A Major Theological Question

Introduced at great risk

I hesitate to even broach this subject, because it has the potential to offend a great many people — and that is not my style! But in an increasingly intense world which is pushing us all closer and closer together in an environmental sense even as we try to separate ourselves more and more along political and religious lines, the need to understand where our neighbor is coming from is more important now than ever before.

The subject is the extreme zealotry of the opposing world religions, in countries which are trying to make their Faith the Law of the Land. How could they all be right? And yet, if they are not right, from whence comes their devotion to doctrine and the power of their sincere belief? What source of energy are they tapped into?

You know of whom I speak. First it was jihadist Muslims. Now it is Christian Nationalists.

If religious extremists are in error about their faith — then why is their devotion rewarded by a deep sense of Divine acceptance? Why do they honestly feel that God is inspiring them?

If Saint Paul was wrong to preach that believing in Jesus as the risen God is the way to salvation, rather than treating our enemies with love and compassion as He taught — then why have so many believers felt that they are on the right track and their prayers are heard? How can they be so convinced that they are in communication with Him?