Is Jesus the only way to heaven? Should we take the bible literally?

Answer 1

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life: no one can come to the Father(God)(in Heaven), but by me." (John 14:6) So simply put yes that would be the only way you will get into Heaven is to ask Christ in to your heart and asking for forgiveness of your sins.

Answer 2

No. Literalism is a simplistic, no-brainer approach to a mystic tradition that goes back more than two thousand years. The ancient Hebrews had long traditions of accepting dreams as reality, teaching in metaphor and pariables, and wide variation of thought on the same idea. Moreover, the ancient languages of the Hebrews that the Bible was written in have been translated through multiple languages, and had many editors over the centuries. Bits and pieces were added, taken away, or altered to fit the politics of the times. I reccomend: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060738170/103-0889458-2149410?redirect=true for some in depth study of the subject.

Answer 3

You take the Bible literal by the way it was written and to whom it was written. There are many culutural portions that when received in the context of the 21st century changes it's understanding. There are also many individual scriptures, when pulled out of context and received on their own, changes the way you would reference them and skews their meaning altogether.
Many people have developed entire doctrines on a scripture pulled out of context, you have to be cautious.
The Bible is quite clear that Jesus was and is the way, the truth and the life and that no one can come to the Father but through Him.

Answer 4

Jesus said that He is the only way to God and I believe that. There are some parts of the Bible to take literally and some to take figuratively. (Plucking your eyes out rather than sin.)

Answer 5

Muslims, Jews, Buddhists,Hindu imagine all the people that you would be condemning to hell because they didn't believe what Christians believe. of course they will tell you that in the final moment Christ will be known to you and that you must simply accept him. Personally I believe in god but not the Box most organized religions place him in. God to me is beyond my comprehension I think Christians in their blind arrogance never truly follow the faith they believe if they did their religion wouldn't be associated with hate and hypocrite they never really do what Jesus would do. In truth I believe that god stepped in created the world as we know it and stepped back and doesn't interfere in the events of man we make our own choices. It makes perfect sense I believe most current religions are corrupted by those that claim to be their faithful, just look at history and the crusades of the Spanish Inquisition all done in the name of god yet none of those events were very Christian. I believe Buddhists are more Christians than most people of the Christian faith at the very least you will not find any mentions of Buddhists killing people for their faith. As long as you try to be a good person god will accept you into heaven no matter which side of the fence you chose, So be kind and understanding and you will be fine.

Answer 6

According to the modern interpretations of the Bible the answer to your first question is, "Yes." Note my answer to your first question specifies "modern interpretations." The meaning of scripture continues to change dependent on the perspective of the individual interpreting it. I don't think a priest, pastor, revend or any other person of the cloth is any more qualified to interpret God's word than any other person who reads the Bible. You are ultimately responsible for your soul. The Bible apears to only be taken literally when it serves the purposes of the person quoting it. If we were required to take it literally I would hope that you never have to stone your wife or daughter to death. That would really suck.

Answer 7

Jesus is the only way and ... so is the buddha and everyone else who becomes enlightened and becomes a symbol for the 'One' way. It's reflected differently in our dualistic world but the experience is the same and ... anyone who has that experience becomes a symbol of salvation. Because individuality is transcended, all who have it realize there is only One thing and ... when an attempt is made to explain it in dualistic terms, it comes out as saying that a specific PERSON is the only way which is incorrect.

Answer 8

no to both, actually. i am always amazed when people think that a religion which is a mere 2000 years old is the ultimate word. were all of those unfortunates who preceded this "revelation" doomed to an eternity in hell for being born too early? enough trivia. keep an open mind. research all of the planet"s major religions. don't forget those in the far east--buddhism and taoism and shinto. and of course take a look at hinduism. the vedic religion is one of the oldest and most "potent" on the planet. studying only one and taking its scripture "literally" are not necessarily signs of profound thinking. broaden your horizons in all areas of life. and if you would like to actually experience "divine energy", i would vote for staying away from fundamentalist sects. their main practice seems to be condemning all those diifferent from them, while ranting endlessly about hell and damnation. :-)

Answer 9

It is a matter of faith. But yes, (as harsh as it may sound) Jesus is the only way to heaven after he died on the cross. Before that time, anyone who had true faith in the Jewish faith, would be in heaven. This is all based upon the Bible. Like I started with.... it's a matter of faith.

Answer 10

Yes Jesus is the only way to heaven. Take it literally..We live in the New Testament and need to obey it, but parables are parables and prophecy is prophecy and needs interpretation..