I really cannot stand the use of the term 'tolerance' to describe good relations between faith communities. For me to be tolerant requires that I do absolutely nothing and simply let the other be. Which is all well if you feel that all God wants you to do.
Equally I do not like the phrase 'co-existence' as that seems awfully like tolerance. Sharing the same space should be a given and faith communities have been co-exsiting in the Middle East for centuries. So what's new?
The reason I do not like these descriptions is because I am an activist. I believe that all Christians are called to be activists and my understanding of Islam is that equally all Muslims are also called to be activist as a result of their faith.
The problem is that activism can be subverted into negative and destructive activity. Rather than acting as a source of cohesion and security - religion can be hijacked by those with wrong thinking and activism to tear society apart. This is a tragedy.
As a Christian I am called to be salt and light in society. I believe all Christians are called to be ambassadors for God and Christ and transform society by opposing evil and championing justice, and by proclaiming Good News. I have been inspired by Muslim activists who seek a fairer and more compassionate society.
Now a new term has entered the world of interfaith relations - co-belligerence.
Belligerence means a stance of aggression and 'co' means to do it together.
This is more like it. Aggressive activism but towards doing what?
I think there are a lot of things in society that Christians and Muslims can campaign aggressively together for.
We can campaign to eradicate poverty and abuse of women. We can work together to end child slavery and human trafficking. We can feed the hungry, minister to the sick and campaign for those who are wrongly imprisoned.
There are some interesting examples from around the world where Christians and Muslims are working together against a common enemy that threatens all humanity. In Indonesia and the Phillipines where there has been suffering caused by natural disasters, Christian and Muslims have shared resources for relief and emergency work.
This does not minimise our differences in theology (eg; the Trinity, salavation by faith in the death and resurrection Christ and so on) but instead it highlights our shared humanity. God is love and all acts of love flows from him as our creator. This is definitely worth exploring and celebrating.
Wonder what we can do in Kuwait together?
