On April 27, in the God for Dummies series, we will be looking at the widely held belief that "All religions are basically the same." Instead of talking about that by just teaching, we have invited representatives from Islam, Judaism and Hinduism to come and share what they believe and allow people to see the obvious differences.
It's been interesting to me, as we have contacted people from these other religions and told them what we were doing, to listen to their responses. They have been very helpful, very gracious, and very anxious to participate. In one conversation one of the people was asking me about our church and if we believed that all religions were the same. I told her that we didn't, but that we didn't believe that kept us from treating each other with respect and from working together where we can. Immediately her interest in participating in our panel increased. She said that's what she thought as well. "We shouldn't try and act as if there aren't differences, but we still can love and respect each other." Then as we talked about the panel, it became clear that she was friends with one of the other panelists from a different religion and has traveled overseas with him and his wife. She also offered to help us find a speaker to represent another religion. As Jason and I left the meeting, we remarked how sad it was that people with so many deeply held differences can get along so well - while most of us who follow Jesus can't get along with each other even though we hold 98% of the same beliefs.
As I spent the last few days thinking about that, I also thought about a conversation I have been having with a young lady who is trying to decide whether to follow the way of Islam or the way of Christ. When it comes to basic beliefs, she leans toward Christianity; but when she looks at the people she knows who follow each faith system, it causes her to lean toward Islam. She talks about how nice and kind the followers of Islam have been to her and that she hasn't always received that from Christians.
Now I'm a pastor - a professional Christian - and my experience is that some of the meanest people I know are leaders in churches. Why is it that we can't get along with each other or apparently with anyone else? Before you go nuts, I know this is painting on a small canvas with a broad brush. Yes, some of the most loving people I know are leaders in churches. But it is getting harder and harder for those voices to be heard in our world by people who don't know us. I don't like this, but it is my experience.
3 comments:
I am really looking forward to the panel on the 27th. Ever since my "Religions of the world" class, and from my time in Iraq I have been fascinated with learning about other religions and other cultures.I have always believed that people can disagree without being disagreeable. I think there is always room for people of different faiths to come together. I don't always agree with my co-workers, but it doesn't stop us from working together.
some how Ed, in this bad experience of yours, I have come to like your job more than the one that I want. How many jobs are out there that you get to try to make peace with your fellow "competition" for say then try to destroy them. That by far is to cool. I am more of a thinker, I like a challenge. To me, I think it is more of a challenge to make peace than to destroy someone. So if your job allows you to go up to all the other religions and invite them to our church to come together...by gosh golly I want your job Ed and where do I sign up man?
Disagreeing without being disagreeable. That is what we need to be seeking to do more often than we do. I can disagree with what a
particular religion may teach about the nature of God but should never sit as judge about the person. Judgment can be something that is very difficult to avoid. We all do it anyway but it does not have to be a condemning attitude.
15 but set apart the Messiah as Lord in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. 16 However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear,[
1 Peter 3:15-16 (HCSB)
Our tendency is to blast those who differ. We hold passionately to the doctrines we have. That is good and should be maintained. They also feel the same way.
People want to say that all religions lead up the same mountain. Those who say this, in my opinion and experience, have never really looked at what other religions teach about God and who and what He is. A simple comparison of religions will quickly reveal the differences. Both cannot be right or true if they are in contradiction to each other. It comes down to whether what a person believes really fits with how things really are and whether they can consistently live their lives in accord with those teachings. One day we will know as we are fully known.
I have found that the Bible and what it reveals about the person of Christ does "fit" with how things are because to know God in Christ is to know reality. This is not some pragmatic hope but something that becomes a reality as life is lived out in this world.
I look forward to the panel and feel that we all will be served well to hear what other believe. It will go far in our being able to communicate the truth of Jesus Christ to those of differing belief systems.
Post a Comment