Evangelism

CHRISTIAN EVANGELISM AND OTHER FAITHS

Are Christians called to convert people of other faiths to Christianity? This crucial question cannot be avoided as our church discusses an increased emphasis on evangelism for the year 2000. Recently the UCA Victorian Synod adopted a Call to Mission - 2000 for 2000, whereby the church committed itself to finding appropriate means of evangelism in the various contexts in which it lives out the gospel.  The understanding is that congregations will develop the means of attracting new members to their worshipping communities by communicating the faith in new and different ways.  While this is very much to be encouraged, there is a need for Christians to recognize that the aim of sharing the faith with members of other faith communities such as Judaism is very different. 

In that case the appropriate aim of faith-sharing is not conversion, but two-way spiritual and social enrichment, as stronger co-operative relationships are forged with Jews, Moslems, etc. Evangelistic activity by Christians with the aim of converting people of other faiths inevitably carries a message that Judaism, Islam, etc., are not sufficient in themselves for development of a meaningful relationship with the living God. In the past, Christian conversionist attempts have led to a severing of relationships altogether, and a renewal of the suspicion and hostility which has historically characterised Christian-Jewish and Christian-Moslem relationships. 

Contemporary interfaith dialogue, particularly between Christians and Jews, has resulted in increased understanding of Christianity's roots, and paved the way for a positive post-Holocaust relationship. An increasingly harmonious relationship between Christianity and Judaism is also building a foundation for joint responses to issues of justice and human rights in local, national, and international situations.  By all means share what your faith means to you with people of other faiths, but do that in intentional dialogue situations where you are invited to do so.In that kind of atmosphere, where you have perhaps invited a Jewish or Moslem person to speak to your group, there may be agreement that faith sharing is appropriate. The result can be a non-threatening and positively enlightening experience for all concerned.  In the end, the only thing asked of Christians is that they be faithful, witness to their faith, and leave the rest to God.

Krister Stendahl was the former Dean of the Harvard Divinity School, Lutheran Bishop of Stockholm, and for three years Distinguished Professor of Christian Studies at Brandeis, the largest Jewish University in the United States. In an article entitled 'Christianity and Other Religions', he wrote this:

Christian theologians and pastors must come to grips with the pluralism of today's world. Brothers and sisters, we have been called to witness. That's all. It says in Matthew, "Go out in the whole world and make converts, make disciples." It doesn't say, "Go out and make the whole world converts." Who gave us the idea that everybody should become like unto ourselves? We have to witness to that which has been given to us, and then we can leave the results in the hands of God. 

The Victorian Synod's Working Group on Christian-Jewish Relations can help your congregation develop its understanding of the background to the New Testament, and aspects of contemporary Judaism, by recommending Jewish speakers who are prepared to come to your group. There are Jewish speakers available who are willing to share with Christians their firsthand knowledge of Jewish festivals, and many other aspects of Jewish life.  There are also synagogue communities who are willing to have Christian groups attend their services, and who go out of their way to make Christians feel welcome, and explain to them the synagogue worship.  The Working Group can also supply you with educative material, including study books and a video. It may be contacted through its Chair, the Rev Dr Lorraine Parkinson: email parki@netspace.net.au