One question that I haven't heard answered is, that if Christ is the only key to heaven, then what happened to all those before Him? What about those who could never hear of Him? Even today there are people in distant corners of the earth, who by no choosing of their own, are seperated from any information about Christ.
Thus, it seems clear that the phrase 'faith in Christ will lead to heaven' is not meant literally, as described throughout the paper.
Another excerpt:
Or this individual may follow the path of monks and evangelicals and devote his life to spreading the word and teachings of God. Individuals who are able to approach very close to God and posses the proper characteristics (as He judges them) may, provided they are willing, become great teachers and holy men and influence millions or even billions of people. Such people arrive few and far between. The Buddha said:
...'I am not the first Buddha Who came upon this earth, nor shall I be the last. In due time another Buddha will arise in the world, a Holy One, a supremely enlightened One, endowed with wisdom in conduct, auspicious knowing the universe, an incomparable leader of men, a Master of angels and mortals. He will reveal to you the same eternal truths which I have taught you. He will preach to you His religion, glorious in its origin, glorious at the climax and glorious at the goal, in spirit and in the letter. He will proclaim a religious life, wholly perfect and pure, such as I now proclaim.' His disciples will number many thousands, while Mine number many hundreds.' (55)
Was he speaking of Jesus, or another prophet? Can he really know? The Bible foretells a future prophet and other religions speak of the future. Most religions were founded by individuals. However, even as these 'prophet' humans work to enact the will of God, they are inextricably a product of their times, culture, and individuality. One must be careful not to loose God's true messages by focusing on the style of their writings, rather then the essence of it. In the future there is no reason to doubt that others will be used by God in similar ways. "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God" (Corinthians 7:20) Jesus said, If anyone chooses to do God's will he will find out whether my my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. (John 6:57)
jay, this also has some reference to what you are saying. That is an interesting idea. I would say that the karma aspect of Buddhism is just as difficult to prove, or rationally conceive, as the idea of eternal heaven and hell from a Christian perspective. I think that one really has to go on faith as to what happens after death. I mean, where can one even start to rationally analyze it?
I believe the only escape from hell or reincarnation, or karma, the outer darkness, the absense of God, or whatever one wishes to call it is true inner repentance, and the mercy of God. Mercy is the escape of karma.