It is almost impossible to imagine how or why a group would protest interfaith communication. I would think that only good things could come from people of diverse spiritual traditions getting together to discuss their shared values, to respectfully understand their differences, and to seek points of potential cooperation. Amazingly, however, a small group of protesters appeared each morning the Parliament.
A group called Parliament of World Affairs Deception published a small pamphlet. It starts with what appears to be a ringing endorsement of the Parliament: “From December 3-9 the Parliament of the World’s Religions meets in Melbourne. It is heavily subsidized by government funds. The organizers expect thousands to attend from many countries. The Dalai Lama is to open the event. Jews and Christians will mix with Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and people of other religions in what is probably the biggest interfaith event in Australian history.”
So good so far. The next paragraph, however, reveals the group’s agenda: “This shows how far Australia has forsaken its Christian origins. Also how Australia has moved toward being a polytheistic, pluralistic society.” The brochure goes on to paint the Parliament as a direct threat to Christian values and to insist that the only way to God is through Jesus, not through religion, and especially not through a non-Christian religion.
Honestly, attending the Parliament has compelled me to expand my theological horizons and attempt to relate to people of diverse spiritual perspectives. This “Jesus: The only way to God” group presents a true challenge to my willingness to accept diversity of opinion. Somehow intolerance is a difficult philosophy for me to include in the pantheon of venerable ideas.
A group called Parliament of World Affairs Deception published a small pamphlet. It starts with what appears to be a ringing endorsement of the Parliament: “From December 3-9 the Parliament of the World’s Religions meets in Melbourne. It is heavily subsidized by government funds. The organizers expect thousands to attend from many countries. The Dalai Lama is to open the event. Jews and Christians will mix with Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and people of other religions in what is probably the biggest interfaith event in Australian history.”
So good so far. The next paragraph, however, reveals the group’s agenda: “This shows how far Australia has forsaken its Christian origins. Also how Australia has moved toward being a polytheistic, pluralistic society.” The brochure goes on to paint the Parliament as a direct threat to Christian values and to insist that the only way to God is through Jesus, not through religion, and especially not through a non-Christian religion.
Honestly, attending the Parliament has compelled me to expand my theological horizons and attempt to relate to people of diverse spiritual perspectives. This “Jesus: The only way to God” group presents a true challenge to my willingness to accept diversity of opinion. Somehow intolerance is a difficult philosophy for me to include in the pantheon of venerable ideas.
Religious Intolerance
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