Interfaith/Ecumenism Boomerang

(August 15, 2002)

            Nothing could match up to millions of Americans coming together for strength to overcome the September 11, 2001 surprise attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.  There was no better way to deal with the crisis than through spiritual solidarity.  Ah, now, “spiritual solidarity”!  That meant – the world’s three major religions representing the melting pot of America – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.  (The Roman Catholics, Hindus, Buddhists, Orthodoxy, and other religious groups also participated in those interfaith religious services.)  Interfaith! Ecumenism!  All-inclusive!  The same God, yeah, right!  Well and good, if you think so, but it has now backfired in the face of Christianity.  You ask, how so?  Let me take you to The Woodlands, Texas, a community north of Houston.

The Woodlands’ 9/11 Anniversary Celebration

            The Woodlands, Texas is a relatively new community (18 years or so) that is just about 30 miles north of Houston, and is home to about 70,000 people.  Interfaith of The Woodlands is an organization of 35-member congregations that was formed in 1973 “to establish congregations in The Woodlands. The 35-member congregations are made up of Baptist, Methodist, Lutherans, Mormons, Jews, Scientologists, Islamic Society, Unitarians, Catholics, Pentecostals, Christian Science, Episcopalians, Bible Churches, Nazarenes, and Church of Christ.   Their Values Statement reads:

“We, people of faith, called by our traditions to compassion have created  an organization where we gather in mutual respect, dialogue and cooperative action to provide a connection between communities of faith and the community at large.

We value voices that value others and believe that our shared religious values can lead us to act for the good of all.

We declare that our religious life can support us as we respect and care for one another and build a more loving and caring community”  (http://www.woodlandsinterfaith.org).

As with most other Interfaith groups throughout the nation,  this group in The Woodlands came together to express their thoughts and prayers right after the 9/11 terrorist acts against New York and Washington.  They were all in “one accord” – not leaving anybody out.  The Houston Chronicle quoted Sayeed Siddiqui, president of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston as saying: 

“Thousands of fellow Americans have lost their lives….Physical injuries will eventually heal, but spiritual injuries have left a scar for life….  The only way to ease some of this pain is for all of us to come in the comforting shadow of Almighty God asking for his grace, asking for justice and then forgiving, and to be patient….We are hurt, but we have to forgive.  We condemn the horrific act of terrorism.  We unite with the families who have been victimized.  Sanctity of life is very important in Islam.  All of us are created by Almighty God to worship him, and the way to worship him in Islam is to serve humanity in the best possible manner with love and compassion….  We are Americans just like you and pray to the same Creator and are hurting just like you.  Let us join our hands in prayer and support our government in seeking justice”  (“Religious Leaders Express Their Thoughts About Tuesday’s Violence” by Richard Vara, Houston Chronicle.com, September 14, 2001). 

First of all, the God of Christianity is in the business of healing, even spiritual injuries, so what is Mr. Siddiqui talking about.  Also, we don’t all pray to the same Creator and nor do Christians worship God by “serving humanity in the best possible manner with love and compassion.”  Dear Saints of God, that statement right there tells you that you have no business joining in corporate prayer with organized religious groups that do not believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of God.  The Moslem definition of worship is a far cry from that of Christians.  Christians worship God in spirit and in truth which is from within, and they do that in praise and thanksgiving through praying privately and corporately, reading the Word of God, singing, dancing, reading Psalms, and last but not least, just lifting God up by speaking His name, speaking to Him of how much we love Him, speaking to Him about His goodness and about the wonderful works He has done and continues to do for mankind.  Saints, keep in mind that this was last year (2001).
            This year, 2002, the Evangelical Christians want to commemorate 9/11 apart from those in the Woodlands Interfaith organization, and they are accused of being intolerant and “implicitly stigmatizing” the Muslim community there in The Woodlands.  The critics have gone so far as to say that the Evangelical event, “9/11: One Voice, The Woodlands Remembers” is false advertising being that the Evangelicals have decided to honor that day with only those of their own faith.  Their justification for excluding non-Christians and making it just for “the Church” is because, according to Reverend Greg Johnson, the commemoration will be centered on belief in Jesus Christ. Reverend Johnson went on to say, “…we do stand on certain values and principles that define us as churches” (Houston Chronicle online, “9/11 Event Ruptures Faiths In Woodlands” by Harvey Rice, July 19, 2002).  Follows are quotes from critics excluded from this celebration, who don’t believe Jesus to be God’s only begotten son: 

Critics	Critics’ Comments	My Comments
Rabbi James Brandt, Congregation Beth Shalom of  The Woodlands.	“I don’t refer to it as one voice, because that’s a lie. It’s only one voice allowed… They have refused to honor this day by coming together as a community.”  (Charisma  News Services, “Churches’ ‘Dishonest’ 9/11 Service Blasted,” July 19, 2002).  “My concern is that by its nature it excludes Muslims and sends an implicit message that 9/11 was a tragedy perpetrated by Muslims against Christians” (Houston Chronicle online, “9/11 Event Ruptures Faiths In Woodlands” by Harvey Rice, July 19, 2002).  “We are very disappointed that the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion would ultimately decide to award the Pavilion to a Christian-centered event.  They [Pavilion] have a responsibility to the people of The Woodlands not to award it to a religious group” (Ibid.).  “As far as I’m concerned this is a very dangerous, very sad thing.  To me, it is unconscionable.  Having a religious service without other faiths is putting their faith in the context of false gods of Jews and Muslim” (Ibid.).	For the simple reason that Christians desire to be with their own, they are accused by those whom they once stood with, of blaming Muslims of being the perpetrators against Christians on 9/11, when it’s not that at all.  In the very first place, Christians should never have been locked in hands with those of Judaism, Islam and the rest of the non-Christian religious groups.  Besides, these people are offended by Jesus; they don't walk together in one accord, theology- wise that is.  Non-Christians are not followers of Jesus Christ.  These Evangelical Christians are citizens of these United States of America who pay taxes and are entitled to congregate in public places that their tax dollars support, such as the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.  Who does Rabbi Brandt think he is?  Who is he, anyway?  (One big happy religious family, right?  Yeah.) The critics have shown their true colors.  The Rabbi has “brass guts” saying that by these Evangelicals not including other faiths, it’s sending the message that their faiths have false gods.  Well, yes, Rabbi, you’re right.  Muslims do not have the same God that Jews and Christians have; and because you don’t accept Jesus Christ as your Messiah, you’re excluded as well.
Aziz Jamaluddin and wife Joy, head of Muslim congregation in The Woodlands	(When Pastor Greg Johnson said the United States is a Christian nation and that “We just hold to the view that our future is in Christ…” and that he believes this to be what this country was founded on, Aziz Jamaluddin’s response was as follows:)  “This is not a Christian nation.  “We have a Constitution that affords everybody the freedom of religion.  This is a secular nation” (Ibid.).	Mr. Jamaluddin is absolutely correct when he says this is not a Christian nation.  However, the men that founded it, walked in Christian principles because they were Christians and not Muslims.  Mr. Jamaluddin is also correct in saying that we are all afforded the freedom of religion and that this is a secular nation.  Being that we have freedom of religion, the Evangelicals in The Woodlands are free to gather anywhere they please while excluding all other faiths that don’t walk with Jesus Christ, Son of the Most High God – and that includes Islam and Judaism.  Thank God for America!
Joy Jamaluddin	“Most Muslims that know about it are kind of frustrated.  “If the churches want to have this sort of commemoration in their own church, we have no problem.  “To advertise it as ecumenical, when it is not, to advertise it as representing the community, when it is not, is a little dishonest” (Ibid.)   (Houston Chronicle online, “9/11 Event ruptures Faiths In Woodlands,” by Harvey Rice, July 19, 2002).	Why should most Muslims be frustrated because Evangelical Christians are organizing as a group, appealing to people of its kind.    These Evangelical Christians are citizens of these United States of America who, like I said, pay taxes and are entitled to congregate in public places that their tax dollars support, such as the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.  Who does Joy Jamaluddin think she is?  Who is she, anyway?  On the web site the vision of the Christian sponsored program reads:  “To provide an opportunity for The Church[Body of Christ] of The Woodlands to come together and worship, remember the tragic events of the last year, pray for our Nation and share a message of the hope found in Christ with our  community.”(http://www.worship-one.org/1voice/vision).  Saints, The Church is the Body of Christ, and does not include anyone outside of that who comes with a Gospel different than what Jesus preached.

 Saints, you can see from the above comments of your Interfaith brethrens that they are not understanding and are not sincere, therefore you should not expect them to be because they are not of the Body of Christ.  They are not cut out of the same cloth as yourself. Remember, two cannot walk together unless they be in agreement (Amos 3:3). (Should you choose to continue walking with non-Christians in these Interfaith organizations, you are taking the middle ground and believe that what they believe, is okay.)

Interjection:  Thus far, 28 churches have signed on to participate in “9/11: One Voice, The Woodlands Remembers.”  A week or so ago, Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church was included, but it now appears they are no longer partnering with the Evangelicals.  The writer says, you’re much better off that they are not with you, for they are a far more serious threat to the Church of Jesus Christ than you think.  The writer also adds that, as of this writing, also not standing with the Evangelicals are Unitarians, Lutherans, Mormons, Scientologists, Anglicans, Disciples of Christ, nor Jews, and that’s good.

 About Unity      

Unity means to be in agreement.  When we speak of Church unity, we’re speaking of Ecumenism or the Ecumenical Movement.  Reuniting separated churches or denominations is ecumenism.  The term is fairly new (20^th Century), but its definition goes back to the 13^th Century with the Council of Lyons in 1274 and the attempt to bring together the Catholics of the East and the West.  Interfaith groups are unified and this is a type of Ecumenism or unity.  In Christianity, this says, “we’re a unified church – we’re universal – we’re worldwide,” even though we have a lot of differences.  Saints, this is not Jesus’ doing. The Word of God says, we’re “One Body” but this doesn’t mean that an arm and a leg of the body is characterize as  different doctrines and creeds within the body.  Each part of the Body of Christ, having a different function, is not to say that the Body of Christ coming in various denominations and sects is still the True Church of Jesus Christ.  Diversity in the Body of Christ or His Church, yes, but that diversity is not in theology and doctrine or dogma.  As One Body:

·        Our faith is in Jesus Christ alone, and nothing or no one else;

·        Christ is the center and nothing or no one else is;

·         Jesus Christ alone is the only go-between God the Father and the Body of Christ/the Church 

Saints, Ecumenism is not a God-given mandate and is not a God-given fact.  It’s all man’s doing because if Jesus were behind it, we’d all be in one-accord with absolutely no theological differences. 
            Saints, keep in mind the fact that the joining together of the various denominations, produces very little work toward resolving theological differences. The mere reason that the various denominations can’t become a singular voice with no theological differences is the tell-tale that God is not in this movement, but Satan himself is.  The uniting schemes are not of God!  As said before, there is no real intent to resolve theological differences.  Sure, they’ll agree on theological points such as…

·        the Bible is Holy Spirit inspired, infallible, and is the Word of God; 

·        there is but one God with three persons in that one Godhead (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); 

·        the deity of Jesus and that He was born of the Virgin Mary, was without sin, while in the flesh. He performed miracles while here, and that He shed His precious blood on Calvary for us, died, and on the third day resurrected; 

·        the ministry of God’s Holy Spirit; and  

·        the resurrection of the dead.       

But it’s the rest of the stuff – the doctrines that reflect what a religious group is all about. 

Detached From Judaism, Islam, And The Rest, But… 

            The “but” is, you’re still attached to Catholicism as long as your church organization belongs to an Interfaith organization, and as long as you kneel and/or pray with them.  As a member of such an organization, not only are you walking hand-in-hand with Catholics, but you’re saying that you’re on the same theological page, and that’s not true.  Saints of God, please, become as wise as serpents.  The Roman Catholic Church has a plan for you, whom they refer to as their separated brethren – you non-Catholics.  Follows is a quote from Augustin Cardinal Bea’s book, “The Unity of Christians”:

“Our prayer for January is that the truth and charity of Christ may remove the obstacles that still stand in the way of the reunion of all Christians in the one Church of Christ [Roman Catholic Church]” (The Unity of Christians” by Augustin Cardinal Bea.  The Catholic Book Club, London, 1963, p. 38). 

The Catholics pray that the obstacles be removed, such as

·        your not receiving the Pope as the Vicar of Christ on earth over all Christians;

(To Catholics, the Pope, the Holy Father, is father of all professing Christians regardless of denomination.  Catholics believe that you non-Christians, are the fruit of her womb in that the Roman Catholic Church claims to be the original church that was supposedly handed over to Apostle Peter.)

·        your not accepting Mary as the Mother of God (God has no mother), and co-redemtrix with Jesus;

·        your not accepting their holy eucharist as the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ;

·        your not accepting the immaculate conception (Mary born without sin) and the assumption of Mary into Heaven (she saw not death);

·        your not accepting their teachings on purgatory

·        your not accepting their teachings on the sacraments

·        your not accepting their teachings on praying to so-called dead saints 

Catholics pray that all of the above will come to be accepted by you because they will never change nor compromise their beliefs.  As much as Catholics want the unity of all Christians, they will not betray what they recognize as truth in the “One True Church.”  It goes without saying, Catholics are out to reel you into Catholicism.  So far, it’s working.  Proof of that is your participation in Interfaith organizations and functions – you have bought into it.
            When the Roman Catholics speak of unity in Christianity, they don’t just mean bringing together those of eastern orthodoxy, Anglican, and Lutherans, but they mean you as well – Baptists, Charismatics, Pentecostals, Presbyterians, Methodists, non-denominations, etc., all respectfully following the dictates of the Pope.  The following is another quote from Augustin Cardinal Bea’s book and is an attestation to the above statement that:

“Unity would not be perfect, however, unless it included ‘submissiveness’ to those commissioned by God to guide and rule us in matters of faith and of practice, that is to the shepherds of the flock [Cardinals and Bishops], successors of the apostles, united among themselves and united with the chief shepherd, the successor of St Peter, the Bishop of Rome [The Pope]” (Ibid., p. 82). 

Saints, it’s their way, or no way, and they are slowly reeling you in as your go hand-in-hand with them in the man-made Interfaith organizations and gatherings.

Conclusion

            All who don’t walk after the real Jesus are non-Christians and, True Christians are not to stand in prayer with non-Christians including Catholics.  True Christians are to withdraw from any and all who don’t acknowledge Jesus Christ as Messiah, Son of the Most High God.  True Christians must withdraw from prayers involving Catholics as well, because of their paganism incorporated into Christianity which means they bow to a false Jesus. True Christians should not stand in prayer with those representing Judaism and Islam because of their rejection of Jesus as the Son of God, and above this, Islam’s god is not the same as the God of Israel.
            Saints, you are not to stand in league with these religious groups.  Pray over them or pray for them, yes, but to pray with them, no!  As True Christians following after Jesus Christ, you are never to give the impression to those practicing Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Mormonism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and the likes, that there is no difference between our God and theirs, and that it’s okay if they don’t believe Jesus is not God’s only begotten Son.  Saints, there is a difference between True Christianity and Catholics, and all other religious group.  True Christians do not compromise the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that’s what’s done when there is the coming together in man-made unity to pray.  This man-made unity is Ecumenism and it is not of God.
            Saints of God, YOU SHOULD NOT BE INVOLVED IN INTERFAITH ORGANIZATIONS NOR INTERFAITH SERVICES.  When you are involved:

1.      you are unequally yoked

2.      you are in agreement with them by your mere presence which says, “we’re all equal.”  “We all serve the same God.”  

Pastor Greg Johnson of WoodsEdge Community Church put it this way… 

“Our intent was not to say there is not a place for them [Interfaith non-Christians], but we do stand on certain values and principles that define us as churches….that’s just our principles and values” (Charisma News Service, “Churches’ ‘Dishonest’ 9/11 Service Blasted,” July 19, 2002).  

Pastor Grey Johnson and the rest that calls itself the Church of Jesus Christ, should have called to memory those principles and values long before deciding to take part in the Interfaith organization and its functions.
            Church, when Christ returns for His Church, there will be no theological differences.  When there are differences in understanding and practice, this is abnormal.  It’s abnormal because God’s Holy Spirit isn’t doing the interpreting of His Word and thus you have conflict.  The members of the Church that Jesus returns for, His Body, will all be on the same theological page – no differences – no conflicts, because He will have made them that way through His Holy Spirit.  Saints, this cannot be minimized.  You cannot compromise, nor water-down the truth that is in Christianity.  Christ’s truth is not Catholic doctrine and tradition.
            Catholics believe that we are their separated brethrens who misunderstand their teaching because we believe in Scripture alone.  Saints, it is Scripture alone, not Scripture and tradition as taught in the Catholic Church.  No amount of theological explanation of Catholic doctrines and tradition can change the fact that their teachings are not Scriptural.  You have got to understand why Catholics believe this way.

“…regarding holy scripture, it essentially belongs to and is committed to the Church [Roman Catholic] and to her interpretation.  It cannot, therefore, simply be interpreted by anyone according to a presumed or real inspiration received from the Holy Spirit”  (The Unity of Christians” by Augustin Cardinal Bea.  The Catholic Book Club, London, 1963, p. 84). 

Saints, the Roman Catholic leadership, right down to the ordinary priest, is doing all they can to bring you into full membership in what they call, “the One True Church” – the Roman Catholic Church.  That is the main reason you see Roman Catholics participating in Interfaith groups – gaining your acceptance of them as “Christians.” This gives them the opportunity to spiritually brainwash you into believing that what they teach is truth, because they know full well that they will never compromise nor will they dilute any of their teachings, thus the family reunification under Catholic auspices – birth out of unity – out of ecumenism/Interfaith.

“To grow accustomed to the existence of non-Catholic Christianities would be one of the worst infidelities possible.  The only way left open is therefore to leave complacency behind and start work on welding together what is still separate.  Remaining faithful to his own conscience, each should try to promote cooperation…. If the Church  [Catholic] wants to put an end some day to the rifts in Christendom, one of her tasks is to prepare apostles and theologians of Christian unity” (The Catholic Approach To Protestantism” by George H. Tavard of the Augustinians of the Assumptions.  Harper and Brothers, New York, 1955, p. 154). 

Those Catholic apostles and theologians whose task is to reel you into Christian unity under the headship of the Pope, sit with you in those Interfaith organizations and events.  They are on a mission for Satan, not Jesus.  Come out of the organizations! Stay away from those so-called civic functions that you feel Christianity must be represented since all other religions are represented there!  Jesus doesn’t need to be represented as the way, the truth, and the life at civic functions; He needs to be represented as the way, the truth, and the life in the way that True Christians allow Him to live His life in them daily. Saints, it’s all a setup!  Come out!  As Christianity Today suggests, please do not act upon:

“From a civic perspective, all religions are equal. Because Christianity’s influence on American society is weaker than in the past, we [Christians] should ensure that our chair is not empty when religion is represented in the public square” (Christianity Today.com. “The Interfaith Public Square,” March 6, 2002). 

You!  Leave that chair empty!  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is too powerful and it does not have to grab hold of such opportunities that are really not opportunities.  You’ve got your hands full just trying to live a holy life yourself and feeding His flock.
            There are plenty of spiritual death traps already set for you, hence, cease embracing all religions, including the Roman Catholic Church. You’ve got nothing to lose but eternal happiness in the presence of the Lord, and that’s a mighty high price to pay.  Yes, that’s just how serious this is; so be watchful, be sober, and cling to the real Jesus and His Word.  Amen, Amen, and Amen.