Gathering for Feb. 11, 2007

Muhammad says, "As sala'amu alaikum." (I couldn't think of it last week, you'd respond saying, "walaikum as sala'am.") Abraham says, "Shalom aleichem." Jesus says, Matthew 24: 36, "peace be with you." Who offered the best greeting? This question may seem odd since they all said the same thing but, as we continue to assume a posture of openness, respect, and appreciation for other faiths this question is important. In the postmodern age there is a great trend towards syncretism. Put more simply, people tend to become "lumpers." We lump faiths together forming one blended-faith, a sort of spiritual-salad-bar-effect. The notion that "all paths lead to the same God" or "all religions are basically the same" is disrespectful to most world faiths. Islam would agree Jesus was a messenger of God and a great man, but would not recognize him as the son of God, much less the Messiah. Judaism is still waiting on the Messiah, but the early Christianity was inherently Jewish (e.g., Jesus was Jewish, his disciples were Jewish, etc.) There are similarities, but we must avoid the temptation to assume that those similarities in themselves are enough to "lump" without causing offense. If we're not lumping there is a tendency towards extremism and intolerance. Being known as Christian Supremacists is no more desirable than being a "lumper." Both are morally and intellectually lazy! It is a matter of our respecting and claiming our faith, while recognizing similar truths exist in other faiths, that other faiths can offer perspective on our own faith, all while seeking to love our neighbors.

Discussion Questions for this Sunday or to blog about:
-How would you describe your current posture towards other faiths?

-What do you know about other religions?

-Have you had any experiences with other faiths?

-How do you or others prove the validity of your faith?

-Consider the similarities and differences between the various world faiths.