Non-Christians: If someone believes Jesus when He said He's the Only Way, does that make them a bigot?

Question

Here's an example:
Say a Christian loves everyone and always avoids speaking poorly of others (no name calling, etc). He respects the truths in other religions when applicable. He tolerates other people and their religions. He believes in EVERYTHING Jesus taught in the Bible: both everything about LOVE --AND also-- about Jesus being "the ONLY way" (i.e.- no 'other' way/all other gods="false" -New Testament).

Question 1: Would you say that such a Christian is a "bigot"?
Question 2: If you do believe they are truly a bigot, why would you engage in name calling?
Question 3: Moral relativism is the belief that "what may be right for you may not be right for someone else". Moral relativism denies one absolute truth (example: Jesus' claim of being the "only" salvation). Do you think it is bigoted to claim moral relativism is the only way by being intolerant of those religions that claim absolute truth instead?

Thanks, peace to everyone :)

I also wanted mention that the same Christian never tells anyone they'll go to hell, and doesn't believe either way regarding that topic :)
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I suppose the reason why I mention this whole thing is because on the internet, I've found that others state their opinions, but so often when Christians state what they believe, they are called bigots because they believe in one absolute truth for all. I'm a nice person, but I've been so hurt by pagans in particular, by the name calling, when I would never call anyone else a mean name. I just believe Jesus when he said he's the only way. But I don't ever force my beliefs on anyone. That would be rude. But nevertheless, it seems as long as a Christian stays quiet, they won't have to fear being called a bigot. I don't know. All the name calling in this world is so sad :(

Answer 1

1. I would respect his right to believe what he wishes, but I would not respect his beliefs because in a way they are .

2. No, I dont reduce myself to name calling. It serves no propose in intelligent conversation.

3. Now that is a good question. I guess in a way everyone is bigoted in some part of what they believe. As long as they do not force those beliefs on me I am fine with it.

Answer 2

1. Well, technically - yes. That is bigotry.

The definition of Bigot is:
– a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion.

If you believe your way is the only way and won't tolerate any other belief or opinion regarding the matter - that's bigotry.

2. I try not to name call. Usually when I run across someone who's a bigot, I ignore them.

3. I do believe in Moral Relativism, and that includes the belief that people who think that their way is the only way have that right to their opinion. :) I am not intolerant to those who practice "absolute truth" religions. I may not aggre with them, but I do tolerate them.

Answer 3

Interesting Question.
1. No (after rereading the definition, Bigot: a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices
- Britannica. The man described above is not being intolerant.

2. I do not understand why my belief in him being a bigot is relevant in my action to call someone names. Other than a hidden attempt to try to prove who is morally superior.

3. In response to "what may be right for you may not be right for someone else", this is another way of saying that a person's perception is their reality. So that person's claim of being the only way is no different from the Christian you mention above. Both perspectives believe their way is correct. Bigotry appears when one or both are intolerant of the opposed view.

(I had a hard time understanding your wording. I hope I answered your question clearly).

Peace to you as well.

Answer 4

Look there are much deeper meanings involved in religion than what usually meets the eye. Jesus's saying that hes the only way to the Lord should be taken within a context.

For one thing, he was the one which was sent by God during a specific time. Since he was given the responsibility to preach alone, that made him literally the only way to God, because he was the only one who KNEW the truth, the jews had corrupted Moses's message.

But that does not mean that those who follow Moses's message properly are doomed to hell. Because Moses was God sent too.

I rather think of monotheism like a Windows update.

I mean if Windows sent another OS because the previous one was compromised...all Id have to do is update my pc with the current one.

And not to break your bubble but God did send a very LARGE number of messengers previously before Jesus.

Answer 5

A bigot in the commonly used sense is someone who hates or is intolerant of other groups. Therefore, I would say that christians you described are not bigots. Neither are the people who disagree with them. Bigotry comes from acting on beliefs.

I have no problem with your believing that I, as an Atheist, will go to hell. It's when you (or your hypothetical christian) start telling me that I'm going to hell because I don't believe in the risen christ that I want to tell you that you are going to die and rot just like Jesus did. That my not exactly be bigotry but it comes closer to it. On both sides.

Answer 6

1. They're not a bigot unless they think that others are inferior to them. (They might be a "jerk" if they don't shut up about it when ppl tell em to, but they're not a bigot)

2. If someone is really a bigot (for instance, calling a black person a n-word) then yes, it is important to stand up to that. I would stand up against bigotry. I wouldn't name-call, however.

3. Moral relativism isn't any more bigoted than being born again.

Answer 7

1.) No.
2.) Maybe, but the character you described does not sound like a hypocrite or a bigot.
3.) I don't really understand the question.

Answer 8

nicely gosh, if the bible talks approximately homosexuality than that in simple terms proves it is going to have been around for an prolonged time! i assume that's organic isn't it! If absolutely everyone did what the bible mentioned existence could be uninteresting...there could be no selection or conflict. there is fairly no such ingredient as Utopia however...

Answer 9

A bigot is intolerant and does not promote freedom of speech.

And that type of person is just too deluded, and delusion shall eventually lead to bigotry

Answer 10

Think of it this way. If a Buddhist (just picking a random different belief system) were to go around telling everyone their beliefs were wrong and unless they became Buddhist they would go to hell, how would you feel about them? Especially if they offered this information unsolicited. Wouldn't you prefer them to live their beliefs for themselves and respect your right to your own? If you were interested in being Buddhist you would seek that info. yourself right?