As members of the religious community in Australia, we will have a presence at the Parliament of World Religions. There is a fair controversy about our involvement which I understand. We really do not align ourselves with other approaches to faith where our role validates their perspectives. Let the record stand that we believe there is salvation only through Jesus and no other faith, philosophy or religious ideas bring one to God.
We do, however, choose to bring salt and light to the gathering and value the possibility of sharing the gospel with anyone not of the Christian faith. We will participate in a few sessions by expert presenters and who will uphold our faith appropriately.
For those who do not agree with this decision, I ask for your patience in this matter and prayer support that God would be glorified as a result.
9Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28 (NIV)
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I think it's fantastic the Army is represented at such a gathering.
I cannot understand why Christians get so upset about this. I mean, look at the Parliament that sits in Canberra. There are many parties represented that have many differences that are irreconcilable. That's a strength, not a weakness.
And let's face it, we have to live together in this world. That's far more likely to work if we try to get along with our neighbour, even if he or she doesn't believe the same way we do.
It's easy to be annoyed when others don't give us a fair hearing. Sometimes we have to earn that right by giving others a chance to be heard.
You know, do unto others and all that.
Thanks, Cameron. Different approaches in the Army can lead to a healthy discovery of the truth.
This whole thing speaks of compromise. Not of personal beliefs, but of absolute truth. We can all say that a circle is really a square, but that only changes the perspective, not the absolute. Jesus will not compromise
Hi there I am not associated with any specific religion and I am an attendee of Parliament Of Religion. I welcome sharing, listening and learning from the representatives of the Salvation Army at the Parliament Of Religion. I chatted with a few ’salvo’s’ (i hope that’s fine to call you all that) holding banners outside the entrance to the Parliament Of Religion yesterday morning. The sign said “Jesus is the only way” and I thought to myself…hmmm….I wonder what these people would learn and share if they bothered to talk about their faith with the thousands of people there inside with open loving hearts, rather than standing on the outside…..it just seemed a bit of a easy cop out to me…….I said to the ’salvo’s yesterday……If Jesus was walking along the Yarra river yesterday and there was a conference represented by literally hundreds of cultures and faiths from all around the globe….would he bother to enter, to listen and share the truth. My guess is he certainly would, his heart would be fully open with love for all.
I hope to see you all in there. Blessings Anton Hooton
Thank you, Anton. I couldn’t agree more. Salvos are all types of people at different places on the journey. Those outside are exercising their private right to make a point. I’m grateful to God for all of them.