One Third?

The chart above shows a breakdown of all the religions in the world. This chart often bothers me. Okay, not this exact chart, but a similar chart that resides in my mind. There have been times that I have traveled to China (work related) and have often found myself sitting in a taxi sometimes traveling to or through Shanghai, Beijing, or Tianjin. As I look out of the taxi's window through China’s haze of smog, I am most greatly struck with China’s unmatched massive population (although, I think India is a close second). People are everywhere: walking, driving cars, riding bikes, etc. I have also met various individuals in China and have made good lasting friendships. These friendships have mitigated my original thoughts created by China’s massive population, and have built in them a foundation laid with family values, kindness, and love.

These two thoughts (population and friendship) rightly tug at my Christian beliefs and can propagate faithlessness in God. Jesus said in John 14:26, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” How can the god of the bible be JUST when over one billion people in China do not profess Jesus’ name? People that are just as loving/unloving as Americans. I find this to be the greatest obstacle to believing in the claims of Jesus.

I have recently listened again to the 1997, Top Five Questions from University of Iowa Students by William Lane Craig with Ravi Zacharias. This is an 89 minute broadcast that I have heard more than a couple of times. I am very drawn to what William Lane Craig says in the last few minutes of the broadcast (1:25:40 to the end). He first points to a strange possibility that relates to one of his favorite topics, middle knowledge, but he then speaks of specific evidence given to each person and the responsibility of their choices which they make regarding this specific evidence. I like William Lane Craig’s latter remark, but I still struggle with the loose ends, and there will always be loose ends.

It seems to me that faith must always be greater than the answers. I can hear the answers and feel better, but given time, I will be right back where I started, doubting the evidence and asking difficult questions.

Concerning the one billion plus non-proclaiming Christians in China: I find I must have faith that God’s thoughts are far above ours and that his loving kindness and grace will always far exceed ours; that God's grace will even cover over those not introduced to the bible. And I will continually hope that his grace will cover the sin of all.

Therefore it is hope in the character of Jesus (who he was on earth) that gives me hope while traveling in a taxi somewhere half way around the world.

Romans 5:17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned (A)through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will (B)reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.