Does Brian McLaren Believe that Salvation is Through Jesus Christ Alone?

One mark of the Reformation was the Reformers' emphasis on solus Christus.[1] They literally believed that salvation was found in none other than Jesus Christ, God's only Son, alone. Protestantism has often been defined as well by this Christ-centered mark. McLaren agrees, but extends Christ's "atoning" work to all of humanity, not based on their faith or repentance, but based on God's love, mercy, salvation, etc. encompassing all of humanity. He therefore views the "atonement" of Christ through the lens of common grace although he only uses the term "grace." Therefore, instead of seeking souls with this exclusive gospel message of the Reformers, McLaren argues that, "Missional Christian faith asserts that Jesus did not come to make some people saved and others condemned. Jesus did not come to help some people be right while leaving everyone else to be wrong. Jesus did not come to create another exclusive religion..."[2] So, although Jesus is in a sense the only way, His example and work somehow encompasses the whole of humanity. This assumption is the only alternative if Christ does not demand exclusive rites to individuals through His finished work, but is inclusive of all people regardless of their allegiance.

In another example McLaren has one of his characters named Neil say, "In the long run, I'd have to say that the world is better off for having these religions than having no religions at all, or just one, even if it were ours."[3] Due to the emphasis on good works, McLaren points to morality in other religions and societies as proof for his inclusive Christ.[4] He therefore could honestly say that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone, but based on the evidence, he believes that Christ's work and example is evident in all humanity; and all of the world should get together in peace for the common good of God's kingdom on earth in Christ-like example.

[1] Nichols, The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World, 18.

[2] McLaren, A Generous Orthodoxy, 109.

[3] McLaren, A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey, 63.

[4] McLaren, A Generous Orthodoxy, 263-264.