Evangelical groups are lending their support to an interdenominational code of conduct for religious conversions:
The code aims to ease tensions with Muslims, Hindus and other religious groups that fear losing adherents and resort to punishments as extreme as imprisonment and even death for converts from their faith and foreign missionaries. [...][The World Council of Churches] said the code of conduct should serve as an “advocacy tool in discussions with governments considering anti-conversion laws (and) help to advance the cause of religious freedom.” The rules should also address concerns in other religions about Christians seeking converts, and inspire those faiths to “consider their own codes of conduct,” it added.
Without seeing the actual code of conduct (it’s due to be drafted up next year), it’s hard to form much of an opinion about this, but from the article we can glean a few bits of information about it: following it would be voluntary; the code would outline what sorts of behaviors and tactics are inappropriate for missionaries in different parts of the world; and it would also touch on challenging topics related to conversion, such as interreligious marriage.
Do you think this will help reduce the fear and violence that often accompany Christian conversions in countries that are culturally hostile to Christianity? Are there specific styles of evangelism that are making the situation worse and should be curtailed?
(Via Christdot.)
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August 23, 2007 at 19:59
I think that these rules for dialogue will be great for expanding opportunites for conversation, as long as they are laid out correctly. I’m certain there are those who wish to share their faith but aren’t quite sure how to get past their fear of rejection. Now… how do we get these rules into the hands of those we wish to speak with?
August 23, 2007 at 21:50
It’s a great idea, but I’m pessimistic that it will go far or be very useful. It is very western in mind-set, very democratic and based on individual freedoms. The underlying assumtions about what is good and what is bad are fundamentally different.
People who grew up with a theocratic mindset, a strong anti-individualistic streak (group-oriented, not necessarily a bad thing) and with a distrust for American diplomacy aren’t going to care one bit about such a document.
It will probably be seen as just one of many attempts of America to subdue them, to americanize them.
Until the top 20 or so lead Islamic leaders are willing to sign such a document, I’m very doubtful that many Muslims will follow it. And even if the top 20 do sign it, the leaders of the more fundamentalist groups will still be pushing their followers for some “street justice”
But, it’s a good idea, and just making the attempt shows a Christ-like attitude. Sometimes it’s the attempt at finding a loving, respectful solution that’s the important thing.