Protestantism

» Brian Tubbs - Good points, but...

Once again, I find myself in a LOT of agreement with you. Legalism is actually easier than grace. In a legalistic environment, people can take comfort in following certain rules and rituals. But in a grace environment, you have to take responsibility not only for your actions but also your attitudes. And you know that what's at stake is a relationship, not merely a destination (i.e., heaven or hell). So, we're in agreement here to a large degree.

Where we differ is that I think it's pretty clear that Jesus is putting himself - the Son of Man, the Son of God - forward as the WAY to having that relationship with the Father. He's not putting himself forward simply as an example, but as a person. HE is truly (in every sense of the words) the "Way, the Truth, and the Life."