Ah, I appreciate this insight, Jordan. As frustrating as it is to see the need for reciprocity, it is also an act of charity to praise the virtues of any person or group. Perhaps these examples can be used with a tone of 'sparking inspiration' in Christians.
Perhaps Jesus knew this weakness we have, and chose to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan...
I've been thinking about this helpful, even if frustrating reminder (is it essentially receptor oriented communication, with which we often struggle?). I keep coming back to a chat I had with a famous theologian. I don't remember what part of our conversation prompted his remarks, but I remember him saying that his book on Allah, despite the notoriety of the publisher and the traction of the topic, did not sell very well. And then he reflected on the resistance he faced when it came to translating his well known book on reconciliation for sale in the Balkans. People were simply not interested in reconciliation, he said, despite it appearing to be the most important thing ever in context (the same apathy applied to his failed efforts to fundraise for a center devoted to reconciliation). I confess a similar experience of general apathy and even resistance when it comes to the practical side of my Muslim-Christian work and the general public. And so I wonder, when it comes to Muslim-Christian bridge-building and dialogue, if people are simply not motivated by or interested in peace. I will remember your admonition here when I am asked the same question you frequently face. But I also wonder, what do we do when people simply don't care?
Angela, I love this positive interpretation/spin
Ah, I appreciate this insight, Jordan. As frustrating as it is to see the need for reciprocity, it is also an act of charity to praise the virtues of any person or group. Perhaps these examples can be used with a tone of 'sparking inspiration' in Christians.
Perhaps Jesus knew this weakness we have, and chose to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan...
I've been thinking about this helpful, even if frustrating reminder (is it essentially receptor oriented communication, with which we often struggle?). I keep coming back to a chat I had with a famous theologian. I don't remember what part of our conversation prompted his remarks, but I remember him saying that his book on Allah, despite the notoriety of the publisher and the traction of the topic, did not sell very well. And then he reflected on the resistance he faced when it came to translating his well known book on reconciliation for sale in the Balkans. People were simply not interested in reconciliation, he said, despite it appearing to be the most important thing ever in context (the same apathy applied to his failed efforts to fundraise for a center devoted to reconciliation). I confess a similar experience of general apathy and even resistance when it comes to the practical side of my Muslim-Christian work and the general public. And so I wonder, when it comes to Muslim-Christian bridge-building and dialogue, if people are simply not motivated by or interested in peace. I will remember your admonition here when I am asked the same question you frequently face. But I also wonder, what do we do when people simply don't care?
I think you’re right, that there is just a lot of apathy. But I’m not really sure what the answer to that is… Ken Chitwood identified this issue too for the What Went Wrong blog (https://www.whatwentwrong.us/why-does-dialogue-often-fail-people-just-dont-care).
I hadn’t seen this before. Thanks!