Muherman Harun

Should Christians be tolerant of other people's religious beliefs ?
My answer is, YES.
Depending on the situation, we should be bold and brave to state our belief. Without offending or resulting a split in existing relationship with others. “Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Mat 10:16). But those who scoff at the Holy Spirit or at the Good News, Paul and Peter warned us not to invite them home, nor sit together to eat with them.
In our Indonesian society religious pluralism is highly regarded for the purpose of maintaining peaceful coexistence. In our state ideology, every religious group in the country have equal rights to worship according to their own belief. But promoting one religion to any person who already has a different religion, is forbidden. Religious conversion (proselytization as it is called), should be avoided by all means. This is considered a very sensitive issue and often becomes a source of mass social unrest even killings, beyond control.
There are some scenario described below. How would be our response. Can we debate without hurting feelings?
1. A Muslim teacher amicably approaches a Christian:
1.1 We are all brothers, descendents from one same person, Abraham. We are descendents of Ishmael, and you belong to the descendents of Isaac. Ishmael was to be sacrificed by Abraham, not Isaac.
1.2. Although we have different religion, our belief is the same. We all want to go to heaven.
2. During a social meeting, one participant says: “I had always been on Christian schools. I have studied various religions for many years, including Muslim and Christianity. I am now convinced that Buddhism is the very best religion.
A discussion to be meaningful, all parties have to respect each other’s vision and mission. It is difficult for a Christian to respect religions or convictions, other than Christ’s teachings. We should rely upon the Holy Spirit what to say or not to say.

December 11 2013 • Report