The only way to God?

By Bree Alten

New Thought News Service

In the cool of the Melbourne morning, as thousands of Parliament participants rush off to morning devotions and meditations, a different point of view is on display outside the convention center's glass wall. 

Dr. Dallas Clarnette and Peter Stokes are two of the handful of Christians inspired to voice their opinions through large bold banners, one of which reads, "Don't trust religions, Trust Jesus Christ only."

Stokes is troubled by the interfaith dialogue aspect of the Parliament. 

"The interfaith movements are dummying down all religions into one, when Jesus Christ is the only way to God," he said.

He believes the Parliament is a pretense for salesmanship.
"People keep saying they're coming together for peace and unity, but let's get real here," Stokes said. This is the perfect place to solicit your religion." 
Clarnette's view is that there are many false gods, and that participants in the Parliament are calling Jesus a liar. Jesus, he contends, is the only true way to God; Parliament delegates often are entertaining other ideas. 
"Jesus plainly said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me," Clarnette said. "We're not trying to beat people over the head here, but it is our duty to introduce Jesus to the world. We must earn our salvation." 
A brochure produced by the group explains their concerns with the approach taken by the Parliament (PWR)  as they see it:

• The PWR reduces all religions to the same level, but Christianity says Jesus is Lord of All.
• The PWR says all religions share in the truth, while Christianity says it is the truth.
• The PWR is polytheistic, which means it believes there are many gods. Christianity says there is only one God, the Creator of all things. Jews, Muslims and Christians all believe in only one God, however Jews do not believe Jesus is their Messiah and Muslims do not believe Jesus is God. 
• The PWR denies Jesus is either Messiah or God.

This perspective seemed of little relevance to Christians gathered inside. Delegate Catherine Roberts voiced her opinion above the happy din gathered for an interfaith youth dialogue. 
"I'm keen to come learn, meet, expand, and share," she said. "We have to, don't we?"