Throughout the month of January and much of February we are on a journey of exploring our world religions. Together, on Sunday mornings, we are looking at the world’s five major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity. In the introduction of this series I ask the congregation four vital questions. 1) Why are there so many different religions?
2) How should Christians view other religions?
2) How should Christians view other religions?
3) How is God at work in other religions?
4) What is the fate of those who earnestly pursue God through other religions?
I want to answer those questions briefly here and then encourage you to do some reading on your own about the other religions of our world.
If we have one true God, then why are there so many different religions in our world? Wouldn’t it be easier if there were one religion, one path, one understanding…? Certainly this would help remove some of the confusion as well as conflict that stems from the ardor of religious beliefs. The different religions arise from the many different cultures and ways of looking at and understanding God. Think of a movie you and a friend recently went to. Each of you leaves the movie with different perspectives and understandings, points of emphasis… yet it was the same movie you watched. Religion is something like that. We each come away with a different understanding and perspective.
How should we view other religions? It is important for us to remember the beliefs held by most persons of other religions are as sacred and important to them as our Christian beliefs are to us. We must respect all persons as we seek to learn about the beliefs of other faiths. Too, we can learn something from the other religions that will help us in our own Christian faith.
How is God at work in other religions? Two biblical stories come to mind when I think of this question. The first is the story of the Magi who followed the star signifying the birth of Jesus. The Magi were neither descendants of Abraham nor followers of Moses. But God spoke to them in a way they would understand. They followed God’s sign in the heavens which led them to Jesus. The other story that comes to mind is that of Hagar and Ishmael. God promised to make Ishmael into a great nation. This is a promise our Arab and Muslim friends believe was fulfilled in them. God speaks to us in many ways. The question is, are we listening?
Lastly, what is the fate of those of other religions earnestly pursuing God? I think of the Hindus, Buddhists and Islam experts, I have met with in study for this series and have come to understand, they worship and follow the One True God, the same as we do. While they may go about it a bit differently and have a different perspective– the essential worship is the same. While Jesus did say, “No one comes to the Father except through me” perhaps believe one way to interpret this is, while the merits of Christ’s death are important for all persons to enter heaven, it is up to God to apply those merits as he chooses. If a faithful Hindu never has an opportunity to know Christ, should he be barred from an eternal relationship with God? If a mentally handicapped child dies without ever knowing the truth Christ has to offer, should that child not receive the grace and blessings of Christ?
I believe for those who are not Christians, but strive to live in honor of God and to follow God, will receive God’s mercy and be lifted up before Jesus Christ to receive his grace.
If we have one true God, then why are there so many different religions in our world? Wouldn’t it be easier if there were one religion, one path, one understanding…? Certainly this would help remove some of the confusion as well as conflict that stems from the ardor of religious beliefs. The different religions arise from the many different cultures and ways of looking at and understanding God. Think of a movie you and a friend recently went to. Each of you leaves the movie with different perspectives and understandings, points of emphasis… yet it was the same movie you watched. Religion is something like that. We each come away with a different understanding and perspective.
How should we view other religions? It is important for us to remember the beliefs held by most persons of other religions are as sacred and important to them as our Christian beliefs are to us. We must respect all persons as we seek to learn about the beliefs of other faiths. Too, we can learn something from the other religions that will help us in our own Christian faith.
How is God at work in other religions? Two biblical stories come to mind when I think of this question. The first is the story of the Magi who followed the star signifying the birth of Jesus. The Magi were neither descendants of Abraham nor followers of Moses. But God spoke to them in a way they would understand. They followed God’s sign in the heavens which led them to Jesus. The other story that comes to mind is that of Hagar and Ishmael. God promised to make Ishmael into a great nation. This is a promise our Arab and Muslim friends believe was fulfilled in them. God speaks to us in many ways. The question is, are we listening?
Lastly, what is the fate of those of other religions earnestly pursuing God? I think of the Hindus, Buddhists and Islam experts, I have met with in study for this series and have come to understand, they worship and follow the One True God, the same as we do. While they may go about it a bit differently and have a different perspective– the essential worship is the same. While Jesus did say, “No one comes to the Father except through me” perhaps believe one way to interpret this is, while the merits of Christ’s death are important for all persons to enter heaven, it is up to God to apply those merits as he chooses. If a faithful Hindu never has an opportunity to know Christ, should he be barred from an eternal relationship with God? If a mentally handicapped child dies without ever knowing the truth Christ has to offer, should that child not receive the grace and blessings of Christ?
I believe for those who are not Christians, but strive to live in honor of God and to follow God, will receive God’s mercy and be lifted up before Jesus Christ to receive his grace.
Here's my question to you! How would you answer the four questions I posed? What do you think of other religions in the world? If you are not a Christian (or follower of Christ) how do you view - what do you think of - Christianity?
Peace out friends,
Patrick
No comments:
Post a Comment