Hi folks, I hope you are all ok, we will meet at 8.00pm on zoom, if you don’t normally receive our zoom links and want to join us then send me a message, you would be very welcome to join us. This weeks reflection comes from Pauline.
Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former pastor and teacher, he is the author of numerous hugely influential books, including the award-winning A New Kind of Christianity, We Make the Road by Walking and The Great Spiritual Migration. He is a passionate advocate for a Christianity that is just, generous, and committed to working with people of all faiths for the common good.
Those of you who have heard me share something of my faith story will know that Brian McLaren’s books have been really influential in my journey. I would like to share some thoughts from one of his books that has been around a while. A book which has helped me greatly in the last five years of being an unexpected mum and grandma to a small family with a strong Muslim faith. ‘WHY DID JESUS, MOSES, THE BUDDHA AND MOHAMMED CROSS THE ROAD?’ is its title.
So why, McLaren asks, is it funny to ask about Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Mohammed crossing the road? Before looking for a punch line he says, just for fun try to imagine the scene: four of history’s greatest religious leaders…… not fighting, not arguing, not damming and condemning one another, not launching crusades or jihads, but walking together, moving together, leading together. And doesn’t that already reverse some of our expectations? And doesn’t that reversal expose our unspoken expectation that – different religions are inherently and unchangeably incompatible, disharmonious, fractious and hostile towards one another?
Before going any further what might your punch line be?
All four of them are in the same situation, whatever the answer will be it will be the same for all of them maybe even making them companions rather than competitors.
McLaren says, if you are a Christian of whatever sort – Catholic, Protestant or Eastern Orthodox; conservative, liberal or moderate; traditional or whatever, if you love Jesus and have confidence in him as Lord, Saviour, Son of God, Son of man, God Incarnate, word made flesh and more let me ask you to seriously consider this: how do you think Jesus would treat Moses, Mohammed, and Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) if they took a walk together?
Would Jesus push Moses aside and demand to cross first claiming that his ancestor’s failed religion had been superseded by his own? Would he trade insults with Mohammed, claiming that his crusaders could whip Islamic jihadists any day of the week, demanding that Mohammed cross behind, not beside him? Would Jesus demand the Buddah kneel at his feet and demonstrate submission before letting him cross? Or would he walk with them and, once on the other side welcome each to a table of fellowship, not demanding any special status or privileges, maybe even taking the role of a servant – hanging up their coats, getting them something to eat and drink, making sure each felt welcome, safe and at home?
This is just part of the opening chapter of a book that argues that Christians know how to build a strong identity that is intolerant or hostile towards other faiths; and they know how to have a weak identity that is tolerant and benign. But suggests there is a third alternative, that we discover, live, teach and practice a Christian identity that is both strong and benevolent towards other faiths.
What was your punch line?
If your answer was to walk into a bar!!! what would they each choose to drink?
What is your experience of interacting with other faiths, and what struck you?
What do you think is the road we must cross?
We may be friendly to individuals of other religions but does our friendship always have a pretext: we want them to switch sides and be won over to our better way. We love them ( or say we do) in-spite of their religious identity, hoping that they will see the light and abandon it and find shelter in our camp?
How do you see ‘a Christian identity that is both strong and benevolent?
Peace.
Rob Wylie is the founder of BeachcomberFX and guides its leadership team. He has worked in the North East for over 20 years and has vast experience from various roles he has held. He has a passion for Fresh Expressions of Church and Pioneer Ministry as well as beer, beaches and Miniature Schnauzers.