 |
|---|
Faiths in Conflict
Christian integrity in a
multicultural world
Vinoth Ramachandra. IVP 1999 192p.
Review by Rev. John Westendorp
Multiculturalism, here in Australia, also means
religious pluralism. But this religious mix creates its tensions and
conflict. When our church last year again wanted to hold a ‘Carols by
the Lake’ program there were a number of letters of objection presented
to the local council. Significantly the names of protesters were names
we would commonly associate with Muslim and Hindu faiths. How do we deal
with the uniqueness of Christ in a multi-religious society where
competing claims are become increasingly vocal? How do we keep in
balance our knowledge of the peaceful Muslim neighbours down the street
with the images of militant Muslims waging their ‘jihad’ against the
Christians in Ambon?
Ramachandra has written an excellent work for those who want a deeper
understanding of the clash of religious claims in various parts of the
world. He capably investigates the claims of Islam and the resurgence of
Hinduism. I found these chapters particularly helpful, although this is
by no means a book for light bedtime reading.
It was enlightening to realise that both modern Islam and modern
Hinduism have gone through some redefinition. Ramachandra capably shows
that the revisionists have not been faithful to their origins. He lays
to rest some of the myths that have sprung up – such as the myth of
religious unity in other faiths over against a divided Christendom. So,
over against the claim of a united ‘household of Islam’ it is pointed
out that this unity has never been true in the Muslim world and that
already “within twenty years of the death of Muhammad, Muslim believers
were killing each other on the field of battle.” (p.21). Similarly the
myth of Hindu tolerance is countered by the assertion that “a dominant
theme in all the [Hindu] myths and epics is that coercion and violence
are necessary for the protection of cosmic and social dharma [the duty
of high-caste Hindus with regard to social position].” (p.66).
In the third and fourth chapters, “The Jesus Enigma” and “Conversions
and Cultures” the author looks at some of the claims and counter-claims
surrounding the person and work of Christ. Ramachandra demonstrates that
the “particular combination of lifestyle and claims that is embodied in
Jesus marks Him out as singularly different from Moses, the Buddha,
Muhammad, Confucius or any other historical – or even fictional –
character we meet in the world’s cultures.” (p.115).
Finally, a chapter on “secularisms and civility” puts the lie to claims
that the “secular state” is religiously neutral. Such a state is often
“ruthlessly active in promoting its own version of religion.” (p.163).
This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in the competing
religious claims in our multicultural society.
Books
Music
Movies
Return to top of page
All material on this site © 2004 Trowel & Sword