Building Bridges Without Compromise: Guidance for Building Interfaith Relationships

Picture this: A young Christian, Sarah, finds herself at a campus event aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue. As she stands in a circle with students of various faiths, she feels a knot in her stomach, especially when the conversation concerns her personal beliefs. On the one hand, she wants to share her love for Jesus and the salvation He offers. She wants to build relationships with the people around her. On the other, she worries that speaking too boldly might come across as disrespectful or require her to soften her beliefs. This internal conflict is common among many Christians when faced with interfaith interactions.

Investigating Christian Reluctance in Interfaith Relationships

I became curious as to why some Christians are hesitant to build relationships with people of other religious faiths. I came across an interesting illustration while reading an article from Interfaith America. The work of this organization is self-described as promoting positive engagement with religious diversity and providing training to foster interfaith collaboration. While the organization was doing an event at a college campus, it became clear that some evangelical Christians were reluctant to participate. When the Christians were asked about their hesitation, their hang-up seemed to be centered on the term “interfaith." They were concerned that participating in an interfaith event would mean that they had to suppress the particularities of their beliefs. The Christian student leaders expressed that they were willing to engage in service projects with people of different faiths and even discuss how Jesus inspires their service. However, they were hesitant to label it "interfaith."

You see, Christians hold certain fundamental truths:

1. Jesus Christ is the only way to God, the only way of salvation, and the only way to experience abundant life.
2. The Bible is the inspired Word of God, and it is the final authority of right and wrong.
3. Christians are responsible for reaching the lost and leading them to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, including people who practice other religious beliefs.

Christians often worry that building relationships with people of other faiths means they will have to violate these truths by affirming that other religious teachings are as "true" as Christianity. This concern stems partly from the evolving definition of “tolerance" in our society. Tolerance once meant respecting another's right to believe as they choose; now, it often implies that one must accept every belief as equally true. For fundamental Christians, this is not going to happen.

So Can Christians Build Bridges?

Tom Wilson's book Hospitality, Service, Proclamation: Interfaith Engagement as Christian Discipleship offers helpful insights. Although I do not agree with all of Wilson's perspectives, he did help me clarify three definitions often used when discussing interfaith relationships. Christians are accused of being exclusive rather than inclusive, and they do not describe themselves as pluralists. But consider these definitions from a Christian perspective.

1. Exclusivism is about how we understand how one can be saved. Christians firmly believe in the teachings of Jesus. Jesus is the One who made Christianity exclusive when he said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the father, except through me.”(John 14:6). So Christians are exclusive, but that does not imply that we must limit our relationships only to other believers. 
2. Inclusivism should be understood within the context of formal religious boundaries. For Christians, being inclusive does not mean that we accept the dogma of another religion as true but rather that we believe people of other faiths can be saved if they trust in Christ. Christians are inclusive because no one is excluded from the gospel message.
3. Pluralism doesn't mean "anything goes,” at least from a Christian perspective. One can be an exclusivist and still respect and welcome people of other faiths, recognizing modern society's diversity of worldviews. Being a pluralist means accepting other people, not accepting what other people believe.

Guidance for Christians in Interfaith Relationships

Allow me to offer three words of advice to Christians about building interfaith relationships.

First, Look Beyond Only Trying to Convert People

We are called to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20), not converts. Making disciples requires building relationships and friendships. This is because conversion is not the end goal but the beginning of a lifelong journey that requires the believer to walk alongside the convert. Once someone trusts Jesus and becomes a Christian, we must continue discipling them as they grow in their faith. Discipling people requires a nurturing and lasting friendship beyond the moment of conversion.

Second, Represent Christ, Not Christendom

I have found that many believers feel like they have to defend all of Christendom and church history when they talk about faith with people from other religions. This is not true. The priorities of a believer when engaging in interfaith dialogue are much simpler.

Remember that you represent Christ foremost. The old cliché, "You may be the only Bible that some people ever read,” applies here. A Christian must demonstrate the love of Christ, the joy of Christ, and the acceptance that Christ has for sinners. They must also hold fast to Jesus’ unwavering convictions, His truth, and the fact that He is the only way to salvation. As you interact with others, remember that you are Christ's representative.

Always highlight that the Word of God is the final authority concerning any subject. While the Bible may not specifically address every complex situation that might arise during a dialogue with non-believers, it certainly provides guidance for every situation. In this respect, the Bible is less like a roadmap and more like a compass. There is a vast difference between telling a person of another faith, "Here is what I think is true,” and saying, "Here's what I think the Bible says is true.” 

However, that does not mean you have to quote Scripture as if it is a truth hammer that beats the other person into submission. Life is complex, and people face complicated and convoluted situations. Demonstrate that you depend on the Scripture for guidance rather than as a tool to prove you are right.

Also, speak from your own experience. You do not have to know the answers to every question that might come up in a conversation. Be humble and admit that you have a personal but limited amount of knowledge and that you are still growing. Be willing to adjust your perspective when a friend of another faith expresses a viable point, and then commit to searching the Scripture for guidance and clarity on any matter with which you might be unfamiliar.

Finally, Engage in Genuine Curiosity About Others' Beliefs

Practice genuine interest in the other person’s beliefs and traditions by asking them questions. Don't ask questions to prove you are right; instead, ask questions to discover why the other person believes what they believe. When you see inconsistencies in their logic, ask them questions about that to see how they rectify the apparent contradiction.

Doing this will demonstrate that you are interested in a conversation, not a dissertation. Building relationships means listening to others share their perspectives and being willing to humbly share your perspective of how the Bible approaches and resolves conflicts and contradictions. 

Conclusion

Christians can build relationships with people of other faiths without compromising their beliefs. Fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) requires a focus on lifelong discipleship, which involves building lasting friendships. By fostering these relationships, Christians can walk with others as they live life together while remaining true to their convictions.

Building bridges without compromising our faith is possible and essential in today's diverse world. Our mission cannot be completed without relationships.