The letters reveal Blumhardt’s convictions that God is on the side of everyone, and that conversion to a particular religion (i.e. Christianity) should be far from the objective of Christian missionaries. Their objective should be to share the love of God and to witness to Jesus and the Kingdom, not to build the institutional called “church” or to impose Western culture (or any other) external cultural or even religious framework onto people. Instead, the gospel–for it to be “good news”–must arise from within the context of a people. Blumhardt takes pains to distinguish Jesus from the religion called Christianity. Here is a selection from the early portion of the book:
Christoph Blumhardt
Therefore, do your utmost to understand the needs of the people and to learn how and where they can best be met (1 Thess 2:7-12). The principle of mutual understanding between people, with their different needs and circumstances, is what will put an end to social strife and religious rivalries and jealousies. Until now religions, with their different concepts of God, have been a source of division. But a faith that brings mutual respect will become a source of peace. This is why you must never engage in religious propaganda. Instead, regard every person as a child of God, equal to every person and to yourself.
In this sense, it would be good to withdraw from the traditional role of a pastor or missionary. These roles are not from God but from men. To do something in the name of a position or title is not at all the same as doing it in the name of Jesus. Therefore, be on guard against the leaven of proselytizing. Remain on the same level with each person you meet. Changing hearts is not your business. God’s spirit will do this according to his will, if only you stand rightly before him in your daily life.
Read a full excerpt from the book, Everyone Belongs to God (and the foreword by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove), at the Patheos Book Club here.
Unsystematic Theology
particular religion (i.e. Christianity) should be far from the objective of Christian missionaries. Their objective should be to share the love of God and to witness to Jesus and the Kingdom, not to build the institutional called “church” or to impose Western culture (or any other) external cultural or even religious framework onto people. Instead, the gospel–for it to be “good news”–must arise from within the context of a people. Blumhardt takes pains to distinguish Jesus from the religion called Christianity. Here is a selection from the early portion of the book:
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