Dear Mr. Spencer,
Having read your weblog’s "About" page, I am now
acquainted with your clear and admirable opposition to jihad theology, though
not to the religion of Islam, itself. Previously, I was unacquainted with your
voice or cause. But in the last 48 hours, my church’s office administrator and
I have received a series of protest messages from readers of your blog, based
on your July 21 post which features a photo of our church signboard with a seasonal greeting in it. We are now, of course, more than well-acquainted with
you… and some of your apparent devotees.
Please be assured, Mr. Spencer, that not only I but my
friends across the religious landscape agree with you in your opposition to jihad theology. In particular, I venture to say that my Muslim friends agree
with you strongly in this regard. They and I have had numerous conversations
about the blasphemy practiced by militants who pervert the meaning of jihad,
that great spiritual struggle which is so common to our religions. I tell you
nothing new when I identify jihad as the wrestling of the faithful person with
doubt, despair, and the discipline required to maintain a life of faith. It is never
holy war with others but only with oneself.
Christianity, as you know, has many examples of the
misapplication of our principles and beliefs which resulted in
violence toward innocents and some death as well. My own religious tradition within Christianity offers
numerous illustrations of this sinful application of religion as a defense for
intolerance and cruelty. So, it is reassuring for me to discover your stated, common
purpose with our own, of encouraging dialogue and cooperation.
In keeping with our common purpose, let me assure you, the greeting is not one way, as you presume. Our church’s most recent signboard message was composed, preliminary to
the announcement of an iftar we would host with a nearby Muslim faith
community. Unfortunately, this traditional breaking of the daily fast could not be scheduled during Ramadan as
needed and will be replaced by another time together in the near future. Your “fine”
support of our attempt to increase interfaith conversation is much appreciated,
even if you do seem a bit doubtful about our potential for success.
For example, although you begin with saying, “This is
just fine,” you mitigate your congratulations, with your conclusion:
Since Muslims consider the
Christian confession of the divinity of Christ to be an unacceptable
association of a partner with God, this verse is saying that the “common word”
that Muslims and the People of the Book should agree on is that Christians should
discard one of the central tenets of their faith and essentially become
Muslims. Not a promising basis for an honest and mutually respectful dialogue
of equals.
These are very cautious words on your part. I appreciate your concern.
Since you do
not know us yet, and we are only just becoming acquainted with you, please
allow me to say that I do hope that you do not by your conclusion indicate any genuine disrespect for
the “common word” between Christians and Muslims which we are attempting to
engage.
Surely you know, the purpose of interfaith discussion cannot
be to reach an agreement on every point discussed, nor to convert the infidel, but to conduct that “honest and
mutually respectful dialogue” you clearly crave.
For if we are to live together, and we must learn to live
together, it will be necessary as well for us to find new ground on which to
live, the renewing ground of respect and cooperation. Religious absolutism
cannot be an option.
Thank you again for your endorsement
of our work, albeit an endorsement with qualifiers. Please be assured that we do not approach our interfaith partnerships naively or without
appropriate discernment. We are intelligent people and realistic ones, and we respect the intelligence and realism of our partners.
Please receive my encouragement for your efforts with my
church’s own toward changing perspectives and affecting lives and hearts of enemy,
stranger, neighbor, and friend.
Very sincerely,
Rev. David Denoon, Pastor
First Congregational Church of Webster Groves
