Today I am featuring a guest writer, my son Phil. I received this article from him with his comments added. I feel it is a subject that needs to be addressed. The interfaith movement is trying to integrate itself into our churches and our minds. If you believe in truth rather than moral relativism, there can be only one way to salvation. I am so thankful I know that Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life and that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Here is Phil’s article:
Mom:
I found this article on MSN about dating and different religions. I thought the article would be short. A simple phrase of don't do it would suffice. They had a panel of ministers and answered common questions. I am going to put excerpts of the article in here with my comments in red.
First the qualifications of the panel
Rabbi Lev Baesh, director, Resource Center for Jewish Clergy, www.InterfaithFamily.com
Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway, an interfaith minister
Alana Klein, director of communications and publications, Marymount Manhattan College; she and her fiancé are of different faiths
Stephen Miller, Christian expert/writer, ONE: The Digital Dialog
Pastor Bob Moeller, host, For Better, For Worse, For Keeps
Dorette Saunders, senior editor, education unit, Nida Institute for Biblical Scholarship at the American Bible Society
I especially like Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway, an interfaith minister. What does that mean? My guess is she believes in "spirituality" and just like all rivers lead to the ocean, all beliefs lead to God. Yuck. Well, let's get into what she thinks.
Q. What if we’re afraid that dating someone outside our faith will diminish it?
Brockway: My philosophy is that love between two people adds a dimension of holiness to our world that cannot be categorized by religion or culture, and that a temple can be created wherever there is love. I believe in soul mates, and I feel that the couples who are meant to be together have the ability to see each other through the eyes of the soul. That allows many feelings about differences to melt away. Or at least allows them to walk together without having to agree on all things spiritual.
Interesting. I like how she uses the word differences so casually. If by different she means one walking with God for eternity and the other burning in a lifeless Hell, yeah that's pretty different.
Now a gem from Stephen Miller, a "Christian Expert". Note, it does not say he is a Christian, just an expert on one. One could argue Satan is an expert in Christianity, but I have a feeling that this group doesn't really believe in Satan. Let's have Stephen Miller answer a question.
Q: When we start dating someone of a different faith, what’s the first thing a person should do?
Miller: Listen to each other with an open mind. There are wise teachings and doggone dumb teachings in every major religion. As you talk, it’s OK to disagree. You can count on disagreeing. A lot. But there’s no need to be judgmental. That’s God’s job, not ours.
I think our society knows "judge not, lest ye be judged" more than any other scripture. Whenever they want to do something stupid, they just throw that scripture out there. Imagine a Christian dating a Jew. One says, "the Messiah that was prophesied has come and if you believe in Him you can have everlasting life, if not you will burn in Hell". The other says, "No. The Messiah you are basing your faith in was a false prophet and anyone who believes in him will not go to Heaven." Then they decide to go have a nice dinner and put there pesky differences about eternal salvation aside for a moment. After all, it's okay to disagree. Why not wait until you have children to pick this disagreement up again.
Lastly, we have Dorette Sanders, an editor for a biblical studies institute. Note, it also never says she is a Christian or religious Jew. Let's see how she answers the same question that good old Stephen Miller answered.
Q: When we start dating someone of a different faith, what’s the first thing a person should do?
Sanders: Open up and educate each other as to your faith practices. Does an Episcopalian really know what a Mormon believes? Does a Jew understand Catholic teachings? Can an unbeliever uphold the values of a Christian? In order to coexist harmoniously, couples may either agree not to bring up religion or agree to respectfully disagree. The problem with the latter is that such a response will eventually put a strain on their relationship as it becomes more solidified. Or in other cases, one party compromises to the point where his or her “faith” no longer looks the same. It is for this reason that the Bible, in its wisdom, knowing the stresses of everyday life, cautions that we should not be yoked unequally.
I am going to give her credit on a couple of points. (Edited) She points out that simply agreeing to disagree in the long run will not work and is the only one to bring up the Bible mentioning being unequally yoked. However, it is my understanding that the Bible does not caution about being unequally yoked, it says "Don't do it. "
It is amazing to me that people think with a little open mindedness they can compromise on religion. If you are a true believer, there is Heaven and Hell, not compromise. Why not go to a Pastor that cares about your soul for advice. A pastor that is willing to tell someone they are wrong and going down a sinful path. I bet some of these so called experts have never told anyone that they are wrong. And what about children? Can anyone who truly is a Christian be okay with their child being brought up Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or anything other than Christian? If so, I have to say they are not a Christian.
Anyway, I found this interesting and the answers to be ridiculous. I hope you enjoyed it.
Phil
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