In the Interfaith Alternative by Steven Greenebaum I
rather like the recognition given to the commonalities of the major religions. But how will this church handle differences
in religious beliefs? I have read about
these problems, and watched documentaries addressing such issues. And there are some unique beliefs to try and
integrate in such a church.
This book focuses on compassion, love, and respect
for all faith traditions. This approach
is understandable, but the author’s treatise doesn’t show exactly how the
teachings of this new church will be accomplished. For example, “Is this church Trinitarian,
mono, or poly-theistic?” “What is its
belief about sin and salvation?” “Will
they have baptisms?” “Will they
celebrate certain religious and secular holidays? “What is the church’s
teaching on the sexual orientation?
These are some questions not discussed in the text.
Greenebaum’s approach seems similar to those of the Unitarian Universalists and Baha’i because the Interfaith Alternative tent consists of other religions. But when someone reads this book there’s no mention of a doctrine. Simply stating that different faith traditions would share their beliefs with members of their congregation isn’t quite clear. Since early Christendom Christian denominations have undertaken ecumenical ventures with some success. But an interfaith undertaking will do much more in embracing a multiplicity of religions
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