This past month, when several prominent leaders from the Charismatic church met with Pope Francis on the topic of unity in the body of Christ, Mike Bickle (director of the International House of Prayer of Kansas City) took a moment in the discussion to pointedly ask the pontiff his views on the errors of universalism and the idea that ‘all paths lead to God’. Mike’s report was that the Pontiff affirmed that Jesus was, indeed, the only way of salvation.
But, unfortunately, it leaves one to wonder what it all means. The very fact that Mike Bickle even had to ask is grounds to know that something is wrong, regardless whatever direct answer he was given.
The truth is, over the three years of his pontificate Pope Francis’ has done little to reinforce doctrine, but rather has, in many ways, diminished it. Instead of defending the faith, he has choosen “dialogue”, and at times, even apologized for the tradition and church history. The object here is not to point fingers, or raise a “railing accusation”, but simply to ask questions–the same questions Mike Bickle asked, but deeper. An accuser is often only the tool of evil (Proverbs 6:16-18), but we are called to test and prove all things, to use righteous judgment, and to guard the flock from wolves and false teaching. We ask in order that we may hold fast to the good and reject what isn’t.