Sterling Drive Church of Christ pastor Ben Ries and McLaren, Brian from the Emergent church participated in Ramadan. The idea is to honour God- by expression of peace, fellowship and neighborliness.
As Ries stated : "The concern is that somehow, I'm endorsing this other path. But I tell people I believe Jesus is the son of God. I believe he is the way and the truth and the life. But I believe I don't get to say who goes to hell and who doesn't. That's God's job."
Mclaren on the other hand is commited to peace making in response to 9/11.
Others like Dr. Mohler disagree with Brian and Ries.
How then should we as Christians response ? Are there any examples from the Scriptures to gleam from and guide our path ?
I believe we do. It is essential we do not confuse our attempts to out perform our neighbour in kindliness vs True Truth as Frances Schaeffer said. By that I mean what did God reveal to us and how we can know our belief to be true and be passionate about it. In addition, we must be able to understand and define what a loving witness as shown by Christ and his apostles. I love my daughter but I will discipline her when she is out of line. If I fail to do that I not only fail as a father but I really dont love her.
Some basic questions : When Christians participate in Ramadan, what are they trying to share and defend? That Muslims and Christians worship the same God? There are no major doctrinal differences between the two and that these minor differences and they are not impasse. Or maybe they are trying to have a dialogue with each other?
How does Paul 'dialogue' in Act 17. ? He presented his case by articulating coherently, cogently, with evidences. His argument and intent was to persuade them of the truth of the gospel. What they do with the truth was their own responsbilities.
How many of us actually check out Muslim's web sites that challenge Christianity as oppose to Christianity countering their challenge? They outgun us by far. Ravi Zacharias an apologist estimated that there are about 20,000 Muslim trained apologists in the world. How many Christians do we know are apologists--missionary does not have the skills of an apologist.
Back from detour, the bottom line for Paul as the need to persuade people of the truth of Christ's gospel, as he demolish arguments and pretension that are against the knowledge of God and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Cor. 10
Blessings
Eric
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