MMRC: Eschatology and a United Earth: does our future blind us to opportunities?

Eschatology and a United Earth:
does our future blind us to opportunities?
by Justin D. Long

Part 2: Interfaith dialogue

A case can be easily made for ecumenical dialogue--people of different Christian denominations or traditions discussing the Christian faith. It gets a bit harder when we start considering interfaith dialogue, and particularly a future potential "United Religions Organization." Is this the future we want? What about the Truth? When do we stand up for it?

Interfaith dialogue is when members of different religions (Christian, Muslim, etc) sit down together and discuss their faith in God (or the gods) and how it relates to issues they face every day (e.g. development, human rights, morality, ethics, etc).

There are two fatal mistakes that we as Christians can make on interfaith dialogue:

First, we can assume that EVERY situation should be met with interfaith dialogue (that is, pastors should meet together, and there should be no proclamation to the laity);

Second, we can assume that NO situation calls for interfaith dialogue (we should never speak with pastors of other religions, sharing what we believe and listening to what they believe).

The reality is that there is a middle line, as usual. There are times when it is right and good to sit down and listen to what others think. Such an activity can jog our own thinking, and make us weigh our own beliefs, and sharpen our own apologetic skills - an activity that is never a waste of time. However, there are also times when we must stand up and proclaim the truth, no matter what the outcome.

Interfaith dialogue is an evangelistic tool, just like any other. It is also an opportunity to join hands with others who believe in moral behaviour, human rights, the necessity of development, the terrible nature of poverty and starvation, etc., to right some of the wrongs on the planet. Interfaith dialogue can lead to diplomacy which ends wars. And although we still hold to the belief that Christianity holds the truth, that doesn't mean we can't respect other people and their right to believe what they choose.

We shouldn't shirk from speaking respectfully and peacefully with the pr eachers and theologians of other believers, sharing our thoughts and listening to theirs in equal measure.

Suggestions

Have you ever visited the temple of another faith (e.g. a mosque)? If not, why not? But before you just go out and do it, be sure to connect with organizations that specialize in interfaith dialogue with the religion in question.
Do you know what other religions believe? Or do you just have a vague idea? It might be a good idea to start picking up some books and examining the history and beliefs of other religions. If you're thoroughly grounded in what you believe, don't worry about hearing what others believe--it won't sway you, but it will give you an understanding from which to witness.
Don't oppose dialogue between religious leaders of different faiths on the grounds that the "truth may be watered down" without knowing what is being discussed at the table. Many interfaith conferences are on joint approaches to such great problems as poverty, disease and homelessness, against which all humans everywhere ought in battle.
As much as possible, we should live in peace. That doesn't mean we should flinch from proclaiming the truth, but it does mean we shouldn't go looking for a fight. Share the truth in love, listening to what others believe and use the time to seek "bridges" over which the Gospel may cross.