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