Changing Religions

My radio (accidentally) found a Christian radio station the other day and I was reminded that almost every time I tune in to religious radio or see some of the Christian TV adds, I want to change my religion to become Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu - anything but what I'm hearing.

'Jesus didn't want to create an in-group which could banish others to an out-group; Jesus wanted to create a come-on-in group, one that sought and welcomed everyone' (Nigel Livingstone).

I’m not suggesting that all religions are the same and that it doesn't matter what you believe, that truth is relative; and I am not advocating a kind of "all-religions-are-equally-true relativist/pluralist tolerance. I am saying that because we are Jesus followers and because we believe Jesus is true, and that he accepts all people in love, kindness and grace, we should do the same.

Pharisees believed they were special, the elect, and the elite. They wouldn't associate in any way with non-Jews and they didn't understand the difference between acceptance and approval, so in case they be accused of approving of other religions they refrained from loving or accepting people who were part of other religions (as well as members of their own religion that they felt were sub-par).

To show love and acceptance of people is not to approve all they believe or do. To show disapproval of other religions, and belief systems by withholding love and acceptance may be orthodox Phariseeism and it may even be modern, Western, colonial Christianity; but it was not the practice, or the model, of Jesus Christ.

According to Macquarrie (Transforming Mission, p.483), there are seven formative factors in theology: experience, revelation, Scripture, tradition, culture, reason - and dialogue with other religions.

I consider myself a generously orthodox Christian; I don’t believe I am above Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and others, in fact if I reflect Jesus then I am below them as servant. I am their neighbour, their brother.

Jesus didn't come to start another religion to compete in the marketplace of belief systems. If anything, I think he came to end standard competitive religion (which Paul called 'the law') by fulfilling it. Not, like too many religions, a place of fear and exclusion, but a place where everyone can find a home in the embrace of God.

Now What

Included in the goals for the visit of the Meeting House (Mt Albert Corps) team to Sri Lanka was:

1. the hope that the members of the team would be informed and transformed by the reality of life and ministry for the members of The Salvation Army in Sri Lanka and those to whom they minister. Whether it was through the Tsunami Recovery programs, the orphaned children at The Haven, the elderly residents at the Eventide Hostel or the youth at the Camp - we wanted to see (and experience as best we could) life as it really is.
2. the intention to introduce them to a country and people that they would fall in love with and want to partner with. By looking into the eyes of a person whilst hearing their stories we are in danger of becoming companions in their journey.

It is rewarding to know that these goals (and others) have been achieved. We have been back three weeks now, the physical awareness that we travelled somewhere has gone, but the emotional ties remain. The team, and the Corps, are planning ways in which they can continue to partner with the people they met in Sri Lanka.

It is also encouraging to know that the feelings that this visit was worthwhile are not just held by those of us that went, but by the leadership of Sri Lanka as well. In a recent conversation the following acknowledgement was received:

I take this opportunity to thank you and the team members, the corps that supported and the division and New Zealand Territory for their love and willingness to help us generously. I am sure this will help in strengthening relationship between the two territories in the future.

I am once again convinced that one of the best ways to transform a life is to immerse it in the reality of another culture, and to sit eye to eye and share another's journey.