“This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”” Acts 4:11-12 ESV
Reflection: how accepting should we be of other religions, faiths, and beliefs?
I read a devotional that was sent to me this morning, where the writer used a word that set off alarm bells in me – the word “Interfaith”. So I had to do a bit more research to understand who the writer was and what he actually stands for. On the surface, “interfaith” and even the word “inclusion” may seem pretty innocent, perhaps even positive as it looks to bridge various faiths and backgrounds. But if you dig just a bit deeper, you find lots of darkness cloaked in many pretty words. There is an underlying movement from which “interfaith” comes from, possibly originated with an organization called URI (United Religions Initiative). URI is deeply connected to the United Nations which you need to know something about as a Christian. URI defines “Interfaith” on their website as:
“The word “interfaith” describes an interaction between people of different religions or faith traditions. But it is more than that. It is about understanding our significant differences, but also recognizing our similarities, and working together for peace, justice and healing in our world. Interfaith cooperation is not about renouncing religions, or combining all religions into one. In fact, many people find that their friendships with people in other traditions strengthen their understanding and respect for their own tradition. Interfaith friendships reach out across the stereotypes and misunderstandings that lead to religiously-motivated violence. They reinforce the idea that, regardless of religion or belief tradition, every human deserves respect. Interfaith interactions live out the core values that are shared by all religions – values like compassion, respect, love, hope and peace, which are necessary for sustaining life in all communities. URI’s interfaith groups, called Cooperation Circles, create a space for all religious, faith and spiritual traditions to be celebrated.”
It all sounds pretty nice, with people from different religions backgrounds working together, for world peace, etc. But do you see any issues with this as a Christian? Let me ask you a couple of things to consider based on their definition. First, what does it appear that their focus is – God or man? Secondly, do you see any reference to man’s situation without God (sin) and man in need of God (salvation)? And thirdly, what then is their faith actually in? As a Christian, we believe there is only one God; because of sin, we believe man is in need of salvation, and that only one name has been given by which we can be saved. This is no different than what the early Christians had to actively deal with. We read from Acts in the focus verses today where Peter had to clarify to the religious leaders in Jerusalem how the lame man was healed. And in doing so, pointed clearly to Jesus as the only name given for the salvation of man. That is very different than the “interfaith” mission and message, different from bringing religions together.
Paul explained “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 ESV
There is clearly nothing wrong with bringing people of different faiths and backgrounds together to do good in the world, to benefit mankind. But let’s not confuse doing good works as a replacement for our need for a savior. Our mission as Christians is to explain the gospel of Christ, to lead people of all backgrounds and beliefs, to Christ, as there is salvation in no one else.