"As Christians we must fight for legal tolerance; that is, the freedom for individuals to believe as they wish. No one can be coerced to believe in Christ; no one should be rejected because he belongs to another religion."
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishers 1994
p. 197
Lutzer refers to three kinds of tolerance, as explained by Harold Netland in Dissonant Voices: Legal, Social, and Intellectual.
America was founded on the freedom of religion; freedom to worship according to our own consciences. That doesn't mean freedom just for Christians. I admit, that's hard for me to swallow. And I think one reason might be because that freedom isn't necessarily reciprocal.
"The religions of the Far East," writes Lutzer, "often give an aura of tolerance that is particularly directed toward Western audiences. However, those who have lived in(those) countries . . . tell stories of repression, persecution, and ostracism . . . " p. 196 I see those attitudes coming to the United States. But--reciprocal or not, everyone deserves the freedom to make their own choice. And like Lutzer writes, they can't be "coerced" to believe Christ. Nor is that what we desire. The rich life we experience with Christ is because of our own "heart" decision.
I think another reason I struggle with freedom-for-all is two-fold: My own conviction that accepting Jesus Christ's death and resurrection is the only way to heaven; my conviction, also, that there are only two possible destinations, and the other option is equally "eternal." I want everyone to know the truth/Truth and to go to heaven.
The other fold is concern; my own uncertainty of where God-honoring solitude, silence, and meditation become too influenced by Eastern practices of meditation. And the possibility of the Body of Christ being deceived.
"You, Lord, have abandoned your people, the decendents of Jacob. They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and embrace pagan customs." Isaiah 2:6 NIV
Psalms and Joshua tell us to meditate on God's Word/Law, on His unfailing love, on His mighty deeds, on His promises. I'm, frankly, unsure about meditating on a waterfall, eagle, or one particular word. But that's me. I've yet to work all this out. And, within the subject of this blog, I must let others work it out for themselves, as well.
How do you practice freedom-for-all? Do you incorporate meditation into your relationship with Jesus? What does it look like?
EverGrowing--Sometimes Rambling,
Lonnie
PS: Next time Social and Intellectual Tolerance to conclude my walk with Lutzer through "Christ Among Other gods."
