THE REJECTION OF VAGUE RELIGION (2 OF 8)
Scripture: Ruth 1:6-18, Ruth 1
This content is part of a series.
The Rejection of Vague Religion (2 of 8)
Series: Ruth: The Far Reach of the Love of God
Wyman Richardson
Ruth 1:6-18
Read Ruth 1:6-18
A couple of years ago an Episcopal church in Washington, D.C. hoisted a large banner on the side of their sanctuary that read, ''Conversation, Not Conversion.'' The intent of the banner was clear enough. It was intended to communicate that this particular church was one in which visitors would not be unduly pressed (or pressed at all?) to convert to Christianity. Rather, this was a place of non-threatening conversation. This kind of language is becoming more and more commonplace among churches that, understandably, wish to distance themselves from some of the cruder and more obnoxious forms of pressure-tactic-evangelism. I am wholly sympathetic to wanting to distance oneself from such. However, one does wonder if this slogan, ''Conversation, Not Conversion,'' might also be a demonstration of our current societal aversion to the idea of truth or ultimate truth. My more cynical self wonders if the reason we say things like this is because ultimately we do not think that anything can be known with enough certainty that it calls for conversion.
After all, conversion happens when a person sees a particular truth claim as so compelling that they can no longer imagine holding on to their current position in the light of what they now know. Conversion entails both acceptance and abandonment.
Ruth 1:6-18 is a text that contains a scene that many consider to be a definitive depiction on conversation. I am speaking of Ruth's refusal to abandon Naomi as Naomi leaves Moab to return home to Judah and as Naomi declares herself for Yahweh and for His people. Many Jews view Ruth's actions and declaration in Ruth 1:16-17 as the ultimate model of conversion. Kirsten Nielsen explains:
In Jewish tradition these are the very words that are used as an example for the proselyte to follow. That Ruth is seen as the prototype of a proselyt ...
Series: Ruth: The Far Reach of the Love of God
Wyman Richardson
Ruth 1:6-18
Read Ruth 1:6-18
A couple of years ago an Episcopal church in Washington, D.C. hoisted a large banner on the side of their sanctuary that read, ''Conversation, Not Conversion.'' The intent of the banner was clear enough. It was intended to communicate that this particular church was one in which visitors would not be unduly pressed (or pressed at all?) to convert to Christianity. Rather, this was a place of non-threatening conversation. This kind of language is becoming more and more commonplace among churches that, understandably, wish to distance themselves from some of the cruder and more obnoxious forms of pressure-tactic-evangelism. I am wholly sympathetic to wanting to distance oneself from such. However, one does wonder if this slogan, ''Conversation, Not Conversion,'' might also be a demonstration of our current societal aversion to the idea of truth or ultimate truth. My more cynical self wonders if the reason we say things like this is because ultimately we do not think that anything can be known with enough certainty that it calls for conversion.
After all, conversion happens when a person sees a particular truth claim as so compelling that they can no longer imagine holding on to their current position in the light of what they now know. Conversion entails both acceptance and abandonment.
Ruth 1:6-18 is a text that contains a scene that many consider to be a definitive depiction on conversation. I am speaking of Ruth's refusal to abandon Naomi as Naomi leaves Moab to return home to Judah and as Naomi declares herself for Yahweh and for His people. Many Jews view Ruth's actions and declaration in Ruth 1:16-17 as the ultimate model of conversion. Kirsten Nielsen explains:
In Jewish tradition these are the very words that are used as an example for the proselyte to follow. That Ruth is seen as the prototype of a proselyt ...
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