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Dear Parish Faithful,
Another fine response concerning the religious syncretism we have been informed of lately with "Christian" priests "converting" to Hinduism and Islam, but yet remaining "Christians!" This one is from Terry Morgan.
~~~
Father,
The only thing even somewhat remarkable about the Christian/Hindu “priest” is that it is a Christian who wants to add on Hinduism. If it were the other way around, it would be perfectly natural. (Not right or true, but natural.) Most of the world’s religions are syncretistic, and are always happy to add another god. I wouldn’t be surprised that some wealthy Athenians offered Paul to build a shrine for Jesus on one of the hills right along side Athena and Apollo. For most religions it’s no big deal to add another deity. Hinduism has hundreds. But Christians have always claimed that there is only one God. And, it is not that our God is somehow better than the others, but that there simply aren’t any others at all.
Now when someone claims to be a Christian, and wants to add on Hinduism, we ought to be very suspicious of whether he (or she) was a Christian in the first place. Making this distinction falls, I believe, under the injunction to “test the spirits” rather than “judge not, lest you be judged.” If someone chooses to effectively deny one of the foundations of the faith – in effect from Mt. Sinai, no less – then we should reasonably conclude that the person wasn’t a Christian in the first place, but was making a false claim to that title. As the old song goes, “Everyone talkin’ ‘bout Heaven ain’t a-goin there.” And as the Calormenes found out in Narnia when they tried to merge Aslan and Tash, it is most unwise to call on gods in whom you don’t really believe!
In the case of the Christian/ Muslim we face a different kind of issue, one of internal consistency, as Marty accurately points out. Just because both Christianity and Islam are monotheistic religions it does not follow that they worship the same God. There are serious points on which they differ, and the theologians of both have always acknowledged this. Thus any attempt to merge the two is doomed to failure.
Of course, we ought to question the common sense of anyone who thinks he can joint two mutually exclusive theologies. And one who maintains that the two are the same is at risk in this life from a good many radical Muslims, and in the next life from Him who says “I am the Truth.”
Terry
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
RE: Interfaith Articles Recently Sent
Dear Parish Faithful,
Here is another parishoner response to the article about the Christian-Muslim Episcopal priest, this time from Alexis Callender. This letter is a wonderful and articulate response that in itself is a strong witness to Christ and the Orthodox Faith. Here is fine example of witnessing in the workplace when the opportunity arises. It reminds us of how we must know our faith, AND NOT BE AFRAID OR TIMID ABOUT SHARING IT, so that we do not squander such opportunities. I wish that we would see more of such a witness from among the faithful!
~~~
Good Afternoon Fr. Steven,
To put it quite bluntly, I am appalled by both articles. The
saying "Get Real!" comes to mind. As an Orthodox Christian, it is
difficult if not downright impossible to understand the "logic"
or "reality" (and I use these terms loosely) at the very notion of
a "Christian Hindu" or "Christian Muslim." It is
as absurd as those that in the not so distant past claimed that the
DiVinci Code was based on "fact" and "truths"....it is ludicrous and so
terribly sad!
My astonishment is not only from the conversion of the people
mentioned, but even more so by the acceptance of the churches!! My
humble mind cannot comprehend this.
Unfortunately, this "modern" thought process is very real. I have
experienced this on a somewhat personal level with co-workers and work
acquaintances. As you know I work in a predominantly Indian company,
wherein the majority of my co-workers are Hindu, Muslim, Agnostic,
Atheist or have "no religion", but rather a "philosophy that suits
them". You may ask, how I know the religious or theological
background of my co-workers and office team mates. Afterall, it is
considered "highly inappropriate" by "corporate standards" (again
terms used lightly) to discuss religion in the workplace. At my
current place of employment, I am somewhat of a "minority" as a
Christian.
However, by God's grace, I am openly and non-
confrontationally questioned about Christianity and the Orthodox Faith
quite regularly. A co-worker will be inquisitive about the Cross I
wear or an Icon on my desk, etc. Supervisors have even asked about
Pascha and other Feast Days if I request time off to observe
the Holy Day. Again, by the very will of God, they have often
requested more information and eagerly enter into discussions with me.
The conversations are pleasant and non-threatening and honestly, their
interest seems to be very genuine. However, during these
conversations, I have been questioned as to why one cannot be a
Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and still believe in the teachings of Jesus
Christ. Through God's guidance, I try to respond by simply stating
that there is a difference in believing that Jesus Christ was sent to
earth by God, maintained a chaste, humble and peaceful existence,
performed miracles and was a great teacher as opposed to believing IN
Jesus Christ and in His Divine nature as the Son of the Living God, Who
came into the world to save us by his Glorious Resurrection. To call
oneself a Christian, this must be the very core of who you are, no
questions, no compromises. To believe differently is in direct
opposition to the One True Faith. Quite simply, there
is no other way, but The Way and that is Christ Jesus. "I am The
Way, The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to the Father except
through Me." -- John 14:6.
The questions and statements still arise of universal themes and
teachings in all religions, as well as monotheism vs. polytheism,
etc., as there is definite confusion in the understanding of the
Trinity. The belief in a trinity is not uncommon to the Hindus. They
have a trinity of sorts in their teachings, but they are three
separate entities that "rule over different realms". The belief in
monotheism is also not uncommon as there are some Hindus that practice
a monotheistic "spiritual path". Muslims, no doubt about it, are
monotheistic - one God (but no Trinity). They do not deny the
existence of Jesus Christ and that He was truly sent by God. They
believe Jesus to be one of the greatest prophets, like Abraham. They
even believe in the virginal birth of Christ and revere Mary, but not
as Theotokos. To the Muslim, Mohammed is the greatest of all prophets,
but not he is not of a divine nature. (His name means "comforter",
which is why there is often the reference to the
Gospel of John where Christ teaches of the Comforter, which they
believe to be Christ teaching of Mohammed as the next prophet to be
sent and not The Descent of the Holy Spirit.)
Additionally, I do not deny that there are some “common” themes and
teachings amongst the various religions, as I have read excerpts from
the Koran, the Torah, Buddhist prayer books, ancient Hindu mantras and
prayer services. There are definitely similar themes if you will on
love of the neighbor, peace, rules of prayer, fasting and almsgiving,
and so on. However, there is no universal theme or teaching of Jesus
Christ, therefore, the universality is really non-existent. Jesus
Christ, our Lord and Savior is the Very Core of our faith. Without
Christ as the Divine and Transcendent One, there is no Christianity.
Believing in anything else and still calling oneself a Christian just
doesn't add up.
I could go on and on, but there is no need. It is preposterous and as
I stated earlier, impossible to be a Christian Hindu or Christian
Muslim. Each term is a profound oxymoron - they do not relate, there
is no "real" commonality. Sadder still, there are those that deem it
quite possible and now Christian churches even "excited" about this
notion of interfaith practices and unitarianism.
In my very humble opinion, I feel that as Orthodox Christians we are
now called upon more than ever to continue to "waive the banner of
triumph and victory" of our faith in Christ Jesus. We can use this
bizarre turn of events as an opportunity to continue to be disciples
of Christ and with patience, love and humility share the Gospel with
those that cannot quite comprehend the real meaning of being a
Christian. We can pray that their minds and hearts open to the Living
Word and that Christ will become the center of their lives and the
true and real Universal Theme.
With Love In Christ Jesus,
Alexis Callender
Here is another parishoner response to the article about the Christian-Muslim Episcopal priest, this time from Alexis Callender. This letter is a wonderful and articulate response that in itself is a strong witness to Christ and the Orthodox Faith. Here is fine example of witnessing in the workplace when the opportunity arises. It reminds us of how we must know our faith, AND NOT BE AFRAID OR TIMID ABOUT SHARING IT, so that we do not squander such opportunities. I wish that we would see more of such a witness from among the faithful!
~~~
Good Afternoon Fr. Steven,
To put it quite bluntly, I am appalled by both articles. The
saying "Get Real!" comes to mind. As an Orthodox Christian, it is
difficult if not downright impossible to understand the "logic"
or "reality" (and I use these terms loosely) at the very notion of
a "Christian Hindu" or "Christian Muslim." It is
as absurd as those that in the not so distant past claimed that the
DiVinci Code was based on "fact" and "truths"....it is ludicrous and so
terribly sad!
My astonishment is not only from the conversion of the people
mentioned, but even more so by the acceptance of the churches!! My
humble mind cannot comprehend this.
Unfortunately, this "modern" thought process is very real. I have
experienced this on a somewhat personal level with co-workers and work
acquaintances. As you know I work in a predominantly Indian company,
wherein the majority of my co-workers are Hindu, Muslim, Agnostic,
Atheist or have "no religion", but rather a "philosophy that suits
them". You may ask, how I know the religious or theological
background of my co-workers and office team mates. Afterall, it is
considered "highly inappropriate" by "corporate standards" (again
terms used lightly) to discuss religion in the workplace. At my
current place of employment, I am somewhat of a "minority" as a
Christian.
However, by God's grace, I am openly and non-
confrontationally questioned about Christianity and the Orthodox Faith
quite regularly. A co-worker will be inquisitive about the Cross I
wear or an Icon on my desk, etc. Supervisors have even asked about
Pascha and other Feast Days if I request time off to observe
the Holy Day. Again, by the very will of God, they have often
requested more information and eagerly enter into discussions with me.
The conversations are pleasant and non-threatening and honestly, their
interest seems to be very genuine. However, during these
conversations, I have been questioned as to why one cannot be a
Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and still believe in the teachings of Jesus
Christ. Through God's guidance, I try to respond by simply stating
that there is a difference in believing that Jesus Christ was sent to
earth by God, maintained a chaste, humble and peaceful existence,
performed miracles and was a great teacher as opposed to believing IN
Jesus Christ and in His Divine nature as the Son of the Living God, Who
came into the world to save us by his Glorious Resurrection. To call
oneself a Christian, this must be the very core of who you are, no
questions, no compromises. To believe differently is in direct
opposition to the One True Faith. Quite simply, there
is no other way, but The Way and that is Christ Jesus. "I am The
Way, The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to the Father except
through Me." -- John 14:6.
The questions and statements still arise of universal themes and
teachings in all religions, as well as monotheism vs. polytheism,
etc., as there is definite confusion in the understanding of the
Trinity. The belief in a trinity is not uncommon to the Hindus. They
have a trinity of sorts in their teachings, but they are three
separate entities that "rule over different realms". The belief in
monotheism is also not uncommon as there are some Hindus that practice
a monotheistic "spiritual path". Muslims, no doubt about it, are
monotheistic - one God (but no Trinity). They do not deny the
existence of Jesus Christ and that He was truly sent by God. They
believe Jesus to be one of the greatest prophets, like Abraham. They
even believe in the virginal birth of Christ and revere Mary, but not
as Theotokos. To the Muslim, Mohammed is the greatest of all prophets,
but not he is not of a divine nature. (His name means "comforter",
which is why there is often the reference to the
Gospel of John where Christ teaches of the Comforter, which they
believe to be Christ teaching of Mohammed as the next prophet to be
sent and not The Descent of the Holy Spirit.)
Additionally, I do not deny that there are some “common” themes and
teachings amongst the various religions, as I have read excerpts from
the Koran, the Torah, Buddhist prayer books, ancient Hindu mantras and
prayer services. There are definitely similar themes if you will on
love of the neighbor, peace, rules of prayer, fasting and almsgiving,
and so on. However, there is no universal theme or teaching of Jesus
Christ, therefore, the universality is really non-existent. Jesus
Christ, our Lord and Savior is the Very Core of our faith. Without
Christ as the Divine and Transcendent One, there is no Christianity.
Believing in anything else and still calling oneself a Christian just
doesn't add up.
I could go on and on, but there is no need. It is preposterous and as
I stated earlier, impossible to be a Christian Hindu or Christian
Muslim. Each term is a profound oxymoron - they do not relate, there
is no "real" commonality. Sadder still, there are those that deem it
quite possible and now Christian churches even "excited" about this
notion of interfaith practices and unitarianism.
In my very humble opinion, I feel that as Orthodox Christians we are
now called upon more than ever to continue to "waive the banner of
triumph and victory" of our faith in Christ Jesus. We can use this
bizarre turn of events as an opportunity to continue to be disciples
of Christ and with patience, love and humility share the Gospel with
those that cannot quite comprehend the real meaning of being a
Christian. We can pray that their minds and hearts open to the Living
Word and that Christ will become the center of their lives and the
true and real Universal Theme.
With Love In Christ Jesus,
Alexis Callender
RE: Christian Insanity 2: A 'Christian' Muslim???
Dear Parish Faithful,
I have received some very interesting responses from a few parishoners concerning the recent "coming out" of a "Christian-Muslim Episcopalian priest." The absurdity of this situation must be causing some real confusion in both the Episcopal Church and the Muslim community (as I have read), but this representative of a new hybrid faith continues to push on undaunted and, unfortunately, unchecked by her bishop. One may fear that this could be the sign of things to come; but before we begin to contemplate such a frightening scenario, perhaps we can also hope that this "pioneering" attempt into incoherent religious syncretism will make thinking people pause and realize just how absurd and untenable such a mixing of faiths actually is.
I would like to share some of these responses, beginning with a short one from Marty Davis, which nevertheless offers some crushing logic to the whole issue of combining belief in both Jesus Christ and the Prophet Muhammad.
_____
Dear Fr. Steven,
One wonders that if, as the Muslims believe, Jesus is "just" a prophet, and that according to Islamic teaching a Prophet CANNOT lie - then either Jesus lied (because He said that He would be crucified and resurrected) or Muhammad lied because he said that Jesus was NOT CRUCIFIED. Therefore, logically either Jesus lied, and is not a prophet, or Muhammad lied and is not a Prophet. However, if Jesus told the truth - then He IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS and Muhammad is not only NOT a Prophet, but a worthy recipient of the title and description given by St. John:
"many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist." 2 John 1:7
Whoops - not politically correct???
Marty
I have received some very interesting responses from a few parishoners concerning the recent "coming out" of a "Christian-Muslim Episcopalian priest." The absurdity of this situation must be causing some real confusion in both the Episcopal Church and the Muslim community (as I have read), but this representative of a new hybrid faith continues to push on undaunted and, unfortunately, unchecked by her bishop. One may fear that this could be the sign of things to come; but before we begin to contemplate such a frightening scenario, perhaps we can also hope that this "pioneering" attempt into incoherent religious syncretism will make thinking people pause and realize just how absurd and untenable such a mixing of faiths actually is.
I would like to share some of these responses, beginning with a short one from Marty Davis, which nevertheless offers some crushing logic to the whole issue of combining belief in both Jesus Christ and the Prophet Muhammad.
_____
Dear Fr. Steven,
One wonders that if, as the Muslims believe, Jesus is "just" a prophet, and that according to Islamic teaching a Prophet CANNOT lie - then either Jesus lied (because He said that He would be crucified and resurrected) or Muhammad lied because he said that Jesus was NOT CRUCIFIED. Therefore, logically either Jesus lied, and is not a prophet, or Muhammad lied and is not a Prophet. However, if Jesus told the truth - then He IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS and Muhammad is not only NOT a Prophet, but a worthy recipient of the title and description given by St. John:
"many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist." 2 John 1:7
Whoops - not politically correct???
Marty
Friday, June 22, 2007
Christian Insanity 2: A 'Christian' Muslim???
Dear Parish Faithful,
This one is so "over the edge," and "beyond the pale," that I am rendered uncharacterstically speechless! Sounds like a hoax, but alas, it is a "true story" as far as I can tell. I will leave in Marty's colorful commentary.
~~~
Dear Fr. Steven - here's a rather irritating news story that someone sent me:
SEATTLE (AP) -- The Reverend Ann Holmes Redding, an Episcopal priest for 20 year, says she became a Muslim last year, but still considers herself a Christian as well.
Redding, who says she accepted Islam after being profoundly moved by Muslim prayers, is to begin teaching the New Testament at Seattle University this fall.
Until recently, she was director of faith formation at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral.
Western Washington Bishop Vincent Warner says he accepts Redding as both an Episcopal priest and a Muslim, and finds the interfaith possibilities exciting.
The 55-year-old Redding says she doesn't feel that she has to resolve the differences between her two faiths -- especially over whether Jesus was God or just a prophet -- and hopes sharing her story can help ease religious tensions.
Notice that she says that "she accepted Islam after being profoundly moved by Muslim prayers." I find it tragically ironic that she was moved by the style of the Muslim prayer - which historically was copied from the Middle Eastern Christians that were contemporaries of Muhammad !!! I see this a more "collateral damage" from the Western Protestant "de-spiritualization" of Christianity. She is identified as a teacher of New Testament - obviously she remains quite unaware of the culture of its time!!!!!
In Christ,
Marty
This one is so "over the edge," and "beyond the pale," that I am rendered uncharacterstically speechless! Sounds like a hoax, but alas, it is a "true story" as far as I can tell. I will leave in Marty's colorful commentary.
~~~
Dear Fr. Steven - here's a rather irritating news story that someone sent me:
SEATTLE (AP) -- The Reverend Ann Holmes Redding, an Episcopal priest for 20 year, says she became a Muslim last year, but still considers herself a Christian as well.
Redding, who says she accepted Islam after being profoundly moved by Muslim prayers, is to begin teaching the New Testament at Seattle University this fall.
Until recently, she was director of faith formation at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral.
Western Washington Bishop Vincent Warner says he accepts Redding as both an Episcopal priest and a Muslim, and finds the interfaith possibilities exciting.
The 55-year-old Redding says she doesn't feel that she has to resolve the differences between her two faiths -- especially over whether Jesus was God or just a prophet -- and hopes sharing her story can help ease religious tensions.
Notice that she says that "she accepted Islam after being profoundly moved by Muslim prayers." I find it tragically ironic that she was moved by the style of the Muslim prayer - which historically was copied from the Middle Eastern Christians that were contemporaries of Muhammad !!! I see this a more "collateral damage" from the Western Protestant "de-spiritualization" of Christianity. She is identified as a teacher of New Testament - obviously she remains quite unaware of the culture of its time!!!!!
In Christ,
Marty
Christian Insanity 1: An Episcopal Hindu-Christian Priest!
Dear Parish Faithful,
There is some real "insanity"out there in the "Christian" world - here is a good example of it. (I have an even "better" one that I will send along shortly).
_____
A priest with the Church of England who converted to
Hinduism has been allowed to continue to officiate as a
cleric. The Rev David Hart's diocese renewed his licence
this summer even though he had moved to India, changed
his name and daily blesses a congregation of Hindus with
fire previously offered up to Nagar, the snake god. He
also "recites Gayatri Mantram with the same devotion with
which he celebrates the Eucharist", according to India's
national newspaper. The newspaper this week pictures him
offering prayers to an idol of the elephant god Ganesh in
front of his house. However, he still believes he is fit
to celebrate as an Anglican priest and plans to do so
when he returns to Britain. Hart had published a book,
Trading Faith: Global Religion in an Age of Rapid Change,
in which he writes about his conversion to Hinduism. He
believes that his change to Hinduism would be "read in
the spirit of open exploration and dialogue, which is an
essential feature of our shared modern spirituality". He
also said that he would continue to celebrate as an
Anglican priest when he visited England, but he would
also visit a Hindu temple while there. "My philosophical
position is that all religions are cultural constructs,"
he said. In an earlier interview in India, the former
University of Cambridge chaplain said that he was
planning to immerse his idol of the four-armed Ganesh in
the ocean. "The modern world is no longer dominated by
any single form of belief. It is a world of religious
pluralism... God is the same."
There is some real "insanity"out there in the "Christian" world - here is a good example of it. (I have an even "better" one that I will send along shortly).
_____
A priest with the Church of England who converted to
Hinduism has been allowed to continue to officiate as a
cleric. The Rev David Hart's diocese renewed his licence
this summer even though he had moved to India, changed
his name and daily blesses a congregation of Hindus with
fire previously offered up to Nagar, the snake god. He
also "recites Gayatri Mantram with the same devotion with
which he celebrates the Eucharist", according to India's
national newspaper. The newspaper this week pictures him
offering prayers to an idol of the elephant god Ganesh in
front of his house. However, he still believes he is fit
to celebrate as an Anglican priest and plans to do so
when he returns to Britain. Hart had published a book,
Trading Faith: Global Religion in an Age of Rapid Change,
in which he writes about his conversion to Hinduism. He
believes that his change to Hinduism would be "read in
the spirit of open exploration and dialogue, which is an
essential feature of our shared modern spirituality". He
also said that he would continue to celebrate as an
Anglican priest when he visited England, but he would
also visit a Hindu temple while there. "My philosophical
position is that all religions are cultural constructs,"
he said. In an earlier interview in India, the former
University of Cambridge chaplain said that he was
planning to immerse his idol of the four-armed Ganesh in
the ocean. "The modern world is no longer dominated by
any single form of belief. It is a world of religious
pluralism... God is the same."
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