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Christianity Today, March (Web-only), 2009 |

Muslim Priest and Buddhist Bishop-Elect Are Raising Questions About Syncretism

For years, Episcopal Church leaders have taught that God can be found in other faiths. Now some clergy are pursuing him there.

George Conger | posted 3/27/2009 09:29AM

Jesus saves, the Episcopal Church teaches, but a growing number of its clergy and leaders believe other faiths may lead to salvation as well. Long divided and distracted by questions of sexual ethics, ...

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jimmy

Posted: April 09, 2009 5:56 PM

We were Epsicopalians for 15 yrs but we finally couldn't deal with this stuff any longer, and left. The typical congregation is dominated by "lifers" who have too many social and family ties to consider leaving. They are dying off, and others without such binding ties are leaving. Leadership view themselves in a similar light as acedemics; they confer on themselves sabbaticals, and really do believe they are higher thinkers than leaders of other Christian faiths. Many of the decisions underlying leadership's strategy - the examples given in this article, the unending gay issue, other very left wing views - are deeply offensive to the rank and file. And so, with diminishing budgets, Diocese's become thier own primary source of support - they have become their own largest charity. Any significant outreach is impossible, and like many liberal groups the whole organization has become an inwardly focused and inwardly congratulatory entity while the walls come crumbling down

Charles Macaulay

Posted: April 06, 2009 10:19 PM


Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. You don't compromise on that fact! If you compromise on that you are saying that Jesus Christ is a liar. Then you are saying that He Himself is not fit for the kingdom He came to die for and is now living for.

Bertrand

Posted: April 04, 2009 9:36 AM

Hi to all there, we mut know that Christ is a more universal and being than we can imagine. He has no boundaries, so the "Church" can not contain him. Following Christ, Mohamed, Buddha, Krisna, is just walking on path of of divine wisdom that lead to the Kingdom of God within, and Christ is the gate we have to cross to get to the destination. They are all the differents manifestations of the same reality. We should not have na narrow mind. It so stupid and idiot to divide the humanity an God in such a way. The Truth is one and the same Truth came on this Earth on differents, occasion, for different purposes. As Christ the Truth came to open the Gate to the Kingdom of God within. As Mohamed the Truth came to teach the that we should surrender to God (Allah) by getting rid of our Ego. Now the human being should stop following all these institutions that divide and start listening the call of God within.

bbuudd

Posted: April 02, 2009 7:34 PM

Jesus told his disciples "If they're not against me, they're for me." Absolute certainty leaves no need or room for the Holy Spirit. Absolute certainty translates into salvation in the minds of some - - so with the power of their absolutely certain mind, they have saved themselves. Faith exists because of uncertainty, because of doubts. All I know is that Jesus has been the agent of my salvation - the one who showed me how to have a life-transforming connection with God. A pastor in New York

Steve Freeman

Posted: April 02, 2009 12:43 PM

Thanks for the article. Comparing church or biblical teaching to reality is always interesting. As a believer who has read much on Islamic fundamentalism, religious pluralism poses interesting issues for our future. I believe the dogmatism of the Quran has caused this clash of civilizations. Christianity has, fortunately, and whether we want to admit it or not, modernized with the times. After all, pure Islam does not allow for religious pluralism, separation of church and state, etc. While Christians say 2 things -- Jesus is the way and I don't know what to think about other religions -- for devout Muslims there is but one way and the entire global inhabitants should become Muslim -- by choice or by force. In a way, they should be commended... and in a way, we have yet to see the bloody conclusion of this dogmatism. I'm therefore OK with Christians having 2 opinions in conflict on this question. As Yancey has said, Intellectual pain is an underrated cost of discipleship.

arthur

Posted: April 01, 2009 9:10 PM

I have been reading this website for a couple of weeks and it never fails in making me feel like my head is going too explode. I thank GOD I am a Fundamentalist Bible Believing Baptist. I go to Church I worship God and I know my pastor is not a practicing druid or wiccan, if it were not so sad it would be funny, well ok it is still a little bit funny. Isn't it about time we stick a fork in the episcopal (anglican church). Didn't this church get instituted because a corpulent monarch wished to live sin. Every article you read about this denomination gets stranger and stranger. That priest in Seattle was actually converted to islam after 9/11! You can't write comedy like that. If you don't accept Jesus Christ as your savior she will behead you!

Mark M

Posted: April 01, 2009 8:25 PM

Good article. There aren't many articles that highlight issues within the mainline denominations (this being an evangelical website and all), but what issues the mainline churches are dealing with will/are the issues that evangelicals have to deal with. Right now we see bits of theological liberalism coming out of some of the emergent circles, but it will be much more of an issue in the coming years. Good article.

Pam	Posted: April 01, 2009 7:15 PM

As a very active Episcopalian from one of the most liberal dioceses in the country, I think this article is extremely misleading. I've heard no more than five of types of cases (one of them mentioned in this article) out of the thousands of priests we have. I have never read a Christianity Today post that puts Episcopalian news in context of the entire church and the average Episcopalian's experience. They are headlines that seem to be designed to make Evangelicals and Catholics feel good about their "real" Christianity. I bet I could feature five clergy from each of those traditions that would make Episcopalians feel good about their Christianity. Or, why not feature some vibrantly devout Episcopalians for a change. Such TIRED stuff.

GentleLamb

Posted: April 01, 2009 9:54 AM

The article is biased against E Church and the reflection on Billy Graham and Catholic Church is incorrect. The Catholic theology considers Mary the co-redeemer and for many of my Catholic friends all religion lead to the same god it seems. The Pope also is the mediator between God and Man for which he can forgive sins. Consider Billy Graham changing over the years his beliefs .... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cTr34ZnGG0 http://www.psa91.com

David Fletcher

Posted: March 31, 2009 5:35 PM


This is misleading, since the Bishop's zen practice is only a meditation practice, which makes him about as troubling as Merton. The Muslim priest has been suspended.

Phil Kaplun

Posted: March 31, 2009 2:43 PM

I find it unbelievable and frightening to hear that evangelical Christians would take the position that other religions would lead to salvation. They might as well not have any belief at all. As Christians, we must believe what the Bible teaches; i.e. Acts 4:12. "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved", and John 14:6, Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". Can it be any clearer for a Christian? Phil

Marcus

Posted: March 31, 2009 1:08 PM


1 Timothy 4 1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons

elizam

Posted: March 31, 2009 12:57 PM

First, I have to ask why God would have his Son die a horrible death after enduring agonizing torture if there were any other way? Any half-decent parent knows the answer to that: He wouldn't. Second, I wonder why those who reject the basic premises of an organization, spiritual or secular, nonetheless wish to become a part of it instead of to seek or even implement an entity in which they can believe? Why create controversy when you could seek harmony with like-minded peers instead? Finally, why can't CT highlight a legitimate issue of concern to the Christian community without getting responses such as, "Well, you didn't talk about this. Why don't you expose that?" It is not unreasonable to deal with one issue at a time. As for segregated worship, this results from personal choice, not from impositions by the church.People still get to select the church that best suits their needs. Moreover, many non-denominational community churches are attracting people of all ethnicities.

Steve

Posted: March 31, 2009 12:37 PM


John Hick a Presbyterian? You'd better check your source. I believe he was declined admission to the PCUSA some years ago by the presbytery of San Gabriel and has not been admitted by any other body.

K.	Posted: March 31, 2009 9:35 AM


Amen Dorothy!!

Dorothy Miller

Posted: March 31, 2009 8:23 AM


This is sad. If we could come to the Lord by any method why did Jesus have to come to this earth and die for us? Does anyone believe that it was easy for Him to suffer and die on a cross? He was God but He was man too. These people who believe they can "have their cake and eat it too" should try letting others pound nails in their hands and feet.

John Wilson

Posted: March 31, 2009 5:20 AM


Today many heretics are threatening the church from within. They are dangerous. If I go to a church, I expect the pastor to be a real Christian. If he is not, that is too wierd.

PHYLLIS

Posted: March 31, 2009 12:04 AM


MY BIBLE SAYS YOU MUST BE BORN AGIN TO ENTER INTO THE HEAVENLY KINDOM,WE ARE CHRISTIANS,I HATE PUTTING ON A DENOMATION SIGN ON,WE ARNT PERFECT NOR WILL BE TILL JESUS TAKES US AWAY,GLORY THAT IS WHAT I AM WAITING ON,I AM SURE HOME-SICK FOR THERE,EVEN TIRIERD OF THIS OLD SINFUL WORLD

fikalo

Posted: March 30, 2009 7:32 PM


How is this even up for debate? If you don't believe Christ and His teachings, then you are not a Christian, that is, you are not a devotee of Christ. Believe what you want, but at least be honest about it... don't call it something that it isn't!

Ed	Posted: March 30, 2009 5:17 PM


I don't know about you Joe but I'm with the Pope in hoping that ALL are saved through Jesus Christ and His Church.

alan	Posted: March 30, 2009 5:15 PM

United council of churches? many roads to God. jesus warned "many would come in my name",false teachers,prophets etc.? Read the Word! the Holy Bible! ask God the God of Abraham,Issac and Jacob to open your heart to his truth! Jesus came to the earth to die for our sins the spotless lamb of God! look up free gift and see Gods free gift of salvation Jesus the Christ (the anointed one) not just one of the ways but Thee Way! The power of the Holy Spirit glorifies and empowers the Christ like ones(christians) to live and die if need be for Him to suffer(if need be) & to die for the "good news" Salvation through the precious Blood of jesus! no other sinless Savior ever died for me

Usbek de Perse

Posted: March 30, 2009 4:45 PM

The poll is misleading. I thought all Christians believe in Eternal Life for all. It just depends where you spend it. You cannot legitimately be a Christian layperson and simultaneously be a Muslim or a Buddhist, let alone a priest. I returned to the Episcopal Church after over 30 years as a Baha'i. The Baha'is, to their credit, understand that one cannot belong to two confessions at the same time. This is something that many liberal Christians do not understand. If there are many paths to God, why then bother to celebrate the Eucharist? Either we are celebrating the pinnacle point in human history or we are not. It is one thing to believe that no one knows the limits (if there are any) of God's mercy, but also believe that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It is another to suggest that there are "many paths to God". No Muslim scholar would admit that a person could be simultaneously a Christian priest and a pious Muslim. You choose one or the other.

backpackerbill

Posted: March 30, 2009 3:05 PM

Agree with Mein Gott. I am so sad to have left the Episcopal Church. I loved it so much. But it has so lost its way. Pity. Some of my best friends hang on, even though they too are sad abou it. It isn't about belief alone. It is about salvation. Jesus came to save me (and you), and to heal. That isn't true of other faiths. I have great tolerance of others who believe differently than me. But if they want to be saved, they must come to Jesus. He is the Way. And he says so. If they don't believe this they should go elsewhere. The only reason they are still in the Episcopal Church is for the money it has. Believe me, the Episcopal Church is spending a fortune to keep any who don't agree with them and want to leave, from holding onto chuirch buildings they b0ught and paid for over the years. It isn't about faith for those like Schori. Doesn't even know Scripture!

Ronda

Posted: March 30, 2009 11:40 AM

Yes. Syncretism has become prevalent in America. I know too many, who like the priest who cannot see a distinction between following Christ and following Allah, believe they are "okay" with God. Of those I know, many do not seem to truly wrestle with breadth and depth of the Holy Bible, beginnig to end, and are quick to dismiss the challenges that world calls "foolish" as "not literal". I do not doubt that they are experiencing something akin to an experience with God -- and even at times truly with God -- but that is not the primary goal of our lives. To be in relationship with God, who is Father-Son-Holy Spirit, is to be submitted to God in all things, open to receiving all things from God, and giving up what is "mine" for that which is God's. It is only in Jesus Christ that we can do this. While other religions may have found some Truths, that does not make them True. We need not turn to other faiths for things like meditation, for that exists in Christianity, too.

Christine Taylor

Posted: March 30, 2009 9:42 AM


Thank you so much for this great article. I keep telling my son and my Bible study group -- KNOW YOUR BIBLE. I am appalled at the level of uncritical thinking that produces syncretist beliefs. Unbelievable!

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