Faith Forward

“Pluralism toward other religions is an expression of the very essence of Christian faith.” Did you know that this Sunday, May 2, is Pluralism Sunday? What does that mean, and what can we do in our church services to honor it? Jim Burklo, from The Center for Progressive Christianity, shares reflections and resources for celebrating religious diversity in churches around the world this Sunday.

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There is a simple fact being largely ignored by those engaging science and religion: it is not an exclusively Christian enterprise. Dialogue with other religions can make some of the work being done in the field look downright ridiculous.

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At first glance, it seems obvious that one Christian would pray with another, and that Billy Graham would pray with the President of the United States as he has done since the days of Truman. But, to paraphrase Vice-President Biden, in today’s political and religious climate, this was a “big deal.” Bruce Epperly reflects on the Graham-Obama prayer principle.

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I am troubled when religious extremists — Christian, Islamic, or otherwise — threaten violence against those exercising free speech. If someone offends you, engage that person in dialogue, avoid that person, and/or encourage others to avoid him or her; but don’t bully.  Intimidation and violence are infantile tactics unworthy of a mature society.

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So, I recently got back from a worship conference for youth. I must admit, that I was apprehensive about the content and setup of the conference since I tend to be the theologically “progressive” one in the midst of sea of conservatives (at least in this UMC conference). This weekend is a new thing in our conference, and was birthed from the ashes of an annual Youth Choir Rally…

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Adam Walker Cleaveland, a youth minister in Northern California, offers this post today as part of our continuing conversation about religion and sexuality here at Patheos. “Last night a group of 15 people sat around a long table at the Riata Tavern in downtown Livermore. There were Presbyterians, Methodists, Reform Jews and folks from evangelical non-denominational churches. And we were all talking about sex.”

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“Fostering community and generosity are the most important Kingdom values a church-based garden can portray.” Faithful gardener and Godspace blogger Christine Sine shares her insights and resources for creating a vibrant community garden with your church community.

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Another post for this week’s Religion & Sexuality theme, from Monica A. Coleman of A Beautiful Mind Blog:
The camera pans to a living room. Dark hues mute an anguished woman’s face as her body blends into the couch. Quiet, sentimental music crescendos. Voiceover: “Are you depressed?” One last shot at the blank, bleak face. Not two seconds later the world is technicolor, the music upbeat. The woman runs in a field, flying a kite, her body bursting with energy. Her children run beside her. The voiceover returns: “Depression hurts.” Little pills solve that problem. Makes me want to throw my TV out the window.

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Bruce Epperly offers this post for the “What Is Emerging” synchroblog today: Emerging spirituality is a process, not a thing; a liquid, not a solid; a movement, not a destination. Defining it is as difficult as catching the wind as it blows. As I ponder today’s emerging church, I am reminded of the dynamic spirit-movement described in the New Testament adventure story, Acts of the Apostles. No one knew what would happen next. But, the Spirit was moving.

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If you have decided to follow these weekly posts on science and religion then you probably take it for granted that a valuable interface exists between scientific knowledge and theological thinking. However, things are more complicated than such a simple affirmation.

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