Baptist World Alliance responds to Muslims 'A Common Word'

Baptist/Muslim understanding took anoter step this week when the Baptist World Alliance responded to A Common Word Between Us and You from 138 Muslim scholars to Pope Benedict XVI and other Christian leaders.

Unlike the earlier A Christian Response to 'A Common Word Between Us and You', published in November, 2007, in the New York Times, the BWA response specifically affirmed the Trinity:

There is room for exploration here in ways that are illuminating but not contentious. However, when we speak of the love and mystery of God we must open out an area of belief that we know will be troubling to you, but which is absolutely essential for us in confessing the Oneness of God: we mean the doctrine of the Trinity, God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are well aware that Muslims believe the Christian idea of the Trinity contradicts the affirmation that God has no other being in association with Him. ... .

While not giving theological or other ground, the BWA letter concluded on a call for a broader, "grassroots" peace and understanding, saying in part:

It is, however, too easy to keep a dialogue going at the high level of theological conversation alone. Somehow the theological vision which enlivens us must be received at the grassroots and change attitudes and prejudices there. Somehow the members of our communities need to be gripped by the value of respect and honour for all people because of the creation of all by the One God, and because of His love and mercy towards them, however wrong the beliefs of others may seem.

Read the entire letter here.