A Charitable Orthopathy
Christian Perspectives on Emotions in Multifaith Engagement
Edited by John W. Morehead and Brandon C. Benziger
Foreword by Richard J. Mouw
Afterword by Paul Louis Metzger
Imprint: Pickwick Publications
Evangelicals and other conservative Christians of the twenty-first century face enormous challenges in the pluralistic public square, not least with Muslims and atheists. Contrary to biblical injunctions to "keep in step with the Spirit" (Gal 5:25b) and to love our neighbors as ourselves (e.g., Matt 22:37-40; Luke 10:25-37)--both of which involve not only behavioral but also important affective elements--we often harbor deep-seated antipathies toward atheists and adherents of other religions. While such feelings are at times justified and help us cope with conflict-related tragedies, they are also often baseless, misconstrued, and counterproductive, priming us to avoid religious others, support discriminatory policies against them, and even confront them in verbal or physical ways.
The purpose of this volume is to offer an academically informed yet practically oriented collection of essays that challenges and encourages Christians to engage their religious neighbors in a much more loving, compassionate, hopeful, and courageous--indeed, orthopathic--manner, whether in the realm of politics, in debate and conference venues, on the mission field, or in their own homes, schools, churches, and neighborhoods. As such, a set of reflection and discussion questions is included to facilitate individual and/or group study.
John W. Morehead (MA, Salt Lake Theological Seminary) is Director of Multifaith Matters and the Evangelical Chapter of the Foundation for Religious Diplomacy. He is coeditor of Encountering New Religious Movements (2004).
Brandon C. Benziger (ThM, MDiv, Denver Seminary) is a freelance editor and an independent author and researcher. He is the compiler of “Emotions and the Bible” (2015).
“How should Christians relate to adherents of other religions? A Charitable Orthopathy breaks fresh ground in moving the discussion beyond simply questions about beliefs and practices to consideration of the moral and theological significance of attitudes and emotions shaping our responses to religious others. At a time when Christian perspectives are driven largely by fear and anger, these essays point us toward a better way, rooted in the virtues to be found in Christ’s disciples.”
—Harold A. Netland, Professor of Philosophy of Religion and Intercultural Studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
“Morehead and Benziger have assembled an impressive collection of distinguished scholars to analyze this much-neglected subject—affective attitudes in interreligious relations. Recommended for all those interested in interreligious exchange.”
—Gerald R. McDermott, Anglican Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School
“Morehead and Benziger bring together an outstanding group of scholars who explore the emotions and attitudes of evangelicals toward those of other faiths. . . . A Charitable Orthopathy is a critical volume for anyone who is trying to navigate the challenging terrain of our ‘multi’ world. As one who teaches and practices multifaith engagement, this volume is a welcome addition to the individual volumes from thoughtful evangelicals, many of whom are contributors to this volume.”
—C. Douglas McConnell, Professor of Leadership and Intercultural Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary
“This volume invites the evangelical community to engage in compassionate and holistic ways with people from other religions, because without compassionate engagement our message becomes compromised. This book is a valuable tool for those who seek to equip the church to be the salt of the earth in a multifaith society.”
—Pablo Morales, Lead Pastor, Ethnos Bible Church; Project Faculty, Portland Seminary
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