[Daniel]

Originally Posted by andrewlittle

Technically, for what that is worth, the Greek reads ego eimi with eimi being a verb in the present tense. The best translation I've found is "I am the one who is", which is similar to God's claim to divinity. The first part of the sentence would be, then, "I am the one who is the way, the truth and the light, ..." but as has been mentioned in a somewhat esoteric sense. Claim to divinity - maybe. Claim to universality - maybe. Claim to exclusivity - not there.

I like the way you put it Andy, that is, "Claim to exclusivity- not there." That says a mouthful. What does one do with this? How about not let others bludgeon one with their narrow view for starters? This My Way or the highway attitude.

Originally Posted by andrewlittle

As to the rest of the sentence and the interpretation of the Gnosticland Express (btw, John is about as Gnostic as they come):

I think Elaine Pagels mentions this in several of her books. I'd forgotten that.

Originally Posted by andrewlittle

Erchetai is, indeed, present tense. Greek verb tenses are all about action - most notably about when actions occur. The present tense denotes ongoing present action that is not finished - in essence, it is happening in real time. There are other tenses (aorist & imperfect) that signify action that may continue into the future. The article is right, therefore, in that it would be difficult to interpret this as continuing for all time.

It seems that Greek verbs are very different than English ones- much more particular in fact. The difficulty then seems to be one of interposing the meaning of one language for another.

I once had a teacher who remarked that "you think differently in different languages."

Originally Posted by andrewlittle

Throughout scripture Jesus points the way to God, not to himself. All glory is to God - all worship is of God. Christ-centric worship is a later development. The sense is that Jesus is a way to God, but nowhere have I read anything compelling that says Jesus is the only way to God. I accept that Jesus is MY way to God, but that my way is not to be universalized.

Christ-centric worship came later, huh? You remind me of the veneration of Mary. That came later too. And it's still with us, as far as the Catholic Church is concerned.

Originally Posted by andrewlittle

Does this add anything to the conversation?

Most definitely!

Practically speaking, it gives me something to say when this verse comes flying out around the dinner table at family gatherings. And it will (and has), especially as most of my siblings are firmly right of center as far as their expression of faith goes. Missionary brother et al.

What I don't understand is the need to pound away on others with 'you have to believe this or else!' Is it a safety in numbers, herd mentality thing? A we belong to the right club, have the Cadillac of saviors, my dad can beat your dad matter?

I guess this is what I am trying to understand.