Notes from Week Three: When Speaking of Other Religions
What follows are a few items from the video, the Leader's Guide,
or the Participant Guide that moved me:
Opening Prayer:
Lord Jesus, at times we have refused to listen to the thoughts and beliefs of those who do not share our beliefs. We have been arrogant and dismissive toward them, and we have caused them to feel excluded or judged - whether intentionally or unintentionally. As a result of our unloving words, attitudes, and actions, we have actually turned people away from you. Forgive us, Lord. Help us to be more like you, drawing others to you through our humility, respect, love, compassion, mercy, and kindness. As we explore our beliefs about salvation and the wideness of your mercy, may our hearts and minds be open to your Holy Spirit and our attitudes and words be full of grace. Amen.
What is the eternal fate of those who earnestly seek God - who love God and seek to do what is right as they best understand it - but who either have not heard about Jesus or have not understood the gospel?
Christians through the ages have answered the question of the wideness of God's mercy in three ways:
1. Christian Universalism - all humanity ultimately will be reconciled to God (none will suffer in hell)
2. Christian Exclusivism - anyone who has not personally trusted in Christ cannot enter heaven
* 3. Christian Inclusivism - Jesus died for the sins of the world, but God can give the gift of salvation to anyone God chooses based upon the criteria God chooses (God looking at the heart and judging according to the light of the knowledge those people had access to)
The apostle Peter called Christians to witness to their faith by living holy lives, showing humility, respect, and love. The most powerful form of Christian witness is expressing authentic love, compassion, mercy, and kindness toward others.
St. Francis once said, "Preach the gospel always, and when necessary, use words."
"My prayer is that we Christians will be a people who preach the gospel always, and when necessary use words" (Hamilton, Participant book 55).
Closing Prayer:
Dear
God, we gather regularly to wrestle with questions about ourselves, about life's purpose, and about your call to service. We're thankful we can learn some of your truth. Please keep us from the hurtful arrogance that says we've got it all figured out and have the right to condemn and condescend to others, either within our group or outside of it. Teach our hearts the ultimate truth - that you are love. Amen.
