Following my day visiting St Michael’s Collegiate School, the Chaplain wrote some reflections in the School Magazine,
The Students’ questions ranged from, How old are you? and Do you like chocolate more than ice-cream or ice-cream more than chocolate? to How do you become a Bishop? and Who made God?
The Bishop explained to both a year 6 and year 9 class (both of whom are currently studying world religions) three reasons why he regularly travels Tasmanian teaching people about Islam in sessions entitled Understanding Your Muslim Neighbour. Firstly, Bishop John argues, it is impossible to fully love your neighbour (as Jesus demands we do) if you do not understand their core beliefs and customs. Secondly, John sees benefits in Christians understanding where Christianity is similar to Islam and where it is different – thus providing points of connection to encourage and promote respectful dialogue across these two faiths. Thirdly, as the world’s youngest major religion Islam has much to say in critique of Christianity and Jesus and, Bishop John argues, knowledge of what Islam says about Christian beliefs can help promote critical and beneficial reflection on our own faith position – what is the basis for believing what we do about life, Jesus, God etc.?
Whatever your personal faith position may I encourage you to learn more about the beliefs and faith of others so that you may more fully understand, connect with and love your neighbours – whoever they may be.
