We’ve all seen the “coexist” bumper stickers.
Are you aware of what they mean? There are numerous different versions and renditions, but essentially, each letter represents a major world religion or worldview. Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Wicca, Humanism, and Christianity are normally included.
What is the message?
Is the message we should all love each other and get along? Not likely.
Seems to me the message is each of these options is a valid choice. Each one is just as true as the next one.
This cannot be.
Two precisely stated propositions that contradict one another cannot both be true. It could be that both are wrong. It could be that one option is right while the other option is wrong. But it cannot be that both are right!
Nobody will accept the idea that “2+2=4” is just as true as “2+2=5.”
If one message says Jesus is the only way to salvation, while another says He is not, they cannot both be right.
It is true we are to be peacemakers and we are to love one another (Rom. 12:18; Matt. 5:9; 22:39; Luke 10:29-37; Phil. 2:1-8; etc.).
It is also true that Jesus Christ is the ONLY hope of salvation and true peace (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Phil. 2:9-11; Eph. 2:13-15; 4:4-6; 5:11; etc.).
The goal is not mere coexistence…the goal is for all to know…to love…to name Jesus as Lord and Savior. All else is futility. Don’t believe the myth of “coexist” (cf. 1 Cor. 1:10; 10:21; Luke 12:51; Matt. 10:34).
