GIFTS and what Follows.
It began with an unexpected meeting and an invitation to a cup of tea. The couple were Bangladeshis
who are among those whom I would not usually meet. A conversation followed and a gift offered and received. Al Qur-an in English and Arabic with significant commentary. I indicate that I would reciprocate. Then the comments and calls to back away.
Where to take this? Communication must be two way - a Dialogue is essential. To leave the matter where it is now is most unsatisfactory. Communication does imply .... demand the removal of walls and barriers. This wall must be addressed not just on mission fields over there but in new home situations.
This new friend had no problem in offering me this gift .... it is a beautiful gift. I selected a hard cover without picture on cover copy of the New Testament in his own language. An exchange of gifts yet there is this protest, reinforcing a wall.
According to my understanding there is the instruction in his gift that if he wishes to know what I believe he should ask me. If I had been a Jew a similar instruction is given. He may not wish to know but he ought not the draw conclusions about what I believe unless he does seek information.
My experience in Brunei showed how much misinformation and nonsense is presented by Islam's religion teachers to students at school. The booklet "Fundamentals of 'Aqeedah - Ahl.Us.Sunnah reveals serious error in its implications about the Christian Faith. Mind you some of it deserved given
the way the Doctrine of the Trinity is presented by members of the church. We are supposed to believe
in Three gods - Father, Mother and Son. Given our history it is not difficult to see how this came about.
This means that Christians need to distance themselves from much of it Greek synthesis.
God whom we are invited to call Father ..... Word Who! became flesh and dwelt amongst us ..... Ruah, Spirit ... Holy Spirit proceeding from God and the Word........
Then Leslie Newbigin's notion of Christian Revelation is much more than information it is invitation to relationship.
It began with an unexpected meeting and an invitation to a cup of tea. The couple were Bangladeshis
who are among those whom I would not usually meet. A conversation followed and a gift offered and received. Al Qur-an in English and Arabic with significant commentary. I indicate that I would reciprocate. Then the comments and calls to back away.
Where to take this? Communication must be two way - a Dialogue is essential. To leave the matter where it is now is most unsatisfactory. Communication does imply .... demand the removal of walls and barriers. This wall must be addressed not just on mission fields over there but in new home situations.
This new friend had no problem in offering me this gift .... it is a beautiful gift. I selected a hard cover without picture on cover copy of the New Testament in his own language. An exchange of gifts yet there is this protest, reinforcing a wall.
According to my understanding there is the instruction in his gift that if he wishes to know what I believe he should ask me. If I had been a Jew a similar instruction is given. He may not wish to know but he ought not the draw conclusions about what I believe unless he does seek information.
My experience in Brunei showed how much misinformation and nonsense is presented by Islam's religion teachers to students at school. The booklet "Fundamentals of 'Aqeedah - Ahl.Us.Sunnah reveals serious error in its implications about the Christian Faith. Mind you some of it deserved given
the way the Doctrine of the Trinity is presented by members of the church. We are supposed to believe
in Three gods - Father, Mother and Son. Given our history it is not difficult to see how this came about.
This means that Christians need to distance themselves from much of it Greek synthesis.
God whom we are invited to call Father ..... Word Who! became flesh and dwelt amongst us ..... Ruah, Spirit ... Holy Spirit proceeding from God and the Word........
Then Leslie Newbigin's notion of Christian Revelation is much more than information it is invitation to relationship.
