Religious pluralism: good or bad?

Question

Do you embrace pluralism, or are you sickened by it? I recently read an article about an Episcopal priest in Seattle who claims to be both Christian and Muslim. Shockingly, she is still a priest in good standing. I don't get it. Christians profess Christ to be the Son of God who died for our sins and rose from the dead to conquer death; Muslims believe Jesus to be merely a prophet who did not even die on the cross. Incompatible beliefs, as far as I can tell. What are your views on this? What are your views on religious pluralism in general?

I really encourage you to read the article here: http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=964
This theologian gives some great insight to the absurdity of this deal. Read the whole thing through if you're going to read it at all.

Situations such as these are what make me want non-orthodox Episcopalians split with the Anglican Communion. Sigh. :o(

Answer 1

This is exactly why religion is as bastardized as it is, not to mention the root source of all religious fanaticism. These people, along with the radical, liberal theologians teaching in our public taxpayer funded seminaries, are the sole reason so much corrupt interpretation of the Word endures as powerfully as it does in the land, and why so many turn away from God. This nonsense has been going on since the 1970's when that stupid "God loves all and love is all" doctrine got really started up in the national psyche. Religious pluralism accounts for this needless and never-ending debate over which religion or faith is the correct one. Of course, it's really been going on for about 3,000 years since the idiot Satan started muddying the waters and leading simple-minded fools astray with "false-god" worship. Add to all this madness that the churches are now "interpreting and drawing "new" conclusions with reference to such condemned sins as homosexuality, and the train just keeps coming.

Answer 2

Pluralism is impossible for a true Christian, because it would go against the foundation of the Christian faith. If you do not believe that Jesus Christ being the Son of God, crucified, resurrected, and our one and only atonement for sin, then you are not a Christian. Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven and to God, and if you embrace other faiths that are useless then you cannot be a Christian. This is why nonbelievers get so upset at us sometimes because they cannot believe that we are so narrow and selective. However, the truth is narrow and selective, and the only way to be right with God is through Jesus Christ. You are right Islam and Christianity cannot be shared as one person's beliefs, they contradict each other. As for this Episcopal priest, he is a false brother and is not on the side of truth. God bless.

Answer 3

This is what Hinduism is all about, unfortunately it is not going to accepted by either a christain or muslim. The reason is very simple...both these religions propogate hatred / ridicule for other religious beiliefs.As we all know both are similar in many ways.There are so many verses in the bible which are in the Bhagawat Gita which existed thousands of years before Christ...It just goes to show the Bible has been written and rewritten to include many of such beliefs which already existed.
There are many glaring differences between the apostles but ultimately we still believe in Christ.There are so many sub-sects in Christainity and Islam which deliberately work at dividing these relions to further unwanted groups.

In this world of globalisation I think it is a great idea to accept all faiths though individually you can be whatever you wish to be.The root cause of all problems we face today is because of this vast religious divide. When we all try out different dishes and visit different parts of the world why cannot we explore what is behind their beliefs. You cannot acheive much by propoganding or pushing religion down people's throat. We have to learn to live and let live....I am sure this is why Christ came down to earth to live and show the simplicity of life.Yet we still distinguish ourselves as the most favoured nation etc...time to cut these religious divides and work for the betterment of the poor in the world...do you think religion is the key issue in most african countries??
Do you think religious divide will help in figting the global warming issues which are haunting the so called the most favoured nations??

Answer 4

Christians and Muslims are both susceptible to the influences of the societies around them in forming their ideas about what their respective holy books say. There are unitarian Christians who do not read the Bible to mean that Jesus is literally the son of God. (There were others given that title in the Old Testament as well, after all.)

Likewise there are Muslims who understand the Quran to call Christians believers and others who think it says they are all polytheists. We should realize how highly influenced we are by our spiritual leaders and shouldn't be so sure that our beliefs are immune from the wrong interpretations of others.

I think what the priest was trying to say is that she is a Muslim in the true meaning of the word; that is, a submitter to God. We call all of the Prophets, including Jesus, Muslims.

Answer 5

Syncretic religion has been around for centuries. The priest hasn't thought of anything new. I've met Christo-Pagans, Zen Catholics, Unitarian voodoo practitioners and all kinds of people who mix and match their beliefs. In my opinion, we must all follow the spiritual path that we think is right. The Episcopal/Muslim priest is not hurting me by practicing her syncretic religion, and thus, I have nothing against her. Other people's religious practices are generally not my concern, and are none of my business. If the church is alarmed by her religious pluralism, they will tell her so, and from there, she'll have to decide what to do. Personally, I support tolerance.

Answer 6

I think there are many paths to the same end. I also believe it's quite alright to learn and grow from all of those paths. Some people believe that those of us who take from different religions do it because it is easier to take only the positive side of the religions in question because, then we're free to behave as we wish.

However, that couldn't possibly be further from the truth for me. I don't pick and choose the most convenient aspects of the religions I study. I find the elements of these religions that speak to me, that hit me to the core, then I figure out how to incorporate that into my beliefs.

I have been exploring my spirituality for 18 years now. I don't regret a minute of the journey and I look forward to many more years of discovery to come. I want to learn everything I can, so that I can be the best person possible and to honor my core beliefs. It has nothing to do with convenience.

As for the priest you speak about, I don't know. Most religions share similar core beliefs. I do think you need to do whatever it is that makes you a better person and whatever speaks to your soul.

Namaste.

Answer 7

It's a well factor. Can you suppose if all people used to be compelled to take a look at and entry the divine making use of one set of symbols? A lot of folks could fail via shear dissatisfaction, after which the leisure could more often than not blame them alternatively than recognize that folks have special personal tastes.

Answer 8

Thank you for sharing this.

This issue concerns me, and is one reason I cringe at the idea of a one-world religion.

While we are to love one another, I would not want any religion which takes things which are very sacred out of that religion for the sake of not offending the other religion.

While I admire and respect the Muslims who are devout to their faith. I am glad for them and for their devotion to God. However, I would have problems accepting spiritual guidance from someone who embraced any good teaching, just because it was emotionally touching.

Answer 9

I think its silly, either you believe Jesus is who he said he is or you don't and if he isn't the son of God then he's a raving lunatic you can't have it both ways.

Also, at the risk of sounding like a doom and gloom Christian the Bible talks about the unification of religions as a sign of the end times