I have studied religion off and on for many years. I have been involved in several different Christian traditions–Pentecostal, Episcopal, Free Evangelical, Catholic, and Calvary Chapel. I have also studied Hinduism, Buddhism, and more recently the Koran. I am an interspiritual Christian in that I study, experience, and benefit from other religious traditions while remaining faithful to Christianity. I am also an evangelical Christian, although I believe that other religions contain different reflections of divine truth the way a diamond reflects light at different angles.
In order for the human race to survive, Christians need not only to coexist but to cooperate with other religions toward the common goals of peace and social justice. Within Christianity, this is an exciting yet also agonizing time. Many fundamental assumptions of Christianity are being reexamined. It has been called “The Great Emergence” by Phyllis Tickle, and also the “Second Reformation”. Also, many younger evangelical Christians are more concerned about social justice and protecting our planet. It is a hopeful sign; we all want our children’s children to have a world to live in.
Finally, I believe that the book of Revelation was written during a terrible time of persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire. The author was addressing that time. John used apocalyptic images and symbols from Old Testament apocalyptic literature in prophesying the end of the Roman Empire, and a new world in which Christians would be free of persecution. He was not talking about a world two thousand years into his future. The first time I realized this was in reading an out-of-print book called, The Message of Revelation by Cady H. Allen. What this means is that, although our world could end in an apocalypse, it doesn’t have to.
For many years I have felt that end-time preaching is a dangerous, inflammatory, and dubious adventure. One need only visit a used book store to see the outdated books about end-time prophesy. The application of prophesy to tense political situations today is a destabilizing influence at best. Religious leaders should work for peace and preach the kingdom of God here and now instead of worldwide destruction. I very much want my granddaughter to inherit the kingdom which Jesus spoke of. It is incumbent upon us all to hear the call of Jesus, “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent (change your lives) and believe the good news!” Mark.1:15 (NIV)
October 29, 2008 at 8:50 pm |
We already know the end of the Bible and it does speak of a day of judgement and of a lake of fire. John saw the future as did Daniel the prophet.
Man cannot be changed to make him a better person. The message of Jesus Christ was of death to self and to take up our cross and follow him.
He never encouraged his followers to believe anyone or anything but what he said. All so called religions are from man;Christianity is from God.
If one was to believe what you posted then there would be no false prophets and Jesus said that many would arise.
Buddhism and Islam and others.
Christianity is the only way to God and if anyone wants to get to God thy must go through Christ.
Christians are not to cooperate with anyone or anything that is in opposition to what Christ taught.
Christians are as intolerant as Jesus is.
October 30, 2008 at 12:33 am |
Thank you for your comment. I would like to give a quotation from Bede Griffiths that illustrates, in some mysterious sense, the agency of Christ acts on the believer of another faith. Anyone who has studied another religion in depth knows that truth exists in them. I will follow up with more postings on interspirituality.
According to Bede Griffiths,
“In all the religions God has been at work since the inception of each; they are all related to Christ in the interdependent cosmic scheme. These different revelation systems will eventually converge in Christ, in the spiritual understanding of His place in the cosmic drama.” Pg 174 (Bede Giffiths: An Introduction to his Interspiritual Thought, by Wayne Teasdale)
October 31, 2008 at 8:41 pm |
I see what you’re saying here. Thank you. I do know that all of us cannot understand fully the measure of what God is doing to do concerning his plan for the world. Many have confused things to the point of lunacy.
I appreciate your obvious concern for all peoples of the world.
Take Islam for example; they know there is one God. They also believe this God they believe in will somehow answer their prayers.
I am sure he will answer them.
His love cannot be measured or even understood by our finite minds.
December 16, 2008 at 6:15 pm |
Still Christianity is the only way to God.
I am sure my comment will be deleted as was the other.
December 17, 2008 at 1:17 am |
Linda,
I appreciate your reading my posts and commenting on them. I believe it is important to include all views on the important issues of religion and interspirituality. I have a very strong conviction about the importance of the peaceful coexistence of religions. The only comment of yours that I did not approve said something about the great theologian Hans Kung which I did not feel was appropriate. I welcome your input and value it. Please invite anyone you know of who might like to participate in the conversation. I think you’ll find that I am quite open to criticism, so long as it is done respectfully.
God bless you.
December 26, 2008 at 3:54 pm |
linda is just wrong……..as are all fundamenalist christians……..her “god” is just too, too small……….
December 31, 2008 at 7:40 pm |
I like your take on interspirituality. Christian Mysticism is the journey inward to God the Father where the source of all religions meet. You are pointing the way to be a deeply spiritual Christian. Your unity with everything is constructive, life giving and harmonious.