One Road

When I first read this book two summers ago, I was reading part of it to a 14-year-old boy as we sat on the playground. There wasn't much going on, so he asked me to read aloud. I was at the part where Piscine is exploring all the different religions, and as I read, I could tell that my friend, who had grown up in a pretty sheltered Christian environment, was uncomfortable. I stopped, and as we talked, he was wrestling with the way it seemed the author believed all roads lead to God. I told him that I also did not like this viewpoint but that I was still able to read the book and enjoy it, even though I didn't agree. I realized that day that a 14-year-old is not mature enough to read critically in this way.

If all roads lead to God and Piscine can expect to choose any one or a combination of them all, then Jesus' work on the cross is nullified, His resurrection has no meaning, and we can have no confidence in the faith we profess.