith in the non-Christian lands can doubt the importance of this question for their people as well as for ourselves?

Now, while maintaining the fullest respect and reverence for the religious convictions of others, we would state frankly and unequivocally our conviction that Christianity

BSac 79:313 (Jan 1922) p. 44

stands alone among the faiths that seek the allegiance of mankind. It has fundamental teachings found in no other faith. It makes fundamental claims that belong to no other, and moreover, it can and does make good these claims.

This is not to say that there is no truth in other faiths; that they are not, indeed, in some aspects “broken lights” from the great body of eternal truth. Through them earth’s blinded peoples “stretch lame hands of faith,” groping for the altar-stairs that “slope through darkness up to God.” And who shall say that some of them do not touch the hem of His garment? We cannot believe that the Father-God looks with scorn upon any religion through which seeking souls try to find Him. These faiths are an evidence that “God left not himself without a witness” in the hearts of men. And we may well approach them with reverence. But that is not to say that they are the true way to the Father; that they contain all the light He has to break upon mortal eyes...