From my understanding (and probably yours as well), one of the hallmarks of Jesus’ life was his radical love and inclusivity. He touched those condemned as untouchable and cared for those deemed unworthy of care.
And yet, John 14:6 – a passage quoted often by fundamentalists seeming to say that the only path to God is through believing in Jesus – flies smack in the face of that concept.
My friend Rev. David Moorman, of the United Methodist Church, helped me to understand that this passage of the Bible is simply and widely misinterpreted. (Note: Dave credits Marcus Borg for this insight.)
Here’s the original text:
Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but through me. (John 14:6)
Most folk who misread this text simply don’t understand the mathematical rule called the transitive property, which states that if A=B and B=C then A=C.
(For those of you who don’t know: I’m back in graduate school these days to get a Master’s degree in Education. As part of that process, I’m teaching high school math… therefore, the math analogy is doubly fitting.)
Let’s use some simple variables: X = way; Y = truth; Z = life.
- Jesus said, “I am X, Y, and Z.”
- Jesus said, “No one gets to be with God except through me.”
- The way to be with God, therefore, is to through X, Y, and Z.
The way to be with God, no matter your theology, is by following a path, investigating and living the truths found, and fully living your life.
Now that makes sense.
As Dave said, “No one gets to God by quoting a passage incorrectly!”
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
Thank you, Dave, for clearing that up.
Spiritual-Religious thought for the week: go on your way, cherish truths, and fully live.
With love,
Rabbi Brian
