They assert that such associations actually blur the lines between the faiths.
However, leaders of the Christian movement towards having such relationships with other faiths disagree with the aforementioned assertion. According to Brian McLaren, one of the Christian leaders of the interfaith movement, explains that the reason for fasting is not to become Muslim. Instead he asserts that "we are deeply committed Christians. But as Christians, we want to come close to our Muslim neighbors and to share this important part of life with them." The goal is to join Muslims in the observance as "a God-honoring expression of peace, fellowship and neighborliness (Gorski, 2009)."
McLaren started the movement because he believed that many Americans began to develop an anti-muslim ideology as a result of the terrorist attacks of 2001. He believed that through the development of relationships these sentiments could be reduced.
Although Christians participating in such relationships with Muslims is not necessarily approved by all Christians, Ries makes clear that he is a Chrisitian and that he believes in Jesus Christ. However, Reis also asserts that he does not have the right to send people to heaven or hell because he is not God. Ries also explains that much of the objection to his fellowship with muslims is governed by fear. He asserts that those that are opposed to such relationships simply have a fear of the unknown. The article further explains that understanding the faith of Muslims is essential to guaranteeing peace and unity amongst the faith.
Still others argue that Christians engaging in the practices of Muslims is wrong and contrary to the word of God. The article explains that
"It's by following these practices that a Muslim demonstrates his obedience to the rule of the law through the Quran. For a Christian to do the same automatically...
For a Catholic salvation without God or Christ is unthinkable. Admittedly, this is a comparison of two outwardly very different religious structures and cultures but it serves to illustrate the fact that important differences do occur and this can also be applied to other more homogenous religious groupings. While one may add dozens of similar examples of fundamental differences between religions, at the risk of over-simplification one could also assert
" It caused missionaries to deal with peoples of other cultures and even Christian traditions -- including the Orthodox -- as inferior. God's mission was understood to have depended upon human efforts, and this is why we came to hold unrealistic universalistic assumptions. Christians became so optimistic that they believed to be able to correct all the ills of the world." (Vassiliadis, 2010) Missiology has been undergoing changes in recent years
With respect to these principles, Unitarians have historically supported social justice movements within the United States, such as the Civil Rights movement, and anti-war causes. They also support interfaith dialogue, and believe there is value in all religious faiths, not just Christianity. The merged organization does not hold solely to Universalist or Unitarian beliefs, but honors both in the shaping of the tradition. Many women have served prominently in the
The emphasis on social stability, as seen in many institutions' suspicion regarding social change, can lead to the perpetuation of social inequality. In some instances, there is even a stronger link between religion and power structures. The caste system in India privileges the rights of the priestly class. However, political leaders in India have also formed strong ties with the Brahmin class. These ties serve to "legitimize" the power in
Community Health Nursing The scope of epidemiology has "changed in recent years," Karen Lundy explains; not only are investigations carried out vis-a-vis determinants of illness and disease, but the "variables that contribute to the maintenance of health" are considered part of the epidemiological process. Hence, an RN named Valerie Swain in San Diego was practicing epidemiology when she established a program (through an interfaith organization) that assured homeless people who are
A moral compass refers to the attributes that individuals and groups use to guide their lives with a sense of purpose and direction.[footnoteRef:2] Although different faiths subscribe to various types of “moral compass points,” the moral compass advocated by the United Methodist Church provides a useful example that can be used to gain a better understanding concerning its purpose and tenets as well as how these can help improve people’s
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