Interfaith relations and the Christian disciple: Living with others in the way of Jesus

Abstract

People of other faith traditions are our fellow Americans in this religiously-diverse nation. Although some American Christians regrettably are judgmental, suspicious, fearful, or rejecting of the Religious Other in our midst, many do respect and welcome these followers of other spiritual paths and desire to speak of and act toward them in a kind, generous fashion. It is profoundly important that we learn how to live well with our neighbors who are different, not only because such behavior validates the message we preach about love and forgiveness, but also because building personal friendships makes for societal and even global peace. The best role model for how to treat others, including those who are religiously different, is arguably Jesus, who demonstrated in his words and actions why he was rightly called the “Prince of Peace.” If we choose to live with others in the way of Jesus, then at least in our individual “worlds”—and hopefully in the world at large—we will be doing the good work that will bring to reality the astute observation of Hans Küng: “There will be no world peace without peace between the world’s religions.”