SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE:Pluralism embraces religious differences

Last Sunday, Christians celebrated Pentecost. As the book of the Acts of the Apostles tells us, 50 days after Easter, Jews of all nationalities gathered in Jerusalem, each speaking their own language, when suddenly the Spirit descended upon them as flames literally enlightened them (a la light bulbs flashing above their heads). Instantaneously, they were able to communicate with one another and finally be able to really hear and understand each other. We often celebrate this as the birth of the church.

I believe that something new is happening in the 21st century. Globalization means we can no longer speak only one language — literally and metaphorically. The United States is no longer (if it ever was) a Christian country. Christians who believe that Christianity is the only viable path to God are severely narrowing Jesus’ vision of God’s kingdom, or realm, for all.

The Center for Progressive Christianity instituted Pluralism Sunday, which was observed last week at churches nationwide. Fairview Community Church hosted Rabbi Julie Pelc, and together we engaged in a dialogue about what pluralism means to people of faith. As pluralists, we believe that other faiths are just as important and valid to those who practice them as our faith is to us. I think this is even further than interfaith dialogue is sometimes willing to go.

Pluralism is not about compromising our faith tenets, unless our faith is so restrictive that we cannot allow for diversity, and in that case it really is about pushing the envelope. For this reason, I do not think that exclusive faiths will be the faiths of the future.

We are living in a world where the lines between black and white, in and out, right and wrong are not as clear as we once thought they were. Our culture is shifting toward a pluralistic worldview whether faith communities choose to recognize it or not. This is the new Pentecost. The Spirit gives us ears to hear and understand different languages, different cultures, and even different religions. As the church celebrates its birthday, Christians ought to be intentional about inviting everyone to the party.

is the senior pastor at Fairview Community Church in Costa Mesa.