In my religious teachings, we were encouraged to spread the good news, not bludgeon someone to death with it and condemn them if they don't match up perfectly with your ideas of spirituality. Not sure what your church teaches you.
And I'm not trying to be offensive to you, but seriously one of the main things that turns people off to religion is the overzealous messengers who insist that there is only ONE way to worship or believe, and if you do not do it to the letter, you suck and will burn in hell for eternity. They believe *they* and only *they* are perfect and doing this Jesus thing correctly, and anyone who disagrees with them on even the smallest point is unworthy.
If you get offended when someone wishes you Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas - YOU MIGHT BE A ZEALOT.
If you get offended at non-Christians celebrating Christmas - YOU MIGHT BE A ZEALOT.
If you think your way is the only way and there is no room for dissent - YOU MIGHT BE A ZEALOT.
Not that you care about any of this or are interested in seeing a different viewpoint, but I'm just telling you where I personally am coming from on this issue and why I'm not interested in joining your club to worship your God. You don't make it sound particularly comforting or inclusive.
You could consider taking a page from Railroad's book - I read his devotional almost every day and enjoy it immensely because it's inspiring and not condemning or judgmental. If welcoming people into the fold and helping people come to God is the goal, then he is doing a pretty darn good job.
First off, I respect what you have to say but you are another one who does not understand how Jesus worked. And, FYI, I take no offense in what people say or call me. After all the hatred thrown my way, I would still come to a tard outing and give you a hug or handshake. YOU ALL are the ones who make it personal!
Now, there are 2 ways to spread the word: Nicely (your preference) and scaring the hell out of someone (a way that is usually done when people try to circumvent Jesus). I came to this forum with a gentle spirit for all. After a while what I got was serious name calling so I had to abandon "nice" and go "kirk out" on some of you zealots.
You say it turns you off to hear that there is only one way to Heaven. Would it turn you off to hear that there is only one way to become a cop? How about there is only one way to become a doctor or lawyer? Same thing with Heaven & God.
You know Vrai, I really respect the way you run this forum and I appreciate your comments most of the time but I cannot change what God has said to make you or anyone else happy. IF you don't like the fact that there is only one way to Heaven, FINE! Don't believe it! But, answer me honestly, what will you really do when you find out that it is true and then it is too late to change your destiny? I'm sorry that what Jesus taught doesn't fit into you mold but He makes the rules, not me.
You really should spend time in the Bible to see what Jesus actually said & did. Just read the 4 Gospels in the New Testament sometime. See how many times Jesus called people dumb, fools, children of the devil, (hampster brain) lol, and all because He was heart broken that they (just like you) were trying to find other ways into Heaven just as many of you here are and it ain't gonna happen!