Interfaith movement on sandy soil?

Interfaith

Tuesday, 16 March 2010 10:21

The interfaith movement is based on a flawed foundation which will ultimately limit the good it might do, says New Zealand Christian Network, visionnetwork, National Director Glyn Carpenter.

Mr Carpenter was one of approximately 60 participants who attended the National Interfaith Forum held in Christchurch on February 27. Special women's, youth, and other interfaith meetings were held on the Friday and Sunday.

Mr Carpenter, who has been trying to present an orthodox biblical position at interfaith forums since 2003, said as long as people at the forums continue to talk about all faiths worshipping the same god, they are not being inclusive of the standard Christian position. They like to think they are inclusive of everyone because of that statement.

"I very much doubt the majority of Muslims or Hindus believe we all worship the same god, either," said Mr Carpenter.

"I don't want to cause anyone offence, but this statement is flawed. We are very blessed in New Zealand that members of different religious groups do come together for dialogue. There is much we can agree on and much we can do together.

"But if this is to be achieved, then it must be on a basis of truth, and not keep trying to gloss over the fact that different religions believe in different gods."

4 Comments

Roger Boulter makes this comment

Wednesday 24 March, 2010

I agree with Glyn. One thing no one can get away from is that what is an essential belief for one religion may be heresy for another. For example, it is an essential belief of Christianity that Jesus Christ is God's Son; it is heresy to Muslims that God can even have a son. Also, Islam holds Jesus to be a prophet; for Christians, it is blasphemy to say that Jesus is no more than a prophet. Good onya Glyn for refusing to fudge an issue many just don't want to face up to.
Ray McKendry makes this comment

Wednesday 17 March, 2010

There is huge difference between having discussions with other religions and comparing the things we can all do together and syncretism. Syncretism is un-Biblical since the Bible is more than a witness to the truth about God it is the Truth itself.
David Barlow makes this comment

Wednesday 17 March, 2010

As a retired Christian pastor, I have to agree totally with Mr. carpenter. Either the Lord Jesus Christ IS the Son of God manifest in the flesh, or He isn't. And He was totally adamant and quite dogmatic when He said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father except through Me." (Jn. 14:6) If we Christians were more passionate about these basic tenets of our faith, I believe we would influence far more people. BLESS you all, David Barlow.
Garry makes this comment

Tuesday 16 March, 2010

I agree. Surely if we hold to the Christian belief that there is only one God, who is three in one, Father Son and Holy Spirit. Then all others that are call gods are something other than the One true and living God of the Bible. If this is not the case then we have all been hoodwinked and or faith has know basis in reality.

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