Don't forget that there are as many Christian languages as there are Christianities! I think it's an asset to be fluent in several, since Christians need to work together.
Blake Huggins
· 3 months ago
Yes! Thanks for pointing that out. Internal and external fluency is important in Christianity. And in other traditions as well.
Anne M Leone
· 3 months ago
Wow. I really appreciate this insight and think it's a great metaphor to describe religious diversity. I'm a Christian, married into a Jewish family, so I am working on a new language.
Melissa Cooper
· 3 months ago
When I decided to focus on non-Christian religions in my undergraduate studies, I thought of it more as gaining knowledge about other traditions and cultures, but I think your language metaphor is really useful.
I once met a Buddhist man on a plane and we were able to have a great conversation because I could "speak" Buddhism. But I can also "speak" Evangelical, as Carolyn pointed out, which is a different Christian dialect. It's a great way to think about interfaith dialogue.
Existential Punk
· 3 months ago
Blake, i think you hit the nail on the head and have a GREAT metaphor going here. i really liked when you said, 'Not only that, but becoming comfortable with and using more religious languages instead of merely “knowing about them” and assuming the superiority of one’s own — a modern symptom if there ever was one — will be the hallmark of mutual understanding and respect as religious “emergence” really begins to take root in the future. To be sure, I don’t think that dilutes my Christianity at all, contrary to the usual accusations of syncretism — in fact I think it enriches it. Not to mention it helps me become a more well-rounded human being.' i certainly have become much more comfortable interacting with people of other faiths and trying to educate myself about them. i agree it enriches rather than dilutes my faith. Syncretism is hogwash in my opinion and something used to scare and control people.
i also loved the highlighted part of the quote that says, 'Languages are not true or false. Rather, each different language seeks to express the shared history and life experiences of those people who speak it.' YES!
GREAT POST! Thank you!
EP
phantomjourneymister
· 3 months ago
Think of the Trinity is a grammar. How does that feel? What do you think?
Florin Paladie
· 3 months ago
Language is indeed a very useful metaphor in this discussion. It helps us navigate more easily through the clutter of religious beliefs and makes us first consider understanding each other before we disagree, judge or label.
All Comments
I once met a Buddhist man on a plane and we were able to have a great conversation because I could "speak" Buddhism. But I can also "speak" Evangelical, as Carolyn pointed out, which is a different Christian dialect. It's a great way to think about interfaith dialogue.
i also loved the highlighted part of the quote that says, 'Languages are not true or false. Rather, each different language seeks to express the shared history and life experiences of those people who speak it.' YES!
GREAT POST! Thank you!
EP
Great post Blake!!!