Something that has recently been on my mind is the subject of pluralism. It is something that my church has been discussing, and a topic that is prevalent throughout society in regards to religion and theology. I get the feeling that the people of the city in which I live are quite spiritual. Maybe even religious. Perhaps not religious in the same way that one might usually use the term in a way to describe one's church-going habits, but in a ritualistic sense. This is especially clear to me during this time of year. Winter. Coloradans religiously make their way westward on I-70 to numerous congregations with tall summits and plenty of seating every weekend. Some of the more popular destinations you've probably hear of, such as Vail, Breck, Copper. Some might say they make a connection there. They feel most at peace with the world when they are going top speed down a beautiful mountain packed with powder and full of grace. Heck, God created nature for us to enjoy right? Why do we need to go into a man-made building in the city to be with God when I can dwell with others in His presence in nature? Can't I find God in everything? Aren't there more than just one way to get to God? Is there?
Recently I read a book by the name of Peace Child, written by Don Richardson. He writes about his life years ago; of going into a canniballistic culture in New Guinea and making his home there with his wife a newborn son. He knew nothing of their language or traditions, but puts forth all of his energy into doing so. Eventually, not only does Don learn the language of the Sawi, he also learns of a way that he might be able to present the Gospel to this people in such a way that they might understand, through THEIR oral traditions and culture. He was able to use something called a redemptive analogy in such a way that this people would understand the love and grace that God has for humanity, for them. Richardson found common ground with a people who had never come into contact with a white man before his arrival. He was as different to them as anything they had ever imagined. And yet, he was able to find ways to relate with them. He translated the whole Bible into the Sawi language, and was even allowed the opportunity to show this culture how God, sending his only son to earth to die on a cross as a criminal, was the ultimate peace child. You'll have to read the book to understand the full significance of what the Sawi's called a Peace Child. But through reading this book, I was given a renewed sense of hope for this city of Denver. If a man can step into a culture that he has nothing in common with, and find common ground to share Christ with them, how much more should I be able to find common ground with a fellow Denverite? Does Denver, as a city, have a redemptive analogy? Does each one of us have our own redemptive analogy? How can we find common ground with one another? Comments are encouraged and welcome!
