PoliBlog
June 03, 2009
Our Muslim Brothers and Sisters
[The following statistic is out of my imagination]:
99.9% of Muslims believe (I think justifiably) that they are worshiping the One, true God (there is only One you know). Is it not our obligation as Christians to devise ways (2Samuel 14:14) to dialog, with true respect and listening ears–open to their culture and love of God, and to share, in DEED more so than word, our love and adoration for the one-and-only Savior, Jesus (whom most of them do not reject outright) in a way that corresponds with the spirit of inclusion that Jesus himSelf lived while in an earth suit? Isn't our revelation in fact "penultimate" in the sense that God still has the final say on who God chooses to accept or reject? Just thinkin out loud.
What think ye?
Kirk, can you say what you meant in laymens terms? I think I understand, but you went a little over my head.
Sincerely thanks.
Posted by: Zee | June 03, 2009 at 01:55 AM
If college has taught me anything (other than how to spend an inordinate amount of money in four years), it's that there's beauty in the religious differences you cite. Though I grew up Christian, and adamantly believe that Jesus is the way, truth, and light, I can also vibe with my Muslim friends at school who profess similar unshakable faith.
Granted, it does put me in a hard spot. On the one hand, I feel like I shouldn't push my faith on others (especially if they don't do the same to me), and on the other I'm seemingly instructed to bring the word of Christ to all I can.
It's a hard tightrope to walk, but I think at the end of the day you're right. Our will in all of this is indeed penultimate to God's. He/She alone can answer for why (or how) two people can hold such diametrically opposed religious viewpoints...in addition, God alone holds the opportunity for judgment. So I have to leave it in His hands. At the end of the day, I hope it's not too much to ask God for mercy on the souls' of everyone, regardless of religious denomination.
Sorry for the rant...just been thinking about this issue for a while.
And lol at--"The following statistic is out of my imagination"
Posted by: Joe E | June 03, 2009 at 01:57 AM
I believe my role is to love God with all my heart, soul & mind; and to love other human beings as I love myself, as God loves each & every one of us.
It is NOT my role to judge anyone else's belief. That is reserved for the all knowing, all loving God.
I believe God is mighty & wonderous beyond my wildest imagination, revealing God's self to each person. Those revelations may come to us in a myriad of forms & be known by a variety of names.
I believe God creates & celebrates diversity in all kinds of ways. Look at the diversity in virtually every aspect of of the world around us.
If God indeed loves such diversity, then it seems to me that God might very well provide diverse ways of knowing God. I think God is too big to fit inside any one religion's box.
Each person has to decide for herself or himself. While I have chosen to follow a particular faith tradition (i.e., Christianity), I am willing to allow others to chose their traditions & find their ways to God.
I have dear friends who are Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist. They are some of the most loving, kind & compassionate people I know. I am inspired by them & learn from them.
I think of religious traditions as many paths leading to the same destination. My hope is to make the most of the journey & embrace the travelers I meet along the way. And I trust that God is traveling with us.
Posted by: Juana | June 03, 2009 at 08:18 AM
I joyfully agree with most of what is offered here in the spirit of openess and acceptance because what we share of Christ is indeed the love, grace, mercy, joy, peace, acceptance, wholeness and life that we have found as followers of biblical Jesus. It does not mean, however that I should not carefully and thoughtfully, with the utmost respect express openly that I affirm the clear perspective of the bible, concerning Jesus as the way of reconciliation. I respectfully submit that it is not quite so narrow a tightrope, if we present ourselves honestly willing to listen to the perspectives, and opinions of others, and demonstrate gentleness and concern for them as well as respect for their passionate love for God, while offering that perhaps there are truths that we are witness to that they may not have considered, and share those truths soberly and thoughtfully. If they prefer not to investigate, so be it, but there is never harm in making the offer when the matter is of life and death. We should never err so much on the side of caution that we are unclear, or appear unpersuaded. Would you consider your self pushing fresh bread on a starving person earnestly searching in want of something to eat? Never shrink from the sharing of the whole truth of the gospel, while remembering that it is not our own goodness or worth that purchased our redemption, but the blood of the sinless lamb of God shed on our behalf in mercy and love, going where we could not go, and doing what we could not do, while we were yet sinners. Exercise righteous and prudent judgement with regard to others beliefs, while demonstrating that you understand the boundaries of personal choice and the same free will that we possess is also a possession of theirs. Never argue, but trust the Spirit as you seek to share, leaving the convincing to Him. We can never go wrong following the lead of the Spirit, and the Spirit will always express Himself with clarity, mercy and love. Not love as the world loves, but the agape of God, and please forgive my long-windedness… peace and grace!
Posted by: groberts | June 23, 2009 at 10:27 PM