Abstract
AbstractOn the one hand, Christians have hem commissioned to work for peace, justice and the preservation of creation. On the other hand, the identity of Christians is firmly rooted in Christ's “Great Commission”. Can one reconcile these two commissions in a religiously pluralistic world?In the last few decades our world has become increasingly religious. All world religions have experienced spiritual awakenings, and at times significant ones. Now, more than ever, the different faiths and ideologies have direct encounters.Christian representatives have repeatedly suggested interfaith dialogue as the key to dealing with other religions. This approach has its merits but also holds certain dangers. Dialogue undoubtedly occupies an important place in interpersonal encounters but is it also an appropriate means for the implementation of the Great Commission? The author believes it is so only in a very limited sense.In the following theses, the author will therefore introduce an additional key that is a non‐negotiable component of the Christian identity, viz. witness. For Christians, this key is the bearing of witness to how they know and have personally experienced God working. It also has its merits and dangers. This is why a clearly defined field has to be allocated to each key.In what follows, the author will distinguish between two God‐given mandates. All humans, whether Christians or non‐Christians, have the mandate to “work the garden and take care of it”. This is impossible without human co‐operation and common ethical values. For this first mandate, dialogue is a helpful means.In addition, Christians have a Christ‐given second mandate to proclaim the gospel to all people(s) by means of witness (martyria). Two prerequisites for carrying out this mandate are mutual respect and freedom (of choice). Otherwise, d could well mean martyrdom as exemplified by Jesus.The following theses aim to introduce this complementary key into the discussion and stake out its scope.
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