I think due to the pluralistic nature of western culture, this is an dilemma. Naturally this questions many of the tenets of American Evangelical Christianity. Many of the exclusive claims within Christianity are being questions due to many finding many similarities between the various religions. I think this is a positive trend, but also requires a person to know their own religion better.
Recently, I listen to "Finding our God in the Other" a sermon by Samir Selmanovic(http://samirselmanovic.typepad.com/). Selmanovic is a pastor in Manhattan, he grew up Muslim became an Atheist and now is a Christian pastor. That in itself is profound. At times I wonder where I would be if I didn't grow up in a Christian family. Selmanovic proses an interesting question, in Acts 17, Paul is in Athens. Where people are worshiping an unknown God and Paul proceeds to show them they are worshiping the God of Israel. This is a unique take on the passage, but i don't think it is bad hermeneutics. Selmanovic delves into whether we can acknowledge good in other religions. If we can not this naturally is a problem, I have meet many people of other faiths that are wonderful people, can we be better followers of God by seeing good in other religions. I tend to think so. The problem is whether Christianity can become an idol. Many of the Christian doctrines or tenets are not about preaching the resurrection of Christ, but have to do with cultural accepted forms within the church.
I think Christians are guilt for many abuses, as every religion is, but I think those serious about living faithful to God , need other religious communities to hold us in check. The problem I have encountered is that we as Christians do not admit to those abuses. I have little knowledge about other religions, but I know Christianity is based on repentance and forgiveness. In that theme let us ask forgiveness from all the people Christians have demonized and hurt over the years.
If any of you are interesting the sermon it is the Emergent Podcast from February 11/07
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3 comments:
"The problem is whether Christianity can become an idol."
A fascinating and important question! Are our theological concepts and religious identities functioning as 'false gods' in our lives? I don't know how to begin answering that, but I'm glad you're asking the question.
In regards to the Acts 17 passage, I find it rather doubtful that they were worshiping the God of Israel. My understanding of this text was that they were such a pantheistic culture that they were afraid that if they missed a god, they might incur his wrath, so this was like a "back up god" just in case. But I would be interested in hearing the argument behind this -- might have to check out the podcast.
As for your question about good in other religions, I think there is some good. When Muslims give generously to help other struggling Muslims, that is a good thing, for sure.
But I also think about God's take on other religions in the Old Testament. He wanted them wiped out. And in the New Testament, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:20 "The sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not go God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons."
I think we need to keep this in mind as we think about other religions. In terms of how we think about and speak about other religions, I think we can look to Paul as a great example. Paul was not afraid to speak of other religions as demonic, but he was not afraid to look for the good in them in order to build bridges with those who did not believe in God.
So we read that Paul warns Christians that those of other religions are worshiping demons, but when he is actually interacting with those of other religions he is not calling them demon worshipers, but instead looks for the good in their religion so that he can use these things to lead them to Christ.
Is God in every religion? I think I can say this, I believe he is at WORK in every religion, seeking to draw people to an understanding of Jesus and Himself.
Hi Bryan,
Your last post is filled with lots of stuff that deserves a response, so I thought I'd add my two cents.
I'd urge you to be careful about saying other religions are "demonic." I think the matter is more complex than citing a chapter and verse. For example, when Paul talks about "pagans" he certainly is not talking about Jews (and if Muslims were around then, I'm sure he wouldn't lump them in there either).
I also think that our modern category of "religion" is foreign to the world of the Bible. Jesus and Paul didn't have a concept of religion that was separate from politics, economics, ethics, etc etc. All of life was rolled into one piece.
J.
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