In the March 13 Community Forum of the News-Press, we were surprised
to find a reader taking issue with one of my sermon titles. Apparently,
Dean Briggs objected to even considering the issue of "What Happens to
People Who Have Never Heard of Jesus."
In response, he asked rather sarcastically what happens to people who
never heard of Gandhi, Buddha, Mozart, Stevie Ray Vaughn or baklava.
At our 5-month-old baby church, the Church at Angeles Crest, we are
very serious about Jesus, so I won't respond in kind to Mr. Briggs.
Gandhi was profoundly influenced by Jesus and we agree that everyone
should enjoy Mozart, Stevie Ray Vaughn and baklava!
What troubles me as a minister is Brigg's last sentence. He says that
"the concept that there are consequences for dying without having ever
heard of Jesus is meaningless." You see, Jesus was emphatic that his
followers spread his gospel to the entire world. He said, "You shall be
my witnesses ... to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Well, why bother?
There were other religions in Jesus' day.
But Jesus knew something many people reject. He said, "I am the way,
the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"
(John 14:6). Now, if Jesus was right, then we must be diligent to tell
everyone about him. Gandhi, Mozart and Buddha now know the importance of
a relationship with Jesus.
This is my prayer for Dean Briggs and, indeed, all of Glendale, that
we might all discover that most important relationship.
JON KARN
Pastor
The Church at Angeles Crest
La Canada Flintridge
