Across the street from
the largest Lutheran congregation in south India is
a Hindu temple and a Janis temple. All three were
hosting worshipers when we attended the Lutheran
service on Sunday evening. When one considers that
Hinduism, Buddhism, Janis, and Sikism all were born
in India, the idea of religious diversity takes on
new meaning.
Years ago, when we spoke about religious diversity in the U.S. we meant that our neighbors included some Baptists, Methodists,
Roman Catholics, and Lutherans. When Ron Voss went
door-to-door in Plainfield, Ill., to begin Followers
of Christ Lutheran Church, he was surprised to find
Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Siks, and more. This is
becoming true across the ELCA. Our new neighbors
come from a rich variety of faith traditions.
This religious diversity is one of the reasons we have so much to learn from the Lutheran church in India. Although Christianity makes us less than 3 percent of the population, they are thriving, growing and celebrating 300 years of ministry. Why? Here are some ideas for the ELCA to consider:
Years ago, when we spoke about religious diversity in the U.S. we meant that our neighbors included some Baptists, Methodists,
Roman Catholics, and Lutherans. When Ron Voss went
door-to-door in Plainfield, Ill., to begin Followers
of Christ Lutheran Church, he was surprised to find
Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Siks, and more. This is
becoming true across the ELCA. Our new neighbors
come from a rich variety of faith traditions.This religious diversity is one of the reasons we have so much to learn from the Lutheran church in India. Although Christianity makes us less than 3 percent of the population, they are thriving, growing and celebrating 300 years of ministry. Why? Here are some ideas for the ELCA to consider:
- It’s important that we review the teachings of Christianity. Who was Jesus? What is the meaning of Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter? How are we saved? What is our purpose in life?
- We need to study other religions and compare them to Christianity. Not in a condemning way but rather to see the similarities as well as the differences. Who is the deity? What are the major events and teachings? What is the meaning of sin, death, and life? It’s important to be respectful listeners to the witness of other faiths.
- Let us witness to the positive aspect of Christianity. Evangelism is a high priority for the Lutheran church in India. The salvation story is magnificent, let us not be shy: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send the son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
- The most powerful witness to Christ is when the body of Christ demonstrates God’s love through actions of love and mercy. We visited such a work of the church: The Slum Women’s Advancement Project. This ministry works with women living in poverty through education, health, leadership training, community organization, and more. This project transforms individuals, families, and communities. It is the work of the gospel.