The fear if (inter)faith

I have been charged with leading a group of leaders from various faiths on campus. It is, in a word, hard. In theory, our campus wants to be able to connect with leaders from all faiths so we can have better communication, share resources, and be able to connect students to the spiritual dimensions of their development.

The problem is, nobody wants to come. For our last meeting, we invited 48 groups and 4 people showed up.  A few years ago, I was pretty afraid of other religions. Now I recognize the value of getting these groups together, not to pretend we all agree about theology, but to collaborate around student success. I think interfaith dialogue and connection is pretty rare, and I think many of these groups have the same fears I used to.

So, we (in theory) sit in a room with people representing traditions that have thousands of years of less than positive history with one another. Muslims and Jews, Hindu and Taoist, Protestants and Catholics, Athiests and Ba’hai. What good could come of this?

I propose another question: Why did Jesus heal people? The people he healed died later anyway, right? My guess is that he loves people so much he can barely help himself, he knew that miracles pointed to something miraculous, and that healing touches people’s hearts (thank you Hugh Halter).

Can you imagine if we were able to create relationships where these historically hostile groups respected and cared for one another? Could you say it was anything but miraculous? Could you say that people’s hearts were not touched? Furthermore, what if Christians were the group that was over-the-top loving and sacrificial and caring?

If we believe we have the truth, why are we afraid of people asking questions? Why would we ever be afraid of being around people who believe something different? I work on this project with a fabulous graduate student (who also attends a local seminary) who studies Paul’s interaction with the Greeks. She says, “We need to know someone else’s language well enough to use it to our advantage.”

We should see interfaith as an opportunity to build relational bridges. One leader told me, “I would come, but what would the perception of my students be if they saw me there?” Instead, our biggest Christian groups on campus are being shown up by the Mormons.

Showing up to a conversation doesn’t mean you agree with everyone there, it just means you respect them and care about them enough as people to listen and maybe work together. Rather than showing up ready for a debate, Christians ought to actively pursue places and people they don’t understand so they can listen. How can we become all things to all men if we don’t get to know them?

Truth

“The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it” -Flannery O’Conner

In my church-going experience, I’ve heard a lot about truth. Most of the things we emphasize as true are things our pastoral staff thinks we need to be reminded of, encouraged by, and taught. For example, the role of the Holy Spirit, or power of prayer. This is excellent – our gatherings should be a great refreshing and challenging reminder of what we believe.

So, where is the role of the church to tell us the true things that are happening in the world, things that God cares about and we need to be reminded of? People are dying. Christians are dying.

Today, 25,000 people will die of hunger. Addiction grips millions in our nation. There are more slaves on the planet today than any point in human history. There are 80 homeless high school students in Fort Collins. 5000 kids die every day of lack of clean water.

Why do we avoid talking about this kind of truth? Maybe it’s because we have a curriculum we feel like we need to get through (though, there’s a certain irony to feel like we have to get through the Bible, instead of applying it. Maybe we should try to get the Bible through us!). Maybe it’s because it’s uncomfortable. Maybe it’s just because it’s not something we think about a lot.

The Bible is great. I truly enjoy studying and learning from it. I also think there are other truths that are happening all around us, truths we can learn a lot from – not just about our world, but about our creator, our church, and ourselves. Moreover, think about the kind of environment we would create if we spent time in our faith communities being open about real pain in the world. In a church of 100, you are nearly guaranteed to have someone connected to addiction, divorce, and AIDS – what a refreshing feeling it would be do know that this is a place we can talk about real life, real truth.

Bigger

Rob Bell has created quite a stir with his new book, “Love Wins.” I propose that our response to Bell’s book says something about how we view the power of the gospel.

Bell, in his typical style, asks provocative questions. The most controversial question he asks in the book is, “is hell forever?” Since the book’s release, I hear two common reactions to Bell’s book, both of which say something about what we really believe about the gospel. Whether or not you have read it, I think these responses are still telling for what we believe (and how people from the outside view the church).

The first response goes something like this, “Rob Bell is leading people down a dangerous path. He’s asking questions that he doesn’t give answers to, leaving the door open for someone to believe something that’s untrue.” My response is – do we believe there are questions Jesus cannot handle? Don’t you think God wants us to know truth more than our pastors do? Don’t you think He can still be glorified (and maybe even sees an opportunity) when we ask honest and tough questions? I hope Christians are more known by our invitations than our answers (John 1:43-46), by the way we welcome than the way we recite or defend – I think the gospel is big enough to handle that.

The second response is, “If hell isn’t forever, then there is no need for evangelism.” This exposes what we really believe a life with God is good for. If we believe the sole purpose of bringing people to Jesus is so that they have a ticket to heaven, we have seriously missed the power and scope and depth of the gospel. Ask yourself, “Even if everyone went to heaven, can I still think of a reason to introduce people to Jesus?” I hope so. I hope Christians believe their savior did and is doing more for them than just getting them a ticket to heaven. This response has forced me to think about how I can articulate Christ has done for me, beyond what he will do for me after I die.

There are a dozen conversations to be had about the content of Bell’s argument. Let’s have them! While we do, I would venture to say the nature of our reaction (anger? defensiveness? fear? opportunity?) says something about what we believe about the gospel.

If it’s true for me…

If we trust that Biblical truths and principles are true, then can’t we believe they are true for everyone?

I used to be afraid that I would be offensive when I talked about truth. Now I know people are hungry for it, I just have to be wise about how I talk about it. In the context of intentional, respectful, loving, and incarnational relationships truth is often welcomed. I think most of us get in hot water based on how we say what we say, not what we say. We may be talking truth, but if we are abrasive or forceful, most people will stop listening.

In my experience with students, they listen when I don’t thump (or even cite) the Bible. I care about them as a person and offer insights and principles from scripture…I sometimes don’t tell them where it came from (until they ask). If we take seriously our call to be a blessing to the world (Genesis 12), can’t we be a blessing by sharing the truths that God has given us? About once a week I beg, borrow, and steal wisdom from the Bible as explained by smarter than me and apply it to where I work. A few examples…

Servant Leadership – Jesus, at the last supper, recognizes he’s the most important person in the room. What does he do? He serves his disciples. So, when leaders recognize their words weigh the most, they use their position to serve the people around them.

Conflict – straight from Matthew 18. I counsel people to go first by yourself, then bring a friend, then go to the authority. You’d be amazed how many people think this is rocket science.

Big rocks – Jesus says if you seek first the kingdom, everything else will be added as well. The lesson, once you get your priorities (aka big rocks) in line, everything else will fall into place. Right?

Opportunities – Joseph, Daniel, David (et al) excel where they are (whether tending sheep or assisting a warden) and it leads to another opportunity. The lesson: do everything you do with all your heart, and it will lead to the next thing.

If I’m not sensitive enough, nobody will hear me. If I’m not bold enough to share what’s true, I’m not trusting God. For me, this insight has made my personal Bible study so much more fun because I see how these principles apply to the people around me, and I want to figure out ways to share them in insightful, respectful, and intriguing ways.

Why are you reading this?

Have you ever read something and thought, “They said that so much better than I ever could have”? I have, a lot lately. It’s tough to try to keep up with thoughts, ideas, questions, and processes in text when life doesn’t happen in text. Here are four books that say it way better than I can.

The Next Christians by Gabe Lyons. If you’re going to go read one, get this one. The author (who also wrote Unchristian) describes the kind of Christian who is restoring the world as it was meant to be. He says, “they are purposeful about their careers and generous with their time and possessions. They don’t separate from the world or blend in; rather, they thoughtfully engage.”

Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright. N.T. Wright (pictured to the left) is deep, theological, approachable, and practical. He would be the perfect Bible teacher. The subtitle says it all, “rethinking heaven, the resurrection, and the mission of the church.” This is one of the first books that got me thinking differently. Here’s a favorite quote (though practically the whole book is underlined) “The Bible…is designed…not only to provide us with true information about God’s fresh, resurrection life, but also to foster that work of new creation in the churches, groups, and individuals who read it.”

The Tangible Kingdom by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay. Here are two guys who almost gave up on church, and then moved to Denver to start a small community that has embraced what the “ancient” church did and how to do it now. It reads like a conversation. Here’s a quote: “I lobbed up this question: If Christianity was only about finding a group of people to live with, who shared openly their search for God and allowed anyone regardless of behavior, to seek too, and who collectively lived by faith to make the world a little more like Heaven, would you be interested?” “Hell yes!” was his reply…”

To Change the World by James D. Hunter. This is the thickest and heaviest book written by a true academic who proposes that the traditional ways Christians have tried to impact culture don’t work. He describes an understanding of living with faithful presence to truly impact the world (the mandate of creation). This book helps unpack what it means to be a cultural insider.

Glad the dozen or so of you tune in to read this every week. I hope you’ll take a look at one of these books too – they can say it way better than I ever could.

 

No Secrets

I have a friend named Moe. Moe is one of the most genuinely open, transparent people I know. Moe is open about her struggles, her challenges, her plans, her failing lesbian relationship, her thoughts – and not just to me, she’s open to  most everybody. Emily is the same way, she is even open about her goals, her dreams, her fights with her boyfriend, her future plans. Jenn, however, is closed off – she has a secret world of her struggles, dreams, plans, and hopes that few people see. In fact, most people I work with can be described as either transparent or not. Jenn is Christian. Emily and Moe are not.

Here’s the interesting thing – I wouldn’t describe any of the Christians I work with as transparent. I can’t think of a single exception. The few Christians I work with are less likely to talk about their future plans, their dreams, their desire to have kids, their relationships, and their perceived areas of growth.

Why is this? Earlier I wrote about the need to be perfect. I think that’s one reason. Christians are more likely to have another group outside of work where they can be transparent, that’s another (healthy) reason. But I know for me, there’s another reason as well.

I’m afraid that if I share my dreams and they don’t come true that I will have to defend God. Part of this is also that I’m not wholly confident that my dreams are God’s sized and shaped dreams. But, what if I believed in prayer so much and I trusted in God so much that I could confidently tell people at work about how I want to make a dent in the world? What if I told people what I was praying for, fully confident that if it didn’t come to pass I would have to defend God? First – I think it would make me pray with a lot more fervor. Second, I think it would show people how a relationship with God focuses your dreams. Third, I think most people will resonate with what God puts on our hearts.

Making Sense of Prophecy

Emile,

We’re talking about what book to read next and you ask, “why not Revelation?” Hey, Revelation is a great book (seriously), but I’m not too sure it’s the one to start with. Or Daniel. Or Isaiah. Etc.

So, what’s the deal with prophecy? I just heard in church that 1/3 of the Bible is prophecy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that the Bible is proven true because it has prophecy that is fulfilled. That may be great for someone who already believes in the authority of scripture, but it quickly breaks down for someone who doesn’t buy it yet. Prophecy is so outside our mainstream culture. It seems like the thing of mystics, not of rational people. Here’s a few examples of how our “proofs” for prophecy break down,

Argument: There are prophecies in the Old Testament that come true in the New Testament.

Rebuttal 1: There are prophecies in Harry Potter book 1 that come true in Harry Potter book 7. That doesn’t mean there are wizards running around in London. If I think the Bible’s made up, it doesn’t take much of a writer to make it concur with itself.

Rebuttal 2: Aren’t most of those prophecies pretty open to interpretation? And, aren’t there parts of scripture that do contradict each other, like Proverbs 26:4 and 26:5? (silly example, but there are certainly others)

Rebuttal 3: If I was writing the New Testament and trying to make it convincing, wouldn’t I do a good job (aka alter the story) to make sure they fulfilled what they were supposed to from the Old Testament?

Here’s my perspective. We have tried to convince you that the Bible is real because of what’s contained inside itself. I’d rather you look at what it can do outside itself. Emile, instead of reading the Bible because it’s full of facts, why not read it because it’s compelling? Read it because it is rich, because it is a great story! Read it because it can be life-changing.

Okay, I’m getting ahead of myself.

Making Sense of the 66

Dear Emile,

Today we had lunch and you told me you are interested in reading the Bible. Cover to cover. You don’t believe it’s real, but you say it’s a life goal. You asked me where to start.

I love the Bible, it’s arguably my favorite book. It’s rich, captivating, and I believe it’s inspired. But what do I tell you about it? Sometimes trying to explain the Bible feels like trying to explain love. It’s complicated, it’s personal, and it’s hard to say that it does for me what it will do for you. The Bible has some pretty controversial (you might call them ridiculous) ideas. The earth was created in 7 days. Being gay is an abomination. Men should be the leader of the home. One man (who was also God) can pay for everyone else’s sin.

I think most peoples’ hangup (certainly yours) is that the Bible is viewed like an encyclopedia. Or software for a robot. Today you laughed out loud at the idea that there are different translations, interpretations, and versions. I told you about The Message and you looked at me like I was crazy. I tried to explain Codex Sinaiticus (mistake) and you looked confused. In your opinion, the Bible is just one perspective of many that are right. How do I talk about “facts” and “proofs” with you? What about prophecy? What about Jesus as a historical figure? Or historical context? Should I just shut up and hand you an NIV? The next few posts, I’m going to write about some specific Bible-related questions: infallibility, creation, prophecy, Jesus, etc etc. I hope I’m not too far off track.

(p.s. whatever happens, I think it’s pretty sweet that God guides our conversation to bring up stuff like this naturally)

Bringing you in (III)

Dear Tony,

Woohoo! I’m on cloud nine today after talking to you. This morning you texted me, “hey man, hows colorado and married life? i’ve been really depressed ever since (girlfriend) broke up with me.” So, naturally, I called you up (apparently I don’t follow Facebook enough to know you broke up). I was so excited I called you in the middle of a double date, which I was kinda eager to get out of anyway.

We talked for almost an hour about you and (girlfriend). After a while you change gears and bring up a conversation we had months ago about forgiveness. “I used to think we could, or were supposed to, do it all on our own. I’m not sure if you were talking about spiritual stuff, but all this crap with (girlfriend) has really shown me that I’m not supposed to do it on my own.” We talk a bit about that and then you start talking about the wedding. You say, “the people I met at your wedding and at Cru are really changing my perspectives about Christians. I definitely feel like I met some people that don’t fit the stereotype I’ve had in the past. I’m so glad I got to be there.” Me too!

Thank you so much for that confirmation. I never know what words I say stick and what don’t. It’s amazing how God puts pieces of the puzzle together and that I get to help. I’m excited for you Tony, it’s cool how a little brokenness showed you what you couldn’t do, and interacting with a few broken people showed you that maybe that’s okay.

Fighting for inches

Dear Emily,

Is sharing my faith a sprint or a marathon? Do I need courage to share the gospel with a stranger, or a long life of intentional relationships and integrity and hope-sharing? Although I’m sure the easy answer is both-and, I wonder how to do this with you.

I heard two distinct messages today. One was by a pastor I deeply respect who en-couraged his listeners to speak the gospel boldly, to strangers and co-workers, friends and neighbors. I resonate with his words, I’m not sure being friendly is good enough.

This afternoon I called my grandfather (who turned 74 today) and in our conversation I told him about my constant battle to learn how to be an insider – to live in the world, learning how to articulate what I believe to not-yet-Christians. He said, “it’s not a textbook thing…you’re not going to say one thing to someone and change their life…but inch by inch and little by little, by doing the right thing, you will live it (the gospel) out.” His words echo Francis of Assisi, “preach the gospel, use words when necessary.”

Emily, I’m not sure how to best share my faith and Christ’s hope with you. You are openly hostile to Christians and church and I’m afraid that direct “four law” conversations will push you further away. I’m also afraid I’ll never have the courage (or spend too much time waiting for the perfect moment) to share this crazy idea of a relationship with God with you.

When Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19, and Ephesians 6:19 talk of sharing the good news, how do they mean for us to do it? I do not want our working relationship to pass without you know about God’s redeeming power, but I also don’t want to be another Christian who pushes you away. What does it mean to trust that God wants this for you more than I do, but also to boldly participate in my calling as a Christian to share the good news?