By Steve Greene

The most outrageous claim Jesus ever made — the most politically incorrect claim of all — was when he said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Jesus’ statement strikes at the heart of three significant myths about religion. Maybe these are myths you have heard or maybe they are myths you believe right now. We will take a look at each one.

The first myth says all religions are basically the same. Perhaps you have heard people say they believe all religions lead to the same destination.

Many people believe even though there may be surface-level distinctions between the various world religions, if you strip them all down to their essentials, at their core, they all fundamentally teach the same thing, so it really doesn’t matter which one you choose to follow.

While there is some common ground between many of the world’s religions, particularly concerning certain basic values and morality, there are significant differences we dare not overlook.

In fact, with this one outlandish claim, Jesus boldly placed Christianity in a class all its own. If the path to God is through Jesus Christ, then Christianity cannot be reconciled with any other religion.

The uniqueness of Christianity is rooted in the uniqueness of Jesus himself.

Someone once noted other religious leaders say, “Follow me and I’ll show you how to find truth,” but Jesus says, “I am the truth.” Other religious leaders say, “Follow me and I’ll show you the way to salvation,” but Jesus says, “I am the way to salvation and eternal life.”

Other religious leaders have said, “Follow me and I’ll show you how to become enlightened,” but Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” Other religious leaders have said, “Follow me and I’ll show you many doors that lead to God,” but Jesus says, “I am the door, so follow me.” Do you see the difference?

For a long time, people have tried to harmonize the various religions of the world, but there are drastic and irreconcilable differences between Christianity and every other belief system. They can’t all be true because of their conflicting claims.

Most religions are based on people doing something to somehow earn the favor of God. There’s always something to say, do, give, give up or pray in an attempt to reach God.

But Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ is God reaching out to us. And that makes all the difference.