While the prevailing theme of these posts is predominately Christian, there is little doubt that world-wide, there is a wide variety of beliefs regarding human connections to the Creator and the fate of those who pass through death’s door. From a purely Christian standpoint, the statement attributed to Jesus, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” seems to rule out any other religion for those who hope to enjoy a continuing existence after death.

For those of us who struggle to justify our logic with our efforts to embrace faith, this seems to be in direct conflict with the idea of a loving God. Would a loving God reject those who never had the chance to experience the Christian faith?

Perhaps there is another answer. If we accept the idea that Jesus is essentially the gatekeeper to the heavenly afterlife, is it possible that there are many paths that eventually lead to that gate, and it is at that point that souls find their opportunity to encounter and accept Jesus and gain access?

When we reflect on the incredible volume of mysteries of our existence, we must concede that we need to accept the possibility that the principles of Christianity, or any other religion, simply don’t reveal the whole story.

Perhaps the simplest truth is that all of humanity instinctively knows that there is more to our existence than the physical world, and just as instinctively, seeks to connect to the source. The confusion comes from the fact that we are handicapped by the limitations of the human form. As a result, humanity “invents” forms of worship in a never-ending effort to make that connection. At the same time, we explore other possible concepts such as numerology, astrology, and other mystical avenues, each with its own hint of being a part of the whole picture.

Rather than outright rejecting alternate “flavors” of faith, we might recognize and appreciate the effort and, like choosing a variety of foods from the market, recognize that all paths ultimately lead to the same “checkout.” All ultimately lead to the Gatekeeper.

Along the way, human nature and curiosity may lead to exploring other beliefs. Perhaps that impulse is part of the human experience as we strive to grow, learn, and embrace bits and pieces of the vast mystery of our existence.