Apr

14

Conversing with those of other faiths

Filed Under Communicating with those of other faiths | 2 Comments

1. Imago Dei and the Fall: When I engage in conversation with someone of another faith, especially about spiritual matters, it is tempting to see him as an opponent to be defeated. In order to combat this sinful mindset I need to remind myself that we are both equally created in the image of God, and that we are both fallen creatures who need a savior. We share in our guilt before God, and in our need to be forgiven and restored with God through Jesus Christ. My enemy is not the person of another faith but rather the powers and principalities that are at work. If I approach others as fellow sinners who have been created in the image of God I will more likely be able to engage them with sympathy, humility and Christ-like love.

2. Learner and Servant: Often when people of different faiths begin discussing their beliefs they end up trying to win the “debate” by proving the other person wrong. Unfortunately, Christians often end up doing the same thing. However, our goal is not to win debates but rather to point people to Christ. In engaging those of other faiths our goal should be to reveal Christ’s love to them in word and deed. One way we can love those of other faiths is by coming to them as learners. If we truly care about them as we claim we do, we need to be humble, ask questions, and be willing to learn from them. Our job is not to “set them straight.” In addition, we can show them Christ’s love by serving them. In obedience to Christ, Christians should always be looking for opportunities to serve, but this is even more important as we engage those of other faiths. Our lives need to reflect the message we are trying to communicate.

3. Similarities and Differences: When discussing spiritual matters with a person of another faith it is helpful to point out common beliefs, especially at the beginning of a conversation. Highlighting how our worldviews overlap to some extent may help break down some of the communication barriers. However, being clear about differences in belief, especially those relating directly to the gospel message (Creation-Fall-Redemption), is more important. Ignoring the differences would be a disservice to both faiths. In contrasting belief systems, Christians have an opportunity to clearly communicate the gospel.

Note: Comparing beliefs should not involve making derogatory remarks about their founder nor their scriptures. This will not make them more apt to listen.

Apr

4

Why Christians should study other religions (Part II)

Filed Under General religion | Leave a Comment

4. Helps us clarify our own beliefs: As we study other faiths we inevitably compare our beliefs with those of others, forcing us to think through theological issues we might not have otherwise.  For example, by studying the Hindu understanding of avatars (physical manifestations of deities), I have to think through in a more detailed fashion the implications of the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation.  Essentially, by studying other faiths you are able to better appreciate the subtleties and beauty of biblical teaching. 
 
5. Helps us communicate the gospel: Every time we tell someone about the gospel of Jesus Christ we have to contextualize the gospel.  That is, we need to present the gospel in a way in which the hearer can accurately understand the message we are trying to communicate.  The gospel message does not change, but the way in which we present it does change depending on the culture and religious views of the person we are talking to.  Clearly, you will present the gospel differently to an atheist as opposed to a Mormon.  By understanding the faith of other people you will be better equipped to engage in spiritual conversations with them.
 
6. Helps missionaries develop strategies for reaching different people groups: As missionaries attempt to engage unreached people groups they must take into account the religious beliefs of that particular group.  If missionaries do not understand the beliefs of those they are trying to reach they cannot contextualize the gospel or their methods.  Moreover, by understanding the religious beliefs of their people group missionaries are better able to identify theological “bridges” or points of contact between the gospel and the group’s beliefs.  These “bridges” will in turn facilitate communication of the gospel.