Michael’s comment merits a post rather than a simple reply. Thanks for the comment, by the way. Michael says

It still seems pretty obvious to me (from the verses you quoted) that Christianity is the way that is “straight” and “narrow”

The nub of his comment is the word ‘Christianity’ and my use of single inverted commas with that word in my original post. Certainly, those who are not Christians are not on the narrow way. My point is that many who identify themselves as ‘Christian’ are also not on the narrow way.

That brings me to the matter of “false prophets”. Matthew 7:15 seems like a good place to start:

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. [my emphasis]

I’ve added the emphasis because Jesus refers to Himself as the shepherd and his followers as the sheep, as reported, for example, in John 10:14:

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

Paul is more explicit, saying (after a verse which I find difficult to decipher) in II Corinthians 11:13-15:

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; [emphasis added]

and again (in Acts 20:29-30):

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. [my emphasis]

I think we have a hint there of apostasy, also mentioned elsewhere. John writes (I John 2:18-19):

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. [my emphasis]

There are numerous allusions to false doctrine, false teachers and the like. I only want to make the point here that untruth does not exist solely beyond the bounds of what passes for ‘Christianity’. This discussion raises related issues such as how one knows a true believer and how one approaches the scriptures.

I’m willing to be led on the order in which I file posts. If the blog serves even one person other than myself, I’ll be well pleased. The theme of the blog is an enormous one, best consumed by taking one small bite at a time. I began by posting elsewhere. I mention the other blog because it provides access to a masked email address if anyone wants to use that instead of posting. The settings here seem not to allow for an email address which is different from the administrative address.