what do we see?
what do we choose to see, when we look at people, a culture, a religion, a belief...
do we choose to see the bridge -- where we share common ground?
or do we choose to see the differences -- where there is no bridge?
which is more important? and which is more important to you?
the commonalties? or the differences? and why?
a thought experiment:
if we were to encounter a sentient alien race -- would we recognize their Gospel, being as it were in their species terms, as our own? When translated -- would we allow those everlasting truths in their holy books to illumine our scripture?
or don't we think they could have our Gospel -- THEY are different -- THEY are not spiritual. THEY choose the darkness.
... their truth smells different so it's not the same as ours.
even though romans 1:20 would suggest otherwise… do we think we have a monopoly on the greatest of truths??
can we afford to be exclusivist? do we really believe the sun rotates around the earth??
i'm not saying that Jesus is not the way, he clearly is.
i just can't believe God statistically favors white people from the west.
would we welcome abraham into the fold? ... knowing just what he knew then? and what of those who still know just what he knew? i know we have it figured out -- but what of abraham?
pete
for the curious -- this is interesting.
do we choose to see the bridge -- where we share common ground?
or do we choose to see the differences -- where there is no bridge?
which is more important? and which is more important to you?
the commonalties? or the differences? and why?
a thought experiment:
if we were to encounter a sentient alien race -- would we recognize their Gospel, being as it were in their species terms, as our own? When translated -- would we allow those everlasting truths in their holy books to illumine our scripture?
or don't we think they could have our Gospel -- THEY are different -- THEY are not spiritual. THEY choose the darkness.
... their truth smells different so it's not the same as ours.
even though romans 1:20 would suggest otherwise… do we think we have a monopoly on the greatest of truths??
can we afford to be exclusivist? do we really believe the sun rotates around the earth??
i'm not saying that Jesus is not the way, he clearly is.
i just can't believe God statistically favors white people from the west.
would we welcome abraham into the fold? ... knowing just what he knew then? and what of those who still know just what he knew? i know we have it figured out -- but what of abraham?
pete
for the curious -- this is interesting.
posted by P3T3RK3Y5 for meltingearth
5 Comments:
Right on, Pete!
To those who are certain of their monopoly, the most important question is: can we afford not to be exclusivist?
This really intrigues me. I've wondered a lot about why God would make the human mind the way He did if He intended 'salvation' to take place the way I learned it in my evangelical roots. What I mean is - it's fascinating how the mind of an infant forms connections at an amazing rate and how connections break and some are favored become strong. The worldview and belief system are imprinted on the physical mind to the point that at a certain age the mind can barely comprehend changing some things that are deeply ingrained. It is physically painful. So say you have an indigenous person who has lived in her subculture for her entire life and a missionary (of a less than easily absorbable personality) comes and tells her his version of the "good news". Is this indigenous person suddenly accountable and will go to hell for 'rejecting' Jesus if they choose not to embrace the new ideas presented to them that run contrary to what their God-designed mind has been imprinted with over a lifetime of experiences? Wouldn't that mean that we have been set up to fail if we are not born in the privileged position of the 'right' culture?
That and the commonalities among faiths and belief systems and the obvious failings of humanity that all religious /otherwise systems emanate really intrigue me.
Our new Iraqi friends bring the "kingdom of God" along with them everytime I encounter them. The love and graciousness they show, as well as the peace they carry during tremendously adverse circumstances has resulted in the most "surprising" and beautifully constructed "bridge."
SOLIDARITY
If we can get beyond:
The language we speak
The neighborhood we live in.
The people we meet.
The car we drive.
The food we eat.
The money we make.
The clothes we wear.
Then what do we share?
About what do we care?
If we can get beyond:
The style of our hair.
The barriers we build.
The skin we wear.
The music we like.
The grudges we bear.
The beliefs we have.
Then what do we share?
About what do we care?
-- by Israel Kloss
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home