Paving the Way with Good Intentions

"It's human to lie. Most of the time we can't even be honest with ourselves."

-Rashomon

So during Bible Study group, we are asked to watch a sermon preached by Henri Nouwen, a very popular Dutch catholic priest and a writer of many books. 

And what was supposed to be a simple straight forward topic about what it means to be a beloved of God and what blessings really are, quickly segue into a heated discussion on whether Henri is even a legit preacher. There are a few dubious points that Henri brings up time and time again which seem to contradict the very core of what Christianity is about.


The very basic understanding about the faith is what Jesus Christ has done on the Cross. Because we are sinners and can't free ourselves from the bondage of sin just by our own efforts, we need Jesus to die on the cross for our sake; without him, we can't have eternal life. That self-sacrificial act plays a huge role in why we believe what we believe.
 
The famous line "I am the way, the truth and the life; No one comes to the Father except through me." speaks for itself. There are no room for negotiation. Jesus is the only way.


Henri, however tend to lean towards a more "inclusive" way of thinking. Without getting too theological and dry, Henri in a nutshell appears to merge some ideas on Hinduism, New Age feel (think Jason Mraz) and a dash of the bible to concoct his brand of ideology. He preaches that everyone is chosen by God and that all of us can be saved. Even without going through the "proper" route so to speak. 

So if let's say a tribal leader in Africa does not speak a word of English and has never spoken to a missionary or a minister of some kind, somehow believes in his heart that there is a God, then he is saved. Now that's just crazy talk.


At the risk of sounding like christians are assholes (ok, there are some but again, another post for another time), hear me out. If we are all to subscribe Henri's way of thinking, then essentially the sacrifice that Jesus made is pointless. Freewill is just non-existent. We don't need to choose because we don't have to. It'll be nice if everyone gets to be in heaven but realistically that can't be the case. Statistically, we know it can't be the case.

If you read more about Henri, you'll find that he has a rough life growing up and I suspect that he never possess any nefarious plan to dupe anyone. I think it's his earnest hope that somehow everyone will get to have salvation and his message is nothing but a feel good placebo.


My point is not to lynch Henri. I feel sorry for him. Because he did touch many people's life and one of our member was ministered by his words. But being a preacher and a popular one at that is a double edge sword. With much power, much is expected (Spiderman!) Because of his breakdown and the desperate search for a spiritual balm for his pained soul, he has created his own version of what he wants to believe and made others believe with him. And we know a great lie is always mixed with the truth.


This is merely a cautionary tale. That no matter how much you may idolize a writer, pastor or any religious leader, remember they are only human. You got to be discerning and be careful with what is being taught. Always ask questions, think it over, chew over the words and ask some more.