Thoughts on other religions...

When Gahndie was asked what he thought about Christianity, he responded, ?I like their Christ, but I don?t like their Christians. When I think of a Christian I see a mug of beer in one hand and a gunboat under their feet?. In context, Gahndie was referring to what he thought of the missionaries of his day in age. In all seriousness, this statement has certain implications that I want to draw out. One is the issue of drinking. I have friends of different faiths, and some of them (Hindus and Muslims in particular) refrain from drinking. Since I have been home, I have had no problem with a beer here or a glass of wine there (to put your fears at rest, it?s never in excess). The bible does not preache alcoholic abstinence as some in my past have lead me to believe, but it does preach against excess & impairment of the body (keep in mind that our Savior not only drank wine, but he made it as well, that was his first miracle.) In order to reach my friends though, perhaps abstinence is something I should consider (just as Paul became all things to all people so that they might be saved). Along a different religious thought, we are approaching Ramadan very soon. This is a muslim?s time of fasting and trying to be a better person (learn more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan) . I am considering joining the Muslim faith in this fast. I do not join to desire try to become a better person person, Only Christ through me makes that possible. Instead I join to share in their emphasis on the poor and hurting in our world. The fast lasts every day in September from sunup till sundown and is supposed to continually remind the person of the plight of the poor. I feel that this issue is something I could definitely continually be reminded of. Last thought, if you are witnessing to a Muslim or a Hindu, please remember that you are going to have to convince him that you love him for who he or she is and not for something your trying to manipulate him or her into. A lesson learned you could say. Rememberm, the only way to overcome others stigma is with genuine Christian Love.