Unity is not Uniformity

So many world religions are obsessed with the idea that only their concept of truth is correct, and that they must convert as many as possible to their way of thinking. In today's context, Islam comes to mind. But Christianity provides many examples, too.

I just finished reading a book about the French Catholic persecution of the Huguenots in the 17th century. Earlier this year I read Dogs of God where I learned that Spanish royals Isabel and Ferdinand sponsored Columbus' voyage, at least in part, that he might convert any natives he found. Of course there were the Crusades and the Inquisition. And the Puritans escaped persecution in England, only to impose it in their new colony on those who differed with them.

I've tried to understand the reason behind this attitude. In my own church, and many other churches that conduct missionary activities, the reason given is to save souls, as Jesus instructed before he returned to heaven - certainly an altruistic goal. But sometimes I wonder if it's completely selfless when I see the emphasis placed on the number of converts, and even competition between districts or pastors, as well as pride in attainment.

In my church, and perhaps in others, there is a strong belief that the gospel must go to all areas of the world before Jesus can return. Of course, that has been the great hope of the church since the days of the apostles, but the question might arise - are we trying to save souls for their own sakes, or is our goal more focused on Jesus' return and our heavenly reward?

When force has been applied to obtain converts, several possible reasons have occurred to me. Maybe the religion using force needs agreement to feel secure in its beliefs? Or perhaps the desire to feel comfortable with others who are "just like us" is the motivation? Or the human need to exercise power may be in back of religious groups that attempt to control the consciences of others.

When Jesus prayed for his disciples shortly before his death, "I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as we are one," I don't believe, as my church sometimes interprets this text, that he wanted the Adventist church to be unified! Rather, I think the text is quite clear that he was praying for all of his future followers to be one.

But I don't see the "oneness" he prayed for as complete uniformity in belief, whether in my own church or in the wider Christian world. After all, God created each of us as unique persons who have a uniqie relationship with him. We each have a unique perspective and understanding of God. It seems to me that we can enrich each other's understanding of God by sharing our insights and appreciating those of others, rather than insisting that we must all conform to one person's view. There are those who like to insist that there is only one way to read and understand the "plain sense" of Scripture, but they deny that they, too, interpret what they read.

I believe that the unity God desires for his followers is a unity of spirit, a close relationship such as God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit enjoy, where they are one in purpose and their love is completely other-centered.