Amy,
I think you are referring to a paper written and endorsed by Muslim scholars entitled, " A Common Word Between Us and You." This letter outlines what some (over 138 signitures) Muslims feel are points of common ground between Muslims, Jews, and Christians. The document is not convincing in my opinion.
There was a response written by Yale scholars and signed by scholars and others in the Christian community. Rick Warren, I believe was one of those who signed this letter.
I believe the "dialogue" is flawed at the point of the Muslim scholars misuse of biblical texts. This makes the whole "dialogue" idea suspect in many scholars minds. There was considerable debate on the internet and a google search should start you in the right direction.
As far as Rick not understanding the theological difference between Muslims and Christians, I don't think that is the problem. I'll keep my other opinions to my self as to how I feel about this matter.
Actually, as I recall, the Yale letter challenged the Muslim scholars understanding and use of scripture, but it also acknowledged the need for finding common ground. I agree. How can I reach anybody if I take a whole group and refuse to have any relationship with them except to evangelize? I don't think it works.
And where do you draw the line? I was part of a ministerium that included pastors that were so ultra-liberal it was bizarre and so fundametalist it was scary . But we found common ground, expecially in caring for the poor and marginalized, and stayed right there. It was the best ministerium I was ever part of...
The point is, we need to be willing to be in relationships with anybody so that some, by the grace of God, may come to know Jesus Christ.
bryanm (formerly bryan)
"As God is my witness, I thought Turkeys could fly!" Arthur Carlson
Bryan:
I'm not sure what letter you read, but I didn't see any challenge in the response I read (incidentally, the list of signatories can be found in this pdf document. I don't see any challenge there.
I like John Piper's response to the Yale response.
There is no common ground with Islam, and I think it's about time we realized it. You can still have a relationship with them, but does spending all this time finding common ground work?
John, thanks for the clarification. I must have mixed up some other responses with this semi-official one.
I don't want to sound Clinton-eque, but what is the definition of "common ground". The response document is clear in its definition, and I don't find any fault with it.
I am always leery of interfaith dialogue because it is so often premised on an acceptance of all religions as true religions. I don't see that problem here (though I hate when Islam is called an "Abrahamic faith"). It is, for now, simply an attempt to find a starting point for discussion that lead to peace. And only with that will we have any hope of serious and effective evangelism among Muslims.
There was as little "common ground" between Paul and the Athenians as there are Christians and Muslims. But Paul stood in the City, on a sliver-thin strip of common ground called "The Temple to the Unknown God", and wooed the citizens.
And Paul told them that the times of ignorance had essentially ended and it was time to repent because a day of judgment as coming and Jesus was the judge. Don't forget that part.
I'll just bet that this is never brought up in interfaith dialogue.
bryanm:How can I reach anybody if I take a whole group
I think this is the distinction when it comes to evangelism. We can find "common ground" (an important element in what is called dialogue apologetics). As someone who has had a long-term relationship with a Muslim family and a Buddhist doctor, we have found common ground to begin many conversations. However, this is something completely different from "group think dialogue." As a group, I have almost nothing that could be called common ground when it comes to Islam.
There is a big distinction between "ecumenical dialogues" involving groups, and "evangelistic conversations" involving individuals.