Over the past several months we’ve been talking about other religious beliefs in our youth group. So far we have covered : Cults, Mormonism, Atheism, Islam, Wicca, Judaism and tonight we discuss Satanism. Still to do, Buddhism and Christianity. Each week has included history, core beliefs, differences to Christianity and how to share your faith. This has been a very interesting series. Our students have learned a lot, I have learned a lot and all in all I feel like it has helped me become a more effective witness to people. It is also allows me to engage in conversation with people of other world views.
Some people find it a little unusual that we are doing a series like this in our youth group. Why would a youth ministry discuss other beliefs systems? Shouldn’t we only talk about Jesus and Christian things? I think that’s crucial and we do bring Christ into each week, but I think this is just as crucial. Today at a seminar I went to I was talking to another youth pastor and when I told him I was talking about Satanism tonight in youth group his eyes nearly popped out of his head. This reaction is understandable without knowing the context of the statement. What surprised me was that as I explained his reaction didn’t seem to change much. He still seemed shocked. This reaction makes me wonder… am I doing something wrong? Here are my thoughts…
I believe it is very important for Christians to be informed. Knowing what others believe gives us the ability to correctly engage them in conversation. Bethany worked with a guy once who was a self-proclaimed Satanist. By all accounts a very nice guy. One time while having a discussion with one of her Christians friends he was asked to look into Christianity. His response was “I’ll look into Christianity when you look into Satanism.” This is an understandable response “why should I look into your beliefs and be willing to change my mind if you’re unwilling to look into mine and change yours.” For that reason, logically it follows that doing some research and knowing others beliefs might have some benefit. But is it scriptural? I would argue yes. Check out Acts 17
“So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said:“Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god. ’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.”
Before speaking to the Areopagus (A hill in ancient Athens on which met the highest governmental council and later a judicial court) Paul did his research. He walked through their statues, observed their rituals and even reads their philosophers, poets and quotes them in order to connect with the council.
“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;
as even some of your own poets have said,
“‘For we are indeed his offspring. ’
Jesus himself knew the Roman laws and used them in His teachings “give unto Caesar…” (Luke 20:24). In the end if Paul did it, if Jesus did it, it’s good enough for me. But is it effective? Let’s go back to Acts 17.
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
What can be understood from this? Will all of your research cause everyone to agree with you? No. Will all of your conversations lead to a spiritual converstion? No, and that’s okay. You might be one link in a larger chain in that persons life connecting them to God (1 Corinthians 3:5-9). If you can be that positive touch because you respected them enough to do research that no one else would do, awesome! You might worry some people by letting them know you’re researching Wicca, that’s okay, they’ll get over it… probably.
I would just suggest as you do this keep grounded in prayer and in scripture. Pray for opportunity to talk to people. Be respectful, engage in active listening and have fun as you strive to be a lifelong learner and use that knowledge to engage your culture for Christ.
Bryce
Nice post Bryce. It seems you focused primarily on the ”outreach” value of a world religion series. I would also add that there’s ”defensive” valuta as well. There is a whole host of verses in both the old and new testament about false teachings. Knowing what else is out there and how those beliefs are fundamentally different from the Christian faith is hugely valuable.
You’ll get no argument from me. I could have just as easily focused on that in the post.