Tidings

This week’s events in Libya and Egypt are yet another reminder why the proper religious responses to interfaith conflict are respect and humility.  We can be devout believers and still honor sisters and brothers who belong to different faith traditions.  Saying as much is neither an apology, nor a sacrilege, nor treason.

As believers, we’re certainly entitled to a passionate commitment to the truth of our own belief system.  For example, I believe that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a historical fact, not a subjective decision. But it’s by an act of faith that I believe it’s a fact.  Others don’t share that faith.  I also believe that the God Muslims call Allah is the same God Christians and Jews worship, but I don’t believe that the Qu’ran is revelation from our shared God, despite Islam’s claim.  But that’s also my belief by an act of faith.  And as long as faith is a matter of faith, humility before God remains faith’s necessary companion.

There is some significant misunderstanding over the timing of the Cairo Embassy’s statement condemning religious intolerance.  But there ought not to be argument over its wisdom:  The Embassy of the United States in Cairo condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims — as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions.

Amen.

Many of you know some of the interfaith threads that weave through my own life:

  ·         My grandmother’s grandmother was Jewish.
  ·         My two longest and closest friends are both Jewish.  We met when we were 6 years old and have been friends for over 50 years.
  ·         In my brief college journey out of Christianity I delved into Hinduism.  My path back to Jesus Christ and the ministry was encouraged by my Hindu professor, Dr. Seshagiri Rao.
  ·         My younger brother was in a long-term relationship with a devout Muslim who joined us frequently at family gatherings.
  ·         My older brother has married a Jewish woman and since converted to Judaism.
  ·         (No deep connections with Buddhism other than reading, but my son met his wife in a college Zen Buddhism seminar.  That’s got to be worth something!)

Interfaith respect isn’t just a position I take on an issue.  It’s God’s gift to my life, borne by the lives of people I love.

That’s why I’m honored to be a speaker this Saturday afternoon, September 15, at a Celebration of Interfaith Solidarity at the Rajdhani Mandir Auditorium, 4525 Pleasant Valley Road, Chantilly.  The event is from 4:00 – 6:00.  It is sponsored by the United Hindu & Jain Temples of the Washington DC Metro area and will feature various religious and political leaders from Northern Virginia. It’s open to the public, and I would be delighted if you can come.  Please join me and many religious leaders of our community in supporting the deep faith commitments of the human spirit.

Pastor Larry