During my childhood I had the privilege of being exposed to Jews, Muslims, Catholics and Protestants. At different times I learned valuable lessons from each of these traditions.
While living in Indiana I attended a Full Gospel Christian church. I can remember the youth minister making assertions that “Jews and Italians were responsible for the Crucifixion of Jesus” and how “Catholics worshipped the Pope”. None of these statements were said in a spirit of love or with any rationale behind them. Even at age 12, I understood the harm of these comments, but despite my attempts at correction, this man of God was very happy to continue proclaiming these ideas as part of the “Good News” or portion of the deposit of faith.
One of the most consequential relationships in terms of my formation was with a Roman Catholic Priest in Richmond, IN. I was 16 and living in half way house. At the time I was troubled by the history of Christianity and European Colonialism. I needed to hear a less definitive and more inclusive view of salvation, God, and faith. He provided that and much more. His explanation of Christianity was given with the spirit of love, ecumenicalism, and thoughtfulness not with the harsh and judgmental undertones of the white evangelical churches in rural Indiana I attended.
Even before I ever attended church I can remember living in a west Baltimore neighborhood and watching the Reform and Ultra Orthodox Jews participate in the various traditions of their communities. The differences between the two were night and day, but equally interesting. I was disappointed to learn that the prevailing Christian understanding of Rabbinical Judaism only extended to the foundational Judaism practiced during the Antiquities period.
By the time I entered Seminary, my spiritual understanding had grown from that of my peers. My own faith was grounded in themes of social justice, universality, and personal holiness. I felt that Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism were relevant and deserved respect. I was opposed to the soul winning “You’re going to Hell!” language of my contemporaries. I soon rebelled against that brand of Christianity and felt alienated or marginalized by people who should have shown me love
I believe that we are only accountable for what we know, and that God responds to all who seek him in a spirit of humility, whether we use Father , Yahweh, or Allah to cry out to him. God responds to the condition of the heart whether it belongs to a Muslim youth left orphaned by A.I.D.S in Nigeria, a devout Orthodox Jew, who seeks to know the God of Israel, or a socially progressive Christian, who is focused on the social and moral implications of the Gospel.
Jesus is my savior, however I cannot blame a young person who when confronted with Christianity thinks of the historical examples of the crusades or slavery or colonialism and rejects Jesus. The problem with religion is that people get involved.
In theory one could say, religion is neither good nor bad, but is dependent upon the interpretation of the adherent. Religion at its finest should lead us to a better understanding of ourselves, bring us closer to God, and create a greater desire to serve others.
The religious right continues to bring a conversation to Christianity that is unhealthy and unsound. When dealing with human behavior one cannot assert his / or her own belief as though it came directly from God, but instead needs to incorporate careful study and understanding about these modern issues, or else we do more harm than good.
After the Terrorist attack of 9/11 I was determined not give any weight to Pat Robertson and read the Quran for myself. I think many Christians would do well if they followed the Quran since they fail miserably at adhering to their own biblical tenants.
There is fault to be found in both Christianity and Islam and in all humanity in general.I have ancestral roots in both faith communities and wish that all Christians would educate themselves to what is truly contained in each of the monotheist religions (including there own)
St. Francis of Assisi Said “Preach the Gospel and if necessary use words”
And
Mahatma Gandhi Stated: “If it were not For Christians I might have become one”
…..Because Gandhi saw that Christians weren't following Jesus' teachings or principles. ... If Jesus taught love and peace, many Christians have not done a very good job of embodying it.... He might have had a different perception of Christians had they done so
I admire Rabbinical Judaism for how it has allowed itself to develop. It is lacking the dogmatic unquestioning pronouncements found in certain sects of Christianity, but oozes thoughtful debate found amongst its “Intellectual Fathers”. That’s not to say that Judaism lacks certainty, but it enjoys a level of honesty providing an avenue on how it has arrived at its conclusions, not found so easily in Christianity.
Honestly, I find goodness in every religion I’ve looked intoWe can learn something from everybody!
There is a mysticism found in Eastern rite Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, that is almost entirely absent in the Latin rite and Protestant circles for one example
I have a politically progressive vent, but personally live a moderately conservative lifestyle. I Don’t like Hate. I think about difficult issues like Abortion and Homosexuality and cannot with confidence impose judgment one way or another
Unlike some theologically minded people the more I learn the less I know.
When one question is answered I think of three more to ask.
I don’t know why God hasn’t enlightened me as he has Jerry Farwell or Pat Robertson. Perhaps I’m not listening hard enough. Anyway until I hear Otherwise I’m going to remain open to learning from everybody, every faith and every culture.
Love is universal. And a religion that is not practiced with a spirit of love is being imposed not really practiced...Light should shine from within looking outward and lastly a smile isn’t specific to any language or dialect it is global:)
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