Hey guys,
I am a Christian and I love Jesus Christ. I do however have a problem with some Christian practices and I have a question...maybe two.
How does God call Christians to engage other faith traditions?
Why are Christians so comfortable openly condemning and criticizing other religions as a means to evangelize?
Anyone have a comment? I mean what does our faith teach us to do?
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"Why are Christians so comfortable openly condemning and criticizing other religions as a means to evangelize?"
ReplyDeleteThinking in terms of psychology and politics, people band together more easily when they have a common goal or enemy (an enemy comes with a goal included at no additional charge--fight it, beat it, win).
Also, looking outward is a lot easier than looking inward. If a person is busy condemning another, he or she is distracted from confronting his or her own sins, weaknesses, failures, shame and guilt.
It's not very exciting or firing up (for most people) to admit fault and ask God for forgiveness or help.
Question: "How does God call Christians to engage other faith traditions?"
ReplyDeleteAnswer: He tells us not to.
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." -Colossians 2:8 Selah
Question: "Why are Christians so comfortable openly condemning and criticizing other religions as a means to evangelize?"
Response:
Only God can condemn. But as followers of Christ, we are instructed to gather our people out of false theologies & corrupt philosophies so that they, too, may know God & live in accordance with His will. So that they, too, may receive the abundance of blessings our God has for us.
Answers:
Ephesians 4:5, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism,"
John 3:18, "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
1 Corinthians 1:10, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."
Note:
If people aren't living in accordance to the will of God, then they won't receive His blessings & they'll be damned to Hell. It's important for true believers to speak out against what is wrong in order to make things right.
Another Answer:
Ezekiel 44:23-24, "And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. (24) And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths."
Shalom
Let me ask you this, Bishop Dorsey: what say ye about Universalism and the Gospel of Inclusion? Particularly in re: Bishop Carlton Pearson's being branded a heretic by the Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops - a spiritual son of Oral Roberts now running with the Unitarian Universalists, losing a 5,000 member church in the process?
ReplyDeleteI believe we are supposed to preach "The Way, the Truth, and the Light" to everyone. However their are many so called Christians who throw our beliefs down peoples throat without any anointing on their preaching. It is an embarassment to those of us who sincerely care about seeing others get saved.Futhermore, Jesus was the prime example of evangelism, He never once threw Himself at people, He always approached them gently, and He ask questions before throwing out commands. So I believe we are to follow Jesus' example and witness out of love and understanding...Josiah Lawhorn
ReplyDeleteWhen Paul, in his letters to the young Timothy, cautions him to be wary of false doctrines and to hold on to *the* faith, Paul was just building Christianity. It was necessary for him to steer Christians in a certain direction so that the religion would not become muddy. There were plenty of other religions and plenty of them were becoming fusions. Just like today, God-seekers wanted to find the *right* way to God, so if another religion came along that made more sense than the last, they would adapt. Today, Christianity is well established, even though there are still many subsets, the question now is, how can one be fully Chrisitianized, yet fully accessible to God-seekers of other religions and the unchurched.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see statistics on how many people are saved by those passionate people who stand on the corner with blow horns and signs, "You're going to hell if you..." Perhaps, these types aren't evangelists per se. Prophets? Either way, if the goal is to make disciples (Matt. 28:19), what is the most effective way to fulfill that commission?
Apparently, I answer questions with questions.
###
I believe the best way to confront other religions is not to condemn them, but simply brag on what Jesus has done for you personally. Brag on what Jesus has done for everyone. Brag on the fact that He rose from the dead and is seated right now on the right hand of the Father. Brag on the fact that He loves everyone and wants everyone to come to repentance and accept Him as their Lord and Savior. Most of all the best way to draw people is to walk the holy love walk. The beauty of holiness, the attractiveness of pure unconditional love will win the lost. Minister Raceal McWhorter
ReplyDeleteUnlike a previous sister, in my view, God does expect Christians to engage other faith traditions. Jesus, the son of God, sent his followers to "go and make disciples of all nations." Matt. 28:19. Surely, Jesus anticipated that some of those he intended us to reach would be of other faith traditions. Moreover, the admonition in Colossians 2:8 is "to beware," not to be silent.
ReplyDeleteNow, in response the question asked: HOW does God call Christians to engage other faith traditions? Simply put, Jesus called us to be Christ-like. Consequently, a Christ-like manner must dictate the how. Rather than condemn, Jesus provided illustration to teach and asked provocative questions. Ultimately, Jesus loved.
"How does God call Christians to engage other faith traditions?"
ReplyDeleteI feel that God welcomes the interaction of other faith traditions in order to test our own faith in Him. Those who have a wavering faith, interaction with other faiths bring temptation to convert. God loves all His children and wants each of us to be strong in our belief in Him and what He has given us. God doesn't want is children to question their faith in Him. He wants His children to be strong in their resolve for Him and have the utmost faith in Him.
"Why are Christians so comfortable openly condemning and criticizing other religions as a means to evangelize?"
Christians are comfortable doing that because the have the strong notion that they are doing God's will by trying to gather the lost sheep toward the path of God. As Christians we are suppose to do this not through condemning and criticism but through testimonials and enlightenment. The more we condemn and criticize other religions the more people will turn away from Christianity and the more other religions will look down on Christians.
@ micheal
ReplyDeleteso are you implying that Christians are wrongly approaching other faith traditions? Are you implying that we should be looking at ourselves and asking God for forgiveness because we look at other faith traditions wrong?
Psychologically, I can understand you statement
Offers some insight to how a Christian should avoid the easy way. I mean are Christians supposed to avoid the easy way?
Let me know
@ cherisse I am interested in the statement "condemned to hell." Are you saying that other religions are condemned to hell?
ReplyDeleteHow do we know who is condemned to hell?
Also, it becomes problematic if we read scripture as if it means the same thing to everyone.
Above you have posted scriptures but I am unclear about what they mean to you.
Let us continue this conversation
Help a brother understand...
I also don't think I agree with everything that you are saying
@Pastor Cager
ReplyDeleteEvery theology has a type of Universalism which as I understand it, asserts that there is a law or standard that can be applied to all.
For example, "In Christianity, Universalism refers to the belief that all humans can be saved through Jesus Christ and eventually come to harmony in God's kingdom." (Wikipedia)
See more about this at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universalism
Carlton Pearson was branded a hertic and his church refused to accept his inclusive and accepting statements. As a result, there is probably theological refuge in a more inclusive or accepting community.
I am by no means saying that "everything goes." There must be a standard.
I am saying however that there is a way to engage other faith traditions. To say that the UU tradition has it figured out is to undermind the efforts of many others.
Carlton's situation has revealed an interesting fact and that is that many Christian traditions have great difficult engaging other traditions.
Consequently, they reject, judge, condemn, isolate, and refuse.
I am just not sure if this is how Jesus would have dealt with the situation. It would seem to me that Jesus would have used another method while still being faithful to his belief.
@josiah Lawhorn
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree that Christians must engage in the ministry of love in order to evangelize or spread the gospel.
My only challenge is if the definition of loving is to force or be aggressive or be intolerant of other traditions.
Like we see above, the definition of love varies in some cases. The definition of the biblical mandate is taken in different ways.
I think this is the challenge.
@ Ebony
ReplyDeleteI think you hit it on the nose. Which method is the most effective?
This answer to this question is subjective. Too many people are certain that they know what is the right way and that right way is there way.
There is no other way to evangelize...there is no other way to engage other traditions...any other way is not like God...
Do we fear other religions? Does the bible teach us to fear other religions? If the bible does, what does the bible tell us to fear about the traditions? the people within them? the signs? the colors? the content?
What?
@ Minister Raceal
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment. I love the "holy love walk" comment but can you comment further on what this is.
You also mention braging about what Jesus has done for you and everyone.
Does everyone include those in other religions? Do you tell the people in the other traditions that Jesus has done something for them?
This is off topic but if you don't brag about Christ around other faith traditions is that denying Christ? Are you still a Christian?
Can a Christain be a Christain (amongst other traditions) without ever mentioning Christ?
@ Mia Shegog-Whitlock
ReplyDeleteYou said something HUGE! You mean we are supposed to ask them questions? That means that we would then have to be in a position to
1 listen to the answer
2 understand how to ask questions
3 know enough about what we believe to entertain questions
The loving thing to do is ask questions? Does love give answers? Does love solve or leave in question?
Wow, i would love to go further into this one
@ anonymous
ReplyDeletehmm
encountering other religions is a test...
condemnation and criticism turns people away and gives Christians a bad name
interesting stuff
@Charisse said "If people aren't living in accordance to the will of God, then they won't receive His blessings & they'll be damned to Hell. It's important for true believers to speak out against what is wrong in order to make things right."
ReplyDeleteI always thought if you took Jesus as your Savior you were saved from Hell and the road to having a relationship with God was open to us through Jesus. Thus, if you don't live in accordance to his teachings, you just have a poorer life than if you were really knowing God and living in a way He would want you to live.
@Charles
"so are you implying that Christians are wrongly approaching other faith traditions? Are you implying that we should be looking at ourselves and asking God for forgiveness because we look at other faith traditions wrong?"
Always, never, and talking about what any group does as if they were a unified entity is always a false start to any question. Please be specific about WHICH Christians and HOW they approach other religions, because I have no idea what you're speaking of =)
And, yes, far too many Christians don't look inward enough. You'll find them vigorously or violently protesting something with the giant poster using a verse out of context.
"Offers some insight to how a Christian should avoid the easy way. I mean are Christians supposed to avoid the easy way?"
HA HA, that's a rhetorical question you're using to make a statement, or get me to make it for you, right? I see what you're doing! ;-) *Life ain't easy for Christians*--expect to be persecuted, punished or shunned to some degree by non-Christians.
Response to Charles Dorsey:
ReplyDeleteI haven't spoken my own opinion, I have only quoted the Word of God, so it's not what I'm saying or what it means to me. It's what GOD is saying & what it actually means (Proverbs 3:5). Okay, my brother, you want to understand, then understand this: according to the Word of GOD, only His people can be saved.
- Matthew 1:21, "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save HIS PEOPLE from their sins."
God only knows His people and He's not concerned with saving the other nations. So then, who are His people?
- Amos 3:1-2, "Hear this word that the LORD hath spoken against you, O children of ISRAEL, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, (2) YOU ONLY have I known of ALL the families of the earth:..."
The children of Israel are God's chosen.
- Isaiah 45:17, "But ISRAEL shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded WORLD without end."
The nation of Israel is the world that God loves and came to die for (John 3:16). Even though it's clear in Isaiah 45:17, let's verify that further.
- Acts 5:31, "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance TO ISRAEL, and forgiveness of sins."
As I've explained to you before, in a past conversation, this is the covenant God made to His people and has been passed down through generations.
- Psalm 105:6-10, "O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen. (7)He is the LORD our God: his judgments are in all the earth.He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.(9)Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;(10)And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:"
How do we know our God hasn't included the other nations in His promise?
- Psalm 147:19-20, "He sheweth his word unto JACOB, his statutes and his judgments unto ISRAEL. (20) He hath NOT dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD."
Now, who are the people that make up the Twelve Tribes of Israel that our God loves so much?
~*~ The 12 Tribes of Israel ~*~
1. so called Negroes: JUDAH
2. so called West Indians: BENJAMIN
3. so called Haitians: LEVI
4. so called Dominicans: SIMEON
5. from Guatemala to Panama: ZEBULON
6. so called Puerto Ricans: EPHRAIM
7. so called Cubans: MANASSEH
8. so called North American Indians: GAD
9. so called Siminole Indians: REUBEN
10. from Argentina to Chile: NAPHTALI
11. from Colombia to Urugray: ASHER
12. so called Mexicans: ISSACHAR
@ Bishop Dorsey: Look at Universalism beyond the strictly Christian sense. Also, look at the following (scroll down to the debate on whether Satan exists). Pearson, Deepak Chopra and some pastors have an interesting discourse.
ReplyDeletehttp://abcnews.go.com/nightline/faceoff
In the 4th video there is a KEY question: "Can you pick and choose what to believe in the Bible?"
That is the crux of (every) argument.
Also, I have a friend who is a staff minister at Mark Driscoll's church (Mars Hill), the other pastor in the video.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am diametrically opposed to Pastor Mark's views on Complimentarianism (and many other things), I give him credit for being one of the few uber-conservative theologians who takes a real world view of issues.
Wow. So much to say. Don't know where to start. Not sure I agree w/ the 12 tribes comment. This implies that all Israelites are of non-European descent. Sounds a little too exclusive for me. What do you say of Paul's discussion of "spiritual" Israel in Romans or where he speaks of Gentiles being grafted into the branch that is known as Israel? Certainly, Jesus died for the sins of the world and not just Israel (in whatever context you understand that to be). Prooftexting scripture can prove problematic when trying to make things "black and white" (no pun intended) when it comes to answering questions. Some great dialogue here. Just leaving my two cents on a subject I thought warranted further explanation.
ReplyDeleteJust curious Charisse: How do you figure those are the 12 tribes discussed in the OT? I have a hard time reconciling that with my understanding of OT texts.
Good questions, Charles. Christianity teaches objectivity. God is objective, yes. People cannot be. We need to comprehend this. I've also found that Christians, in my case, Pentecostals, really don't even know what they believe!!! How many Sunday morning, mega-church Christians you think read the Bible on the regular? So, contending for their own faith against another religion often leads to, "Well, I don't want to argue." Or, some non-answer, instead of responding to others with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
ReplyDelete