For the first eighteen years of my life I belonged to a wonderful church. I came to and developed personal faith from a young age. Well taught in Christian faith I knew what I believed and why those who didn’t believe the same as me were wrong.
I’ve never lost my faith, but over the years it has evolved, developed…
…About forty years ago we took part in interdenominational home groups throughout Lent. On the first evening we discovered that two Roman Catholic nuns were part of our group. I thought I knew about Catholics! Those two ladies proved me wrong, expressing and demonstrating a personal, humble, practical faith that put my ill-informed prejudice to shame…
…Seventeen years ago, when I retired, I engaged in theological studies. For various assignments I interviewed folks who were practicing-Christians, used-to-be-Christians, never-would-be-Christians and various shades in between. Reflecting on my faith alongside the views of others I realised that those who thought differently from me had a lot to teach me…
… Some years ago the doorbell rang. It was a young, recently married couple – Jehovah’s Witnesses. I started chatting to them. I listened to their story, discovered how their faith affected their priorities. We exchanged views. We didn’t agree on everything, but I understood better. Some of my pre-conceived ideas about JWs were disproved…
And so to yesterday…
…Abdeslam is a Muslim who lives in the Middle East. On his blog yesterday he wrote a prayer for Gaza, including phrases like, ‘…feed their hungry, secure their fear, heal their wounded, support their oppressed…’
I responded: ‘As a Christian I would not phrase my prayers quite like yours, but the sentiments of my prayers are very similar.’
Abdeslam responded: ‘That’s totally understandable — we may express things differently, but it’s beautiful how our hearts are often aligned in what we seek through prayer.’
I’m stronger in my faith, yet increasingly appreciating that I don’t need to change or dilute my beliefs to learn from those who believe differently from me.
malcolmsmusings.org 
What a wonderful message, Malcolm. I recently had some interaction with some people that relates to this. I wish we had more in the faith community on this side of the pond that would follow your example.
–Scott
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I think, Scott, that I’m in the position where I’m happier to share what I do believe that tell others what I don’t believe. I’m not saying I always get it right – but if I get it wrong I’d rather be too caring than too judgemental.
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That was the exact premise of the discussion, though you phrase it much more effectively. I really enjoyed your thoughts on this.
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One of my concerns is that we see the critical ‘I’m right, you’re wrong’ attitude across society… in politics, parenting, issues like abortion, immigration… as well as faith. My experience is that it just divides and destroys.
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Such wisdom here, Malcolm. We have much to learn from one another if we give open-communication a chance. To convince others of our position is not the goal; it is greater understanding of the opposite side. God may use that understanding to change our position, or for the other person to change theirs. On the other hand, close-mindedness and contentiousness accomplish nothing but aggravation.
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So beautifully put, Nancy. I’m with you – The assumption that if someone disagrees with me it is them who are wrong and so they need to change… That’s just arrogance!
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I really enjoyed this post, Malcolm. It reminded me of a conversation I had with my mum about how Catholic theology differs from what we’re familiar with. I appreciated how your post—and the comments from others—encouraged an open-minded approach. Rather than focusing on the differences, it’s about being willing to listen and learn.
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I think what I have discovered, Rachel, is that whereas in the past differences have been emphasised, my experience is that we have more commonalities than differences, and even in differences there are lessons I can learn.
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I completely agree, Malcolm! I’ve thought the same thing—we often find we have more in common than we realize if we’re willing to really look and listen. Like Mandisa sang, “We all bleed the same.”
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What an incredible post about learning and appreciating those who believe differently. I love your willingness to engage, Malcolm!
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Thanks, Wynne. The more I learn, the more I realise I don’t know.
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Me too!
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