Returning to Postmodern and Wesleyan?

Turning my thoughts once again to the book Postmodern and Wesleyan?, I must honestly admit that I find myself somewhat hesitant to discuss certain questions or issues the book raises. My concern flows from the perception that some topics seem to spark more misunderstanding, distortion, and misquotes than others. At the same time I realize that, for this very reason, these issues need to be put on the table and engaged with open, honest conversation. So, here we go with the often contentious question of the relationship of Christianity to other religions, and more specifically, the relationship of Christians with the people of other religions.

In the chapter titled Christianity and Other Religions, Dr. Albert Truesdale opens the dialogue on how we, in the Wesleyan tradition, should understand and approach this often difficult question. (Side note: Dr. Truesdale was one of my professors as a student at Nazarene Theological Seminary. Not that he would remember me - my academic record at NTS was far less than stellar!) None of us can deny the importance of the issue, as complex or contentious as it might be. In many ways, the world has come to our doorstep and we find ourselves surrounded by a culture of religious diversity. In sharp contrast to my own childhood experience, my children now attend school alongside a number of children from Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist homes. Whether or not we want to deal with the question, it is and will continue to be before us.

Let it be said up front that there can be no wavering in our affirmation of Jesus Christ as Lord and God. We are rooted and established in the firm conviction that "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ." (2 Cor. 5:19) What I appreciate about Dr. Truesdale's discussion, however, is not only his strong affirmation of who we believe Jesus to be, but also his challenging reminder of our Wesleyan understanding of God's prevenient grace and how it comes to bear on this issue. Recognizing both, he says:

"Wesleyans clearly recognize the importance of evangelical conversion resulting from a Spirit-inspired proclamation of the gospel. But we set no limits on how or when the Spirit will accomplish God's purposes. In various ways and measures, the Spirit can preveniently (i.e., with anticipation) employ religions - and any other device God chooses - in service to the gospel." (p. 81)

It seems to me that one of the critical issues that must come into play as we discuss our relationship to people of other religions is our understanding of prevenient grace. While we are unapologetic in our affirmation of who Jesus is, we also believe that God is at work prior to our conversion, speaking, awakening, and drawing us toward Him. Do we dare believe that the prevenient grace of God can be at work in the lives of those from other religions? Please understand me - that is not the same as affirming or accepting those religions themselves as being true or valid paths to God. To do so brings us into conflict with core Christian beliefs regarding the nature, person, and work of Jesus Christ. What it does affirm, however, is that God, in His sovereignty and grace, can use any variety of means, circumstances, and opportunities to begin to awaken a person's heart, stir their desire to know Him, and prepare the way for their necessary acceptance of Jesus as Lord and God.

We do believe, as Wesleyans, that God is at work before we arrive on the scene. We accept that the Spirit is moving in the lives of people, seeking them out and drawing them toward a relationship with Christ, even before we recognize it. So, if we believe that, then how should we understand our relationship with the Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist next door? Should we not seek to lovingly and graciously nurture what God might already be doing in their lives through his prevenient grace? Rather than cut them off or push them away, would it not be better to cooperate with that grace, allowing love and friendship to draw them toward an understanding of Jesus as Lord and helping them enter into a relationship with Him? I think Dr. Truesdale's summary at the end of this chapter says it well (certainly far better than I could):

"In summary, a Wesleyan answer regarding Christianity and other religions contains four elements.

First, we affirm the New Testament's witness to Jesus Christ as God incarnate.

Second, we affirm that the promised Spirit of God unfailingly and creatively acts in the world. The Spirit seeks to draw all people to eternal life in Christ and prepares the way for the gospel's proclamation. We must seek to discern and cultivate the Spirit's work.

Third, we affirm that religions can become vehicles the Holy Spirit uses to draw people to Christ. But religions are at best incomplete anticipations of the fullness of God manifest in Christ.

Finally, we Wesleyans abhor mean-spirited opposition to other religions. Instead, we seek to understand and dialogue with those from other religions. We dialogue because we want to serve, not obstruct, the Redeemer's prevenient work." (p. 82)

Let the conversation continue.