Why Being Agnostic or a Universalist Seems Safe—But is it?

For many educated individuals today, identifying as agnostic or a universalist feels like the safest intellectual and social position. The reasoning is compelling: agnosticism lets you sidestep the debate on whether God exists, while universalism allows you to embrace all beliefs as equally valid, sidestepping exclusivity. Add secularism to the mix, with its cultural dominance in academia and the arts, and it’s easy to see why following Jesus—a path that unapologetically claims He is the only way to God—is often dismissed as outdated, intolerant, or even intellectually dishonest.

But is the "safe" position really as safe as it seems? And how should we, as followers of Christ, respond?

Why It Feels Safe to Stay on the Fence

In my experience—both from my background as a Muslim and my journey to becoming a follower of Christ—I’ve seen that agnosticism and universalism offer a kind of intellectual refuge. You don’t have to commit to the hard questions about life, death, and eternity. You can admire Jesus without taking His claims seriously, or respect all religions without challenging any of them.

For many, this approach fits neatly with the modern ethos of “live and let live.” Who wants to be seen as the person rocking the boat in an age of tolerance? Besides, saying “I don’t know” or “everyone’s path is valid” is far less confrontational than saying, “Jesus is King”

The Underlying Fear: Commitment to Truth

But here’s the catch: the appeal of agnosticism and universalism often stems from a fear of commitment to ultimate truth. If Jesus is who He claimed to be, then neutrality is no longer an option. His claim, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6), is either true or false. If it’s true, then it changes everything—our priorities, our relationships, our purpose.

For many, the cost of embracing this truth feels too high. It’s safer to stay on the fence. But as C.S. Lewis famously said, "Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important."

Why Secularism Feels So Popular

The growing popularity of secularism adds another layer of pressure. Being a follower of Jesus is not just unpopular; it’s often seen as anti-intellectual. Modern culture equates faith with naivety and secularism with sophistication.

This creates an unspoken challenge: If the “smart” people are secular, who wants to risk being labeled as naïve? It’s easier to adopt a secular outlook, sprinkle in some universalist or agnostic ideas, and avoid the discomfort of standing out.

How Do We Share the Hope of the Gospel in This Climate?

The challenge for followers of Jesus today isn’t just to share the gospel—it’s to do so in a way that resonates with both the intellect and the heart. Many people on the fence between belief and skepticism see following Christ as incompatible with being a modern, educated person. To them, faith feels like a relic of the past, disconnected from the complexity of today’s world.

But the truth is, following Christ and being a thoughtful, modern person are not in conflict. Jesus Himself invited both the heart and the mind into His message. He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). He never asked us to check our intellect at the door or to suppress our emotions. Instead, His call is holistic, speaking to the entire person.

To engage with those on the fence, we need to embrace this dual approach—one that combines intellectual integrity with emotional intelligence.

1. The Intellectual Appeal: Faith That Stands Up to Scrutiny

Faith in Jesus is not blind or anti-intellectual. Christianity has a rich intellectual tradition, supported by robust philosophical, historical, and scientific evidence. Engaging the intellect means being prepared to answer tough questions about faith with humility and respect, whether they’re about the reliability of Scripture, the existence of God, or the problem of suffering.

For example:

• The resurrection of Jesus, central to Christianity, is supported by historical evidence that can be examined and debated.

• The moral and philosophical coherence of Jesus' teachings has stood the test of time, inspiring thinkers, scientists, and leaders throughout history.

But intellectual engagement isn’t about winning debates. It’s about demonstrating that Christianity is not a leap into the dark but a step into the light—a worldview that makes sense of reality and offers answers to life’s deepest questions.

2. The Emotional Appeal: A Faith That Meets the Heart’s Longings

While the intellect is crucial, we can’t forget the heart. People aren’t just searching for answers; they’re searching for meaning, hope, and love. And this is where Jesus’ message shines.

Jesus offers a personal relationship with God—a hope that transcends circumstances and a love that meets people where they are. Sharing the gospel means connecting with these universal human desires:

• The longing to be known and loved without conditions.

• The desire for purpose in a chaotic and often cruel world.

• The need for hope that outlasts pain and suffering.

When we approach people with emotional intelligence—understanding their fears, struggles, and desires—we show them that faith is not just about knowing the right things but about experiencing the right relationship.

3. Bridging the Gap: Connecting the Head and the Heart

True transformation happens when the gospel speaks to both the head and the heart. This requires more than intellectual arguments or emotional appeals in isolation—it calls for a compelling blend of the two.

For example:

• When discussing the exclusivity of Jesus, we can explain why His claim makes sense (intellect) while also sharing how His love has transformed our lives (emotion).

• When talking about suffering, we can explore the philosophical problem of evil (intellect) and testify to the comfort and strength we’ve found in Jesus during our own struggles (emotion).

This approach models a faith that is not just rational but deeply relational—grounded in truth and overflowing with love.

Hope for the Hesitant

If you’re reading this as someone who feels safer in agnosticism or universalism, I get it. I’ve been there, questioning, wrestling, and seeking refuge in the “neutral” zone. But I can tell you this: the safety of those positions is an illusion. They offer comfort for a season but no answers for eternity.

Jesus doesn’t promise a comfortable life, but He does promise something far better: a life full of purpose, peace, and hope that transcends anything this world can offer. His claims may be exclusive, but His invitation is radically inclusive. He doesn’t just invite you to believe; He invites you to belong—to Him, to His family, to a life of meaning.

So let’s not be afraid to have these conversations. Let’s meet people where they are, offering not condemnation but the love and truth of Jesus. Because in Him, the search for safety ends, and the journey to true freedom begins.