What I respect about . . . . .
MUSLIMS -
They are generally committed to their faith and devout.
They believe in one God.
The ones I’ve known are always willing to dialogue and even partner to serve others. When you become their friend, you can ask them the most sensitive questions of faith and they are not offended.
Some of them are courageous and challenge the extremist in their own ranks. Having done the same with my tribe “Baptist” I know how painful that can be!
The ones I have personally known and who are my friends - are incredibly loyal to the point of putting their life on the line for friendships with people like me.
No, I am not a Muslim - no I do not agree with Muslims on my theology, but yes I respect them and like getting to know them.
COMMUNIST/SOCIALIST
Without believing in a God they tried to practice Acts 2:41-47 in sharing! That’s better than most Christians I know who believe in Jesus. If they preached Jesus and Baptized they might be more successful at it! I’m happy to help with that if you so desire.
They are passionate about their belief.
They are changing and redefining their beliefs recognizing that some of what they have believed in the past may not be accurate or productive. This takes courage and skill.
No, I am not a communist/socialist. No, I do not agree with communism/socialism. But I love many people that would consider themselves such and they are my friends and have showed themselves my friend and I want to be able to talk, serve, dialogue, with them. They know I’m a Christian and an American, and they still treat me with respect.
ATHEIST
They THINK about their faith.
They have courage - if they’re wrong - they lose more than all of us!
They want to see the world a better place. They see the negative things that “religion” has done to the world and want peace.
No, I’m not an atheist in the least. I’m a pastor from Texas, it doesn’t get much worse than that! However, I’d love to baptize any atheist that would let me!
As followers of Jesus, of all peoples we should respect those that are different from us. That doesn’t mean we have to agree. If instead of vilifying, belittling, or demonizing those we disagree with - we would listen, serve, and share in natural ways, who we are and our faith, I can’t help but believe it would be far more productive and the world would be a better place. And maybe, just maybe, they would want to know who this Jesus is that makes his followers love people and serve them, that are so opposite of who they are.
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Comments
Feb 16, 2009 at 04:34 PM
Interesting entry, Bob. I guess there are a few items I would agree with...but I can't say I agree with the general use of the word "respect" in all the cases you list. I don't really respect someone that holds to the belief that the sky is green and not blue...or that God is a tree. It seems absurd to me...even patronizing to tell them I respect their strong belief or devotion if I'm 100% confident they are mistaken.
Now...being respectful and treating all people with dignity and kindness and even understanding...I'm 100% on board with that...because the Gospel reminds and compels me to live out the second greatest commandment to love my neighbor. But I would push back on the idea that to respect someone's level of devotion (to what you and I believe are lies) is equal to or inseparable from the idea of loving and serving them.
Having said that, I think I do understand the heart of what you're trying to communicate--and probably to what audience--even if I'm not a fan of your word choice.
Feb 16, 2009 at 04:41 PM
What are the questions about your faith each group frequently asks you?
Feb 17, 2009 at 09:36 AM
Bob,
I understand much of what you say, but the part about communists/socialists really doesn't cut it in light of history. Maybe individuals who consider themselves socialists or communists - that you've met do. But the reality is they are not living out Acts 2:41-47.
In the largest example states under the communist/socialist headings (ie the old USSR, The Peoples Republic of China), the structure was corrupt. Party and Government officials lived at a lifestyle well above the "common" people.
While they may have treated you with respect, the fact is they did not treat many of our brothers and sisters who are in their nation with the same respect. How many believers have been imprisoned and killed for their faith in the old USSR and the Peoples Republic of China. Even places like Vietnam and Cuba have persecuted Christians for their faith.
I think I understand where you are coming from, trying to build bridges and that is fine to a point. But remember while as an American Christian you may be shown respect, many of them do not show any kind of respect for our brothers and sisters who are under their jurisdiction.
Feb 17, 2009 at 12:11 PM
John and Rick thank you for understanding where I come from. I respect your statements! The only thing I would challenge you with - make sure you have friends that fit into "non-traditional" Christian friendships and relationships. My greatest growth as a Jesus follower has come from being in circles where I'm forced to think through and defend my views - not huddle with those in agreement over - and I know you'd agree with that as well.
Phillip - from Muslims, among my close friends, when they ask generally I'm asked, "Why do Christians not like us as much as the Jews?" "Why do you believe Jesus was really God?" From Communist/Socialist - "Why do you believe there is a God?" "Why are churches so rich in America - shouldn't they give all their money to the poor if they followed the teachings of Jesus?" From Atheist "Why do you believe in God?" "Can't I do good without believing in God?" "Why should I believe in God when religion has started so many wars?"
Feb 17, 2009 at 04:18 PM
Respect will take us much farther, and is an instrumental building block in any relationship. We all will have a better opportunity of sharing, and living out our faith in the context of a relationship. Without demonstrating respect, we can have the tendency to be critical, dominating, and judgemental. This is the mindset that leads to walls, war of words, and the end of any civil dialogue. To respect does not mean we are embracing beliefs that are counter to God's Word. In a world of many religions, we need to be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is in us. We will be more successful as vessels, rather than obstacles.
Feb 18, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Your point is well taken, Bob. I guess my reaction to what you said particularly in reference to the communists and socialists is that one of those people I am coming to know is a man that we lead to the Lord in the past year. Some friends of mine are discipling him. He's one of the Cuban refugees that we are working with in our network. He had the priviledge of enjoying 30 plus years in one of Fidel Castro's prisons... his crime... dissent.
Castro's party felt they had to punish a man who disagreed with him. This man is illiterate to this day. But thankfully now at over 70 years old he has come to know Jesus. But the regime is still slowing down any effort for him to be reunited with his wife.
I've seen the pain that was inflicted on this man and continues by that regime. I do appreciate the work you are doing to build bridges. I'm just not sure I would categorize them as living out Some of the book of Acts without Jesus better than we do.
My Cuban friend tells of Beautiful resorts they've built in Cuba, but the Cuban people can't enjoy them - it's only for foreigners - with money. That's not a real case of having all things in common.
But I do love to read about the work you are doing in Vietnam and other places around the world. May God continue to bless you.
Mar 26, 2009 at 04:08 PM
I think it's a privilege discussing these ideas about muslims, comunists and atheists.
I'm a presbyterian from Brazil, and from these groups of people, I have known just atheists. What did I realize talking to them? Well, I realized I had more disagreements with my peers than with atheists! They want to change the world, as I am, and they're seeking for justice like me.
Social injustice is very prevalent in my country. Although the capitalism have made a lot for my people, there is still much to be done.
Recently, a leader of Libia was visiting my country and stated that Libia was clearly opened to a relation south-south. In other words, he was saying the Americans were enemies. I ask why?
But, when I see the arrogant american way of life, I got some clues... the dialogue is the answer. And I admire you very much, Bob, for what you're trying to do as a christian.
God bless you, and please respond my e-mail!
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