A week or so ago a bit of an uproar began as a reaction to section of a sermon delivered by Dr. Dwight Nelson, Senior Pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the Campus of Andrews University, in which he presents the idea that Allah of Islam is the same as the God of Christianity. This is a not a new concept. Many have come before Pastor Nelson and brought this idea to the table. But as before it once again generated passionate discussion.
I responded myself to the discussion but not as a statement of my stance on the issue, but rather, a response of disgust with how some who claimed to be Christians had laced their thoughts with prejudice, bigotry, and outright hatred of those who chose to walk another spiritual path. My heart was saddened when I saw what was said about those who sought the path of Islam and other religions. There was a lack of respect, diplomacy, and basic humanity in the comments that were expressed.
How far from the example of Christ himself who sought to establish relationships with anyone no matter their station in life or the set of beliefs one chose to govern their life by. How far from Christ who, when presented with the woman caught in the very act of sinning, acted with discretion for even those who accused and then... when all had left quietly... asked the woman "where are those who have condemned you?" (John 8:10). When she responded with, "no one." Jesus says the words...
"Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."
Jesus sought to build on the smallest seed of hope that lives in all our souls. That seed that is hidden in the deepest recesses of hearts that have been hardened by the often purposeful yet naive journeys into darkness.
There are many stories. Stories of Jesus not condemning. Instead... He consoles. He heals. He restores. And He offers hope...
After 40 years of living a quiet existence in the desert Moses sees a wondrous sight. A bush on fire and yet not burning. (Exodus 3) What follows is one of the most powerful and intimate moments recorded in the Bible. God comes close to a man who appears to have lost everything and squandered what most men would have considered to be the one opportunity for greatness.
Moses is human and the frailty of humanity is on display as he interacts with the divine. He asks the Creator, "when they ask me what your name is. What shall say?" The answer is simple...
"I am."
One can spend eons discussing the enormity of what those two simple words mean. One can focus on the fact that this answer carries the weight of existence at the fundamental. This is the bit it and end all of it all.
In this answer though is also the key to who God is. For it is not in the name whether it be Allah or Yahweh. It is in characteristics of Mercy and Justice so well balanced and governed by wisdom that is timeless. And it is also in you and me. Should this God bring change to your life. Should Him living in your life cause you to rise above and be a light among lights to guide a searching soul home with patience, understanding, meekness and love. Should your stagnant existence be renewed and your single desire be to grow in His grace...
Then this is the true God.
This is the Truth.
and all others are shadows
that we gently need to steer others away from
that they may come to the true source
of light and hope...
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