Below is an editorial written for our local paper, The Ventura County Star, by our Vicar, Hank Mitchel. The responses to this letter were many and varied. Some who commented were angered by Hank's move toward restoration of friendship or harmony with others from different faiths. Others who commented found much hope in Hank's words, including those from other faiths who have been persecuted by Christians in the name of God. (Special thanks to artist and dear friend, Lisa Dietrich, for the two images shown in this post, Three Person'd God and Bouquet. For more information on Lisa's work, please contact me.)
And now, Hank's editorial:
I heard a humorous little story the other day about the newcomer to heaven who, while being introduced and escorted around on his first evening, noticed there were various doors labeled, Buddhist, Muslim, Jew, Christian, and the like – one door for each of the various religious bodies in the world. The newcomer asked what these doors meant and was told that behind each are the folks from that branch of the human family. “They enter through their own door and then all get together on the other side,” said the tour guide. When they got to the door labeled Christian, however, the host said, “Hush,” imploring the newcomer to be quiet. “But why?” asked the newcomer, “Everyone seems to be having a very good time.” Because the Christians think they’re the only ones here and we don’t really want to dissuade them of that thinking.
Unfortunately, the story, though humorous, points up a problem with much of religious practice today. So many people in the world think that their religion is the only way and that all other ways are either wrong or evil. This kind of “I am right, faithful and good while you are bad, unfaithful and wrong” kind of thinking leads to all sorts of misunderstandings, conflicts and even war. It always has.
I am a Christian pastor and as such, I have always believed it was my responsibility not to judge others, but to seek to welcome and love others, in the name of my God. And I am not alone. Countless other Christians as well as people of other faith traditions feel the same way. My faith teaches that the job of all Christians is to live faithfully, following the path offered us by Jesus, a path that is found where ever love of God and love of neighbor are recognized and practiced. It is not now, and nor has it ever been, the Christian’s job to condemn or to deny the legitimacy of the other paths our God might have provided to the people of the world. In fact, I believe we step away from the path of Jesus whenever we claim that Christianity is the only way. It may be the only way for me and millions of others, but I am convinced that it is not the only way my God has chosen to reveal himself to the world.
I write this short editorial as a member of the Conejo Valley Interfaith Association. This group of clergy and representatives of various faith traditions meets monthly for lunch hosted by one of the members, and for almost two decades now, has welcomed religious leaders and teachers of all backgrounds and beliefs. We do not gather to convert each other, only to share with each other. We don’t try to convince each other who is right or wrong. We simply gather to share a meal and some lively conversation, to plan our annual Thanksgiving-Eve Interfaith Worship Service (to which the public is invited), as we listen to and respect each other as fellow travelers, and leaders, on God’s path. To my way of thinking, this association provides a healthy approach to both religious dialogue and to community understanding. As a Christian, I believe Jesus calls me to welcome and to faithfully participate with others, even those who think differently than I, in Christ’s Name.
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