A Buddhist, A Mormon, And An Atheist Were Out In A Boat Fishing
Preaching
Lions And Cows Dining Together
And 111 Other Sermon Ideas
Object:
Purpose Statement: Dialogue with other faiths and denominations leading to better understanding and cooperation should be an important agenda item for Christians, best achieved in a church setting.
Our Bible presents two different thoughts regarding relationships with people of other beliefs or religions. The Old Testament makes a strong point of maintaining isolation from people of other religions, and even suggests persecuting them. As an extreme example, Deuteronomy 17:1-7 recommends executing someone who worships other gods or the moon and stars. The Old Testament writers were worried about the possibility that persons exposed to pagan, primitive, or simply other religions would be led astray from the true faith of the Israelites. They were asked not to marry or associate with people of other faiths, and often they were instructed to kill them. As in many other situations, the New Testament position on this issue differs from the Old Testament. We are to be tolerant, kind, and loving toward others. Acts 5:33-39 presents a good example of how we should relate to people of other religions. Some Jews wanted to kill Christians who appeared as threats to the true faith (a la the Old Testament religion). A very wise Pharisee, Gamaliel, suggested a more tolerant and sensible alternative. He said the Jews shouldn't harm the Christians (v. 38), but leave them alone. If the new faith were false, it would die on its own. But if it were of God, it would be wrong to oppose it (v. 39). As Christians, we should be establishing good relations with people of other religions, as well as with Christians of other denominations. Things to keep in mind:
a. Purpose. As it now stands there are significant barriers and much misunderstanding among Muslims, Jews, Christians, and other religions. There is also suspicion and not enough cooperation between Christians of various denominations. There is so much violence, crime, poverty, and injustice in our world, and the church, because of our unwillingness to cooperate across denominational lines. We lose much of our potential to create communities of peace and justice and alleviate suffering. It is embarrassing and disappointing to realize there are clergy from different Christian churches who cannot meet together even in social fellowship. We must meet and dialogue to learn to trust and love each other.
b. Attitude. When we approach our sisters and brothers of faith, our attitude cannot be suspicious, nor can it be paternalistic. We cannot behave as if we are superior in our doctrine or our morality. Our tolerance should create an atmosphere of openness, trust, and sincere concern. Our goal is not to convert others regardless of what the more conservative among us believe concerning having the only true church. We must listen to other Christians and religious folks as we share our views in an open dialogue.
c. Expectation. I believe Christianity represents the most significant revelation of God and God's will we have. I have read the sacred writings of all major religions and find them incomplete when compared to the teachings of Jesus. Nevertheless, I also believe we have a lot to learn from people of other faiths since we are still struggling with the interpretation of our own scriptures, and they have much truth and love to share. There is a very delicate balance to be maintained. On the one hand, we must firmly believe in our own Christian teachings enough to have a strong, meaningful faith. On the other hand, it must not cause us to be narrow-minded or close-minded. While being very secure in our own faith, we can be open to new thoughts. Finding such a delicate balance is necessary before personal growth will occur.
d. Preparation. Before conversation with others, it is important that we are secure in our own faith. Are we clear or confused? We will find ourselves embarrassed and floundering if we haven't a significant faith. Similar to Gamaliel's advice, if we are secure in our faith, we don't have to worry about being led astray. Our faith should provide answers to any serious challenges, or else its weaknesses need to be exposed.
e. Warning. We may be willing to dialogue, and still find serious resistance and unwillingness from other Christians or those from other faiths. There are some religious groups with the conviction that they are right (and the only ones who are) and others are wrong. In these cases there will be no helpful conversations; we just continue to be loving and cooperative whenever, and with whomever, we can.
Our Bible presents two different thoughts regarding relationships with people of other beliefs or religions. The Old Testament makes a strong point of maintaining isolation from people of other religions, and even suggests persecuting them. As an extreme example, Deuteronomy 17:1-7 recommends executing someone who worships other gods or the moon and stars. The Old Testament writers were worried about the possibility that persons exposed to pagan, primitive, or simply other religions would be led astray from the true faith of the Israelites. They were asked not to marry or associate with people of other faiths, and often they were instructed to kill them. As in many other situations, the New Testament position on this issue differs from the Old Testament. We are to be tolerant, kind, and loving toward others. Acts 5:33-39 presents a good example of how we should relate to people of other religions. Some Jews wanted to kill Christians who appeared as threats to the true faith (a la the Old Testament religion). A very wise Pharisee, Gamaliel, suggested a more tolerant and sensible alternative. He said the Jews shouldn't harm the Christians (v. 38), but leave them alone. If the new faith were false, it would die on its own. But if it were of God, it would be wrong to oppose it (v. 39). As Christians, we should be establishing good relations with people of other religions, as well as with Christians of other denominations. Things to keep in mind:
a. Purpose. As it now stands there are significant barriers and much misunderstanding among Muslims, Jews, Christians, and other religions. There is also suspicion and not enough cooperation between Christians of various denominations. There is so much violence, crime, poverty, and injustice in our world, and the church, because of our unwillingness to cooperate across denominational lines. We lose much of our potential to create communities of peace and justice and alleviate suffering. It is embarrassing and disappointing to realize there are clergy from different Christian churches who cannot meet together even in social fellowship. We must meet and dialogue to learn to trust and love each other.
b. Attitude. When we approach our sisters and brothers of faith, our attitude cannot be suspicious, nor can it be paternalistic. We cannot behave as if we are superior in our doctrine or our morality. Our tolerance should create an atmosphere of openness, trust, and sincere concern. Our goal is not to convert others regardless of what the more conservative among us believe concerning having the only true church. We must listen to other Christians and religious folks as we share our views in an open dialogue.
c. Expectation. I believe Christianity represents the most significant revelation of God and God's will we have. I have read the sacred writings of all major religions and find them incomplete when compared to the teachings of Jesus. Nevertheless, I also believe we have a lot to learn from people of other faiths since we are still struggling with the interpretation of our own scriptures, and they have much truth and love to share. There is a very delicate balance to be maintained. On the one hand, we must firmly believe in our own Christian teachings enough to have a strong, meaningful faith. On the other hand, it must not cause us to be narrow-minded or close-minded. While being very secure in our own faith, we can be open to new thoughts. Finding such a delicate balance is necessary before personal growth will occur.
d. Preparation. Before conversation with others, it is important that we are secure in our own faith. Are we clear or confused? We will find ourselves embarrassed and floundering if we haven't a significant faith. Similar to Gamaliel's advice, if we are secure in our faith, we don't have to worry about being led astray. Our faith should provide answers to any serious challenges, or else its weaknesses need to be exposed.
e. Warning. We may be willing to dialogue, and still find serious resistance and unwillingness from other Christians or those from other faiths. There are some religious groups with the conviction that they are right (and the only ones who are) and others are wrong. In these cases there will be no helpful conversations; we just continue to be loving and cooperative whenever, and with whomever, we can.
