There have been two occasions in my life where my own faith was confronted with the idea of “what should I do in this instance?” In 1999 my grandmother took a spill one night and her health began to rapidly decline. It was December 11th, my birthday, when we heard of her untimely incident, and so we went up to visit with her and offer comfort. As she lay there, she looked over and pleaded “can you pray for me to YOUR God, because MY one isn’t listening to me…” Those words struck me to the core. The entire side of my fathers’ family for generations were staunch Mormons, and we were not cut from the same cloth, so praying for Gran was an absolute honor, as she passed away on my birthday a few hours after we prayed with her.
In a world filled with diverse beliefs and ideologies, the pillar of Christianity is often challenged by differing views. It’s vital to create dialogue spaces where we can listen without judgment. Listening is an act of love—an acknowledgment that everyone has a story.
Each person’s journey shapes their beliefs, and by understanding their perspective, we cultivate empathy and compassion. For many, discussing their opposing views on Christianity might stem from personal experiences, struggles, or cultural backgrounds.
The second occasion, we were getting ready to leave for church, and our neighbor was standing outside in the parking lot, smoking a cigarette. We exchanged pleasantries, and he saw my bible and asked “Can you pray for me, maybe YOUR God will answer the struggles I am having.” At the time, we lived in an apartment, and our neighbors would argue daily, shouting at each other, throwing things around. He was a staunch Muslim, and yet felt we could converse and it was a great humbling moment to lay down my defenses and pray with him.
Approaching these conversations with an open heart encourages authentic dialogue and fosters unity. Remember, Jesus often engaged with those on the margins, welcoming all with open arms. By practicing active listening, we can learn rather than confront; we can love rather than exclude. When we commit to listening without judgment, we embrace the essence of Christ’s teachings and embody true acceptance. Join the dialogue with love, respect, and a willingness to grow together.
We Listen and We Don’t Judge: Embracing Opposing Views in Christianity opens the door for the opportunity to share the Gospel, unsophisticated, simple, creating a space for open dialog and potential discipleship. Sometimes it is better to lose an argument and gain the trust of a searching soul.
Have you encountered a time in your life, where you had to make a stand for your convictions and beliefs and with an open heart and mind enter into a situation that made you vulnerable in as much as sharing your faith, or praying with someone with a different set of beliefs?