The Dawn Treader

"I agree.  But how do you approach the very idea of truth.  Like how do know if Hinduism is true?"

Jim had to think about that.  He really had no answer.  He shrugged.

By now, Jim's wife was beginning to wonder who this alien from Jupiter was who was engaged in this deep conversation with her husband.  She said something to him about finding their seats for dinner (it was a dinner party).  He indicated he would be right there.

I explained in two sentences, as best I could, how I approached truth claims.  Jim was intrigued.

Then he asked.  "So what do you think about Islam?"

"Some things Muslims believe are true.  But at the core of their faith, there are problems.  What they believe about Jesus and what happened on the cross, for example, is not correct.  Nor is their denial of Christ's bodily resurrection from the dead."

I could tell he really wanted to talk about Islam, but we were running out of time.

"Listen, Jim.  I intend to start a monthly tradition at my house next year.  A group of us, mostly Christians but not exclusively so, are going to meet on  a regular basis to discuss the important ideas of the day.  We are going to kick around the really important things in life, and do it around food.  I am calling it a Pigfest.  Would you be interested in coming?"

His face lit up.

"Sure.  I'd love to.   I would really like to learn about what others think."

We headed to our tables.  Jim and his wife sat at a different table than we did.  I got into yet another interesting worldview discussion around our table, but that will have to wait for a different thread.

After dinner, on the way out, Jim came by my table and said he would be in touch.  He is a nice guy.  I hope we can fast become friends.  I am anxious to hear about how he is learning to forgive others.  I would like to share what I have learned about truth, faith and forgiveness.  We have a lot to talk about.  I am excited about the prospect of making a new friend in the neighborhood.

Epilogue

In the course of this three part thread about the Christmas party, some have expressed a concern about how I approach conversing with others about worldviews.  Let me put those fears to rest.  I don't go out on secret missions to convert people.  I don't peddle my worldview onto others.  What I do look for, however, are opportunities to engage others in substantive discussion about important ideas.  I think our culture has grown too comfortable with shallowness.  We need to be able to graciously talk about what is really important in life.  Our days are numbered.  Attending two funerals in the last month has reminded me of that.  We need to make the most of the time we are given.

I also don't believe the notion of converting someone is Biblical anyway.  It is God, through the work of his Holy Spirit, who regenerates human hearts.  Do conversations with human beings play a part in that?  Sure.  But humans do not convert other humans to a saving faith in God.  Justification is a God thing, and to Him alone goes the glory.

My mission is not secret.  It is to make friends with those whom God has placed in my sphere, extend grace to them, tell them about the joy I have, explain why I have it, and faithfully follow Christ's teaching on how to live and treat others.

I googled the book that Jim talked about.  Turns out that it is part of the New Age movement, and it is dressed up in Christian language.  Many churches have fallen for it and have endorsed it and sponsored study groups.

Over 1 and a half million copies of The Course have been sold, and over 2,200 study groups now meet worldwide.

Here are some links which describe The Course.

Probe Ministries, A Course In Miracles
A Course In Miracles, A Biblical Evalution
A Course In Miracles, Religious Movements, University of Virginia.
A Course In Miracles, Skeptics Dictionary
A Course In Miracles, The Official Website