I’m pretty sure my job is safe....
Feb. 3rd, 2003 11:30 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kayreI’ve been warning my Bible study class since September that I’m a Raving Liberal, religiously... tonight I proved it.
At the end of class, we were given this statement to discuss: “The radical disciple lives in a pluralistic society and at the same time believes that Jesus is the unique Word of God.” After a long uncomfortable silence, the teacher nodded to me (knowing that I always have something to say, but try to let others have a chance first).
So I told them that I don’t think “unique” means we have a monopoly; and that I don’t believe that the God Jesus talks about would bar the gates of heaven to a righteous, just, compassionate person who happens to be Jewish, or Muslim, or some other religion. And I told them that I could point to theologians who would agree with me, including Wesley and C. S. Lewis. (Figured I’d stick with folk they’ve heard of; it’s not a widely-read group.) Specifically pointed them to The Last Battle, the last book of the Chronicles of Narnia.
The teacher agrees with me, though she kept quiet. Three other women really want to believe me, but are confused-- I suspect at least two of them will look for the Narnia books this week, and give them a try. And then there’s John, who thinks he’s liberal because he’s figured out that Protestant Christians of other denominations aren’t necessarily going to hell. *sigh* We have such a long way to go.
But it was a lively discussion, and friendly, and even John chatted with me on our way to the parking lot afterwards. It’s a start.
At the end of class, we were given this statement to discuss: “The radical disciple lives in a pluralistic society and at the same time believes that Jesus is the unique Word of God.” After a long uncomfortable silence, the teacher nodded to me (knowing that I always have something to say, but try to let others have a chance first).
So I told them that I don’t think “unique” means we have a monopoly; and that I don’t believe that the God Jesus talks about would bar the gates of heaven to a righteous, just, compassionate person who happens to be Jewish, or Muslim, or some other religion. And I told them that I could point to theologians who would agree with me, including Wesley and C. S. Lewis. (Figured I’d stick with folk they’ve heard of; it’s not a widely-read group.) Specifically pointed them to The Last Battle, the last book of the Chronicles of Narnia.
The teacher agrees with me, though she kept quiet. Three other women really want to believe me, but are confused-- I suspect at least two of them will look for the Narnia books this week, and give them a try. And then there’s John, who thinks he’s liberal because he’s figured out that Protestant Christians of other denominations aren’t necessarily going to hell. *sigh* We have such a long way to go.
But it was a lively discussion, and friendly, and even John chatted with me on our way to the parking lot afterwards. It’s a start.
