Both Christian and Muslim?

Here in Seattle, there is a certain female Episcopal priest who is the center of controversy. She has recently declared herself to be both a Christian and a Muslim. At noon on Fridays, the Rev. Ann Holmes Redding puts on her head scarf and prays with her Muslim friends. On Sundays, she puts on a white collar and participates in the Episcopal service.

I was reading through various responses to the issue on the internet and I noticed that some of those who shared similar views as Ms. Redding seemed to sincerely wonder how this could not be something that both Muslims and Christians should embrace.

To be fair, I try to understand where holders of this view come from. Perhaps they see conflict in the world that is religiously motivated, and see this as a step toward peace. Or maybe they observe adherents in each religion who exude devotion in their various acts of worship and are attracted to the "best" of each religion. I am convinced that this viewpoint sees the aim of religion as personal. It is more about what works for the individual. And it is inherently agnostic. In other words, it rejects the idea that any religion can be deemed to be true or not in the ultimate, absolute sense. Therefore, religion becomes pragmatic rather than truth.

From the view point of biblical faith, true religion is more than practice. It is worship--worship of God. That means it is not just religious rules and rituals. It is the heart that is pledged to love, honor and revere God. It is a pledge of allegiance and loyalty to Christ to follow him at all costs. It is the desire and drive to please him. Biblical religion is not primarily about us. It's purpose is not primarily to enhance our lives, although it does have that effect. Rather it is about honoring God in truth. God has revealed himself that we might glorify him and enjoy him forever. It's ultimately about Him. That is what our faith teaches.

We, as believers, have been throughly convinced that Jesus' claims are the truth. We claim to have be changed dramatically by the Spirit of God and are committed to Christ in loyalty and trust. To adopt the viewpoint of Rev. Redding would be to break our pledge to Christ, to reject His unique Lordship and disown Him. It would be to deny that He died necessarily to take away our sins. From what the Bible teaches about God, from his viewpoint this would be a paramount sin and the rejection of His truth.

Some in Ms. Reddings camp might read my response and conclude that such a viewpoint as mine are what foster conflict. Conflict only comes when one group tries to oppress the other by acts of coercion. I believe all religions should reside side by side and be allowed to make their case peacefully. In that way, the truth will win out. However, those who reject the truth are often hostile to truth and resort to various means to supress it.

The testimony of Christ as recorded in the Bible is beyond comparison in my view. It is first of all historical. Second it is confirmed many times and in many ways by miracles and supernatural acts of God. Islam did not start supernaturally nor was it confirmed by miracles and it started over 5 centuries after Christ.