What Kind of Spirit Are We Really Of? A Pentecostal Approach to Interfaith Forgiveness and Interreligious Reconciliation

 

I therefore urge Christians in general and Pentecostal Christians in particular to apply our tradition of grace and faith to the field of interreligious forgiveness and reconciliation. Let us lead the way in freely offering to religious others forgiveness even as we lead the way in frankly asking forgiveness of them. Let us not build our hope on human merit but on faith in divine grace. Nevertheless, this does not at all negate the importance of relational faithfulness on the part of all religious partners. Pentecostals tend to stress the essentiality of perseverance in God’s grace for enduring enjoyment of eternal salvific benefits and status. Accordingly, to extend a gracious gift of forgiveness to religious others will in no wise diminish the significance of integrity and sincerity in ongoing interreligious relationships based upon mutual reconciliation. Real reciprocity all around is essential for interfaith forgiveness and interreligious reconciliation to continue and grow.

 

Conclusion

As a Pentecostal Christian desirous of interreligious forgiveness and reconciliation, I am pleased that at its recent biennial International General Assembly, my denomination published a “Resolution” regarding war and violence in the Middle East. Though it may not yet go far enough for many, it is certainly a step in the right direction. I will close with its inclusion. Before reading, please note that in spite of a history of strong support for Israel, which is indeed undiminished, a move is also made to recognize others and offer humanitarian aid to all. I am hopeful that this indicates a broadening of the horizon of concern for all peoples. If so, this would suggest interfaith forgiveness and interreligious reconciliation are in order. Perhaps most importantly, the entire document is set in the context of prayer for peace. Perhaps the most important act for peace may indeed be persevering prayer to “the God of peace” to be with us all (Rom 15:33).

 

Resolution of Prayer for the Current Crisis in the Middle East

WHEREAS “Proclaiming the Power of Pentecost” is the theme chosen for the 71st Church of God International General Assembly; and

WHEREAS during this, the 71st International General Assembly, we are witnessing an escalation of conflict and acts of terrorism in the Middle East; and

WHEREAS the unfortunate nature of war involves the loss of innocent life; and

WHEREAS the call to pray for the peace of Jerusalem is explicitly stated in God’s Word (Psalm 122:6); and

WHEREAS as prayer was timely and appropriate at the time of the Scriptural injunction, it is more necessary now as we observe the carnage and destruction of human life and property, and the suffering of women and children of both Jews and other peoples; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED that the international family of the Church of God reaffirms the previous resolutions on prayer for the peace of Jerusalem; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Church of God around the world pray that this conflict will end, and peace will come to Israel and the Middle East; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that humanitarian support be given to those suffering on all sides of the conflict, where possible.¹⁶  

PR 

 

Tags: approach, forgiveness, interfaith, interreligious, kind, pentecostal, reconciliation, spirit

Category: Ministry, Spring 2009