Yes, I understand your concern, although I don't agree with it. In fact, I have seen Andrew Sullivan on "Real Time with Bill Maher." Here is an exert about him from Wikipedia:
Sullivan is the former editor of The New Republic, known for both his unusual personal-political identity (HIV-positive, homosexual, self-described conservative often at odds with other conservatives, and practicing Roman Catholic), as well has his successful and pioneering efforts in the field of blog journalism.
Although I don' agree with everything he says, I find him to be intelligent and one that communicates his points very well. I also tend to agree with what he has written in this article.
I understand what he's saying. He doesn't have a problem with Christianity.
He has a problem with Christianism, which is Christianity being used as a political force and act as if they speak for all Christians.
Sort of like Islamism, which is Islam being used as a political force.
It does help explain his dislike of any form of Christian absolutism.
He most likely does not subscribe to the view that Jesus is the only way:jesus: .
I think this statement is very telling - and disturbing. It's humanism. It sounds like he's saying followers of all and any religion should be humble and that's the most important thing.
Also, I assume by the phrase "all the great relgious figures," he is including non-Christian religious figures. Sorry, but I don't call any religious figure from a non-Christian religion "great." I used to admire Gandhi, Buddha, Yogananda, Sai Baba, several Zen Buddhist teachers, the Dalai Lama, Choygam Trungpa, Krishnamurti, Muktananda, and many others. But they are (were) all false teachers, lost in spiritual darkness, and, furthermore, are leading (or led) many others into deception. This kind of talk makes me want to throw up.
I believe you are correct that this was written with respect to all religions, not in support of any. Putting aside false teachings and focusing on the premise that along with all religions, Christianity has had a humbling experience -- and that it was needed -- do you agree with the article that religions need humility?
No. Non-Christian religions need Christ. Everything else is irrelevant to that.
Christians need to abide in Christ day by day. It's not a question of a "religion" needing humility. That makes no sense. A religion is a man-based system that seeks to have some sort of god on its own terms.
I agree that religions need humility. You cannot come to Christ without it. You must come to cross of Christ on your knees incomplete humbleness in recognition of your need for redemption because of the sin of your life. But arrogance keeps us of our knees and away from the cross. Jesus is the only way. But I am sure that would be considered arrogant by many.
I agree -- we must approach Him in humility, for our own sins humble us. Whether or not it is considered arrogant by ANY, He is the only way. No man comes to the Father by any other.
Perhaps that singleness of purpose would have the appearance of arrogance to those who neither believe nor wish to understand His will.
Thanks for the comment.
And thank you, too, Marcia.
I agree that the world needs Him -- and pray the message is received.