GlocalNet

Whether you agree with his politics or not – no if ands or buts about it – President Jimmy Carter is a very, very sharp man.  He knows his stuff – so if you disagree with him – you’d better know yours.  He doesn’t speak from opinion or preference when it comes to international affairs, but history, accords, maps – all of it.  I was with him and a small group of people, of which Ron Sider was there, Lynne Hybels, Jim Wallis, Ambassador Andrew Young, Greg Khahil and others.  We were talking about the whole Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

Obviously, I was there because of domain engagement and what that can look like for churches in terms of people-to-people projects, etc.  I also met with some churches that want to work there and are trying to get our tracks laid so others can follow.  It’s exciting.  President Carter told me he’d like to come to our church and hear me preach – I told him “No way, I want you to come and preach.” 

Been thinking a lot about inter-faith – the word describing how we relate to other faiths.  I think there are three words that have described its evolution, and a fourth I would propose.  There were Muslims and Jews with us – and we spoke on interfaith. 

First, in reflecting since the meeting, historically people have focused on “My Faith.”  All the world is see through my personal faith, values, and worldview.  My agenda is to get every person to see life through my lens.  Even though people try that – it hasn’t happened in the history of humanity.

Second, “One Faith.”  This was the idea of universalists and liberals – we are all on the same path.  All roads lead to God.  This is still advanced by an older, declining group in interfaith circles.  The goal is minimize our differences, come around where we can agree, and hopefully build a kind of “human faith” that all religions subscribe to.

Third, “Inter-faith.”  Historically, as I’ve heard Eboo Patel talk about and others with his organization, it meant liberalism and syncretism.  Not anymore.  It’s beyond tolerance, and even respect, to collaboration.  How do we work together in this world?

Fourth, a new term I propose “Multi-Faith.”  It holds to the new concepts I’ve been learning from people like Eboo who is a Muslim, and young evangelicals of not compromising faith – yet working with all faiths to build a stronger society.  In this context, we believe with passion what our faith(s) teach and don’t compromise for the sake of syncretism but appeal to the best in each of our faith traditions in what they teach about respect, love, humanity, and working together.