Confessing Jesus Christ in a Religiously Pluralistic World: 2008 Mennonite Church Canada Assembly Discussion Document

2008, 4 pp
In recent decades there has been a growing recognition within our denomination that the church is called to be an agency of God’s mission. Whether in distant lands or in our own neighbourhoods, we have been encouraged to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Yet there are other trends in our society that may challenge this missional urge. Globalizing forces ask us to display greater tolerance and acceptance of those who believe differently than we do. Our children learn and are socialized in multi-cultural, multi-faith schools where tolerance and mutual respect have become corner-stone values. Our Canadian society has become religiously pluralistic - mosques, synagogues and temples stand alongside our Christian places of worship. In addition, a whole host of diverse and eclectic spiritualities flourish around us. Many people do not profess to be Christian or religious, nevertheless claim to be spiritual. Christian spirituality is now one option among many.

What does it mean to confess Jesus Christ in a religiously pluralistic world? The Christian response to this question has ranged from welcoming post-modern pluralism to affirming that only in Jesus Christ is there truth and salvation. Somewhere in between we also find many Christians who hold to the centrality of Christ, yet seek to value the wisdom offered by other religions or spiritualities.

How do we remain a faithful Mennonite church in the face of this diversity? The beginning point of our discernment must be to fully affirm the double conviction that: a) God is universally present in the world and b) that through our Scripture the church has received a particular revelation of God in Jesus Christ that we are called to confess and proclaim.

Also see related monologue, Paul in Winnipeg by Arlyn Friesen Epp.

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