Comments on: Should Christians work alongside other religions toward common goals?

By: Lon

Lon — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:45:18 +0000

Folks,

this is an easy one.

In areas of faith stand in Christ. Live the first part of the great commandment-FIND GOD every day and don’t expect your church to do what you and ONLY you can to to pursue God.

Second, in areas of the world, demonstrate your faith to the world by being changed by God and being a part of things that change the world.

My daughter works in an NGO in Washington DC that is fighting human trafficking and sexual slavery. She is a collegiate worship leader on a major university during the school year, but as part of her calling works in the area of human trafficking. Clearly, not only Christians are interested in plight of men and women that are held in captivity. In her office, there are Catholics, Christians, non-believers and the leader is Islamic. They are working together hard to change international law to protect men and women. Her witness in the office has caused a french-croatian women ask her about her faith, her room mate is a new Chinese christian and getting mentored by my daughter.

Point is: wrong focus- focus on being changed by God/The Holy Spirit first, then your life has something to say to all who know you.

By: Donna

Donna — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:09:56 +0000

Do you know what GOD expects from you? HIS first requirement is for you to love HIM with your heart, mind, body,and soul,! The second is to love the creatures HE put here on this earth with you. If the LORD intended for you to be here alone there would not be anything else here. JESUS SAID: WHAT YOU DO TO THE LEAST OF THEM YOU DO UNTO ME! HE wants to see HIS image in you when HE gazes upon you!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Hiram

Hiram — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:17:52 +0000

What is confusing is that both sides are right. In the bible it goes both ways. So you damned if you do and damned if you don`t. However one thing that is clearly stated is when Jesus states the 2 most important commandments. Love the lord your God with all your heart and Love your neighbor as yourself. The law of Love is Universal and I was reminded of this when I went through my degrees as a Mason. Working together for the common good, doing the work as it is commanded by God.

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:04:45 +0000

Sheila, thanks for sharing your perspective — it sounds like you are grappling with an issue in your everyday life that for many Christians (such as me here in the U.S.) is something of a more abstract issue. Thanks for your faithful work for Christ in such a challenging situation.

By: Sheila D'Souza

Sheila D'Souza — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:19:58 +0000

I am an Indian, working for a fertiliser industry. Our management is hindu so is our staff and management people. Catholics are a minority. Very often they give us “prasad” which was offered to their idols to eat. In the past I used to eat, but now I do take (to avoid annoyance)and give it to the poor outside my office. I find it difficult to please my hindu bosses.But I am glad they have high regards of us. They don’t force us. But in India we are a very small minority. We have no options here but to work for them. With our good behaviour and mannerism we influence them epecially where corruptions are rampant or even accepting bribe.But I consider myself lucky that we can worship our God freely and openly unlike muslim countries. The place where I live we have many Catholic churches and good fellowship and sharing among our communities.We have lots of programmes for the youth and parishioners. We are happy here, though some parts of India, christians are facing atrocities even burning because of some miscreants or fanatics hindus, who think christians are converting the hindus.
Indians by and large are very accomodating, peaceful and friendly.
I am grateful for all the catholic sites I can visit and learn more about my faith and grow in my love for Jesus our Lord and King.I am very happy I am born in a catholic family.

By: James Cope

James Cope — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:57:11 +0000

Rick,

Scripture is quite clear and presenting here again was a reminder of
what the answer of the question should be. We do work in a world around non-believers and certainly our good works can reflect the love of God.

By: Frank Chimento

Frank Chimento — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:41:02 +0000

This is an easy one. Yes, we should work together when possible. Foremost, we are to lover our neighbor. And, we should be doing all things as unto the Lord.

It’s often easier to witness when we engage. Christianity is a faith intended to include the Jew and the Gentile so by all means, do what is pleasing to God and invite your favorite Muslim friends along.

At some point all of humanity will recognize that there was a man, His name is Jesus, He was crucified and rose again. Do you believe He is who He said He was? Do you choose to receive Him as your Lord and Savior or do you choose to reject this fact?

Do not be ashamed of the Gospel. Boldly declare the Good News of Jesus Christ so that others may be saved.

By: Rick

Rick — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:58:58 +0000

What does the Bible say?

Mark 9:40
For he who is not against us is on our side.

Yet isn’t this for leaving those that are doing good alone while they do their good and not to speak bad or prevent them from those activities..

I think the following is clear:

IICor 6:
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you[b] are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

â€œ I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.â€[c]

17 Therefore

â€œ Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.â€[d]
18 â€œ I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the LORD Almighty.â€[e]

Luke 11:17
But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them: â€œEvery kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls.

Luke 11:23
He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.

By: Ralph Perry

Ralph Perry — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:22:51 +0000

I believe people of different faiths should work together for the common good. By working together, in a loving and gentle way, it might give the Christian an opportunity to witness to the non-believer. Christians can change hearts by loving, caring, being a good example and not judging others.