Communication

THE SAME PAGE

by Morris Inch
08/03/16
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THE SAME PAGE

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"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet without sin" (Heb. 4:15). As expressed in popular idiom, he was on the same page. Consequently, he is able to identify with us, and intercede on our behalf.

This would seem to provide a precedent for us to emulate. For instance, I have been criticized for carrying on dialogue with persons of other persuasions. However, one can gain insights from even unexpected sources. And in the process witness and strengthen one’s own faith.

This recalls a time when a Christian colleague and I met with four persons of Muslim faith. This consisted of a prominent cleric, retired professor, current instructor, and business man. The retired professor was the first to speak. "Now concerning the Trinity," he allowed. I had expected that this might be a topic for discussion, but was not primed for what would follow.

"I don’t think this should concern us," he continued. "For while I can’t embrace this Christian dogma, the idea of complexity within the God-head is acceptable." That is, while God is associated with heaven, he is not limited to this location. "Instead, let us consider something of more critical nature. You Christians say that if some one strikes you on one cheek, you should turn the other to him. While we Muslims insist that if he does so, we are obligated to strike him back. That is good for both him and you." For him, because only in this manner does he learn to expect the consequences for his action. For you, since you accept the responsibility of dwelling among others. Incidently, Jesus’ exhortation to turn the other cheek probably is with reference to a slap with the back of one’s hand, as an insult. Although the speaker initially seemed unaware of this.

A minor digression? Certainly not, since it helps explain why Muslims often behave in ways unacceptable to us. Moreover, it encourages us to reason with them in context of their social agenda. Incidently, the state department officials I have encountered in overseas deployment seem relatively familiar with the culture in which they serve. While not surprising, it appears that those back in this country appear less capable of interaction.

This issue plays out in many contexts. I am again reminded of a Muslim friend who was seriously considering the Christian faith, since there was much in it that appealed to him. However, his religious orientation laid more emphasis on its political implications, and so he attributed the unacceptable lifestyle promoted in our media as representative of the Christian faith. Had he been able to get on the same page the results might have been different, but this not being the case, he decided to remain in the faith in which he had been raised.

Then there was the time when a group of Christian leaders and Jewish rabbis decided to carry on a dialogue in Chicago. Initially, we did not include a devotional because of the difference in our theological traditions. Subsequently, we reconsidered. In the process, we bonded together as those in search for truth. Or as I expressed it the text Reasoning Faith, "Faith less resembles a leap in the dark than pressing toward the light."

One instance especially comes to mind. At the outset of the meeting, the eminent

Christian writer Joe Bailey alluded to the death of his son. At its conclusion, the rabbis gathered around him, weeping and with the intent of consoling him. In doing so, they had graphically made a transition to his page.

In greater deal, it was said of Jesus: "Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient in death—even death on a cross!" (Phil. 2:6-8). This included the experience of an unborn, that of a child and a youth—hence subject to others, that of an adult male, the pressures of his public ministry, and eventually a cruel death. While out of compassion for wayward humans.

"Father," Jesus employed, "if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (John 22:42). No other way was forthcoming. Then if Jesus were willing to take on such an incredible sacrifice for us, we should be willing meet others where they live and reason. Or so it seems to me.