One Way

William James developed a pragmatic approach to life. Born in New York on this day in 1842, he became one of the world’s leading philosophers and psychologists. While teaching at Harvard University, he expanded his interest in religion. This led to the publishing of two influential books, The Varieties of Religious Experience and a Pluralistic Universe. Here we read ideas that helped pioneer the movement called “Pragmatism.”

These books conveyed his conclusion that there was a similarity in religious views, beliefs, and experiences. He wrote that “the God of our popular Christianity is but one member of a pluralistic system.” To Him, God was “the name not of the whole of things … only of the ideal tendency in things.”

Today, through the influence of James and other thinkers, many people have adopted similar beliefs. Many are convinced that, basically, all religions are the same. Some believe that there is only one God, but that he has many names, and there are many ways of serving him.

But the Bible reminds us that these views are not true. If Christians are not careful, they can start believing this kind of indoctrination, and lose sight of Biblical truth.

When we think of the views of men like James, we need to remember what Jesus said: There is no other way to the Father except through Him. There may be other religions and gods, but there is only One God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. One God of the Bible. One God of our Christian faith. And only one way to God, and that is through Jesus.

In your life, don’t give in to compromise. Dedicate your life to serving Jesus. Make Him your Way, and the only Way. He alone is the Truth! Renew your commitment to Him.