The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Interfaith prayer

Good day everyone! I have been and still am so busy at work that I don't often get the time to visit the Discussion Board.

Today I need some advice.

The issue here is the following: The university where I am working was up to around 2004 a Christian university in the sense that the law under which the university was established recognized the Christian character of the University. The university also got state subsidy. It was around 2004 when the ANC government forced a number of mergers of major successful university campuses with smaller less successful campuses. We were also affected in that our university had to merge with a smaller university some 200 km from Potchefstroom. We had a very good vice-chancellor and till about two or three years ago there was an underlying Christian ethos on our campus. Things changed rather radically since we got a new vice-chancellor. A lot of restructuring is currently underway and in this process there was also a change in the position of the local campus rector. The current campus rector was the dean of Theology. He is also a very very strong activist for the ordination of women in all ecclesiastical offices.

Earlier this week there was a prayer meeting on the campus where he and a Muslim prayed for the students as exams started this week. I have no direct evidence of what his prayer was and whether in fact, he was actually praying when the Muslim prayed. Point here is that he, as a professing Christian, gave permission for this meeting and also participated in this interfaith prayer. You can see the photos at THIS link. The "prayer" by the Muslim was in Arabic and English. Apparently the prayer was approved by the campus rector - the man with the grey hair and beard.

To me there is no doubt that his actions constitute a transgression of the First Commandment. According to the Heidelberg Catechism the First Commandment requires of us to flee and avoid all idolatry. Joining a Muslim in prayer at such a meeting, in my opinion, is nothing less than acknowledging Allah as god.

I would like to hear from you!! Thanks a lot. Johan

1. The fact that a Muslim was invited to participate in a prayer gathering on campus, which you wrote was at a purported Christian university is most troubling. Unfortunately, this is not that unusual given how most of Europe has become ignorantly and foolishly open to Muslims/Islam politically. The result has been numerous terrorist attacks with much blood being shed by radical Muslim jihadists. I am not suggesting that all Muslims be barred from universities. However, I do object to "intermixing" Christian functions with any other religion, including heretical Christian adherents.

2. It would seem "direct evidence" could be easily obtained from those who attended that event in order to establish what role the campus rector played in it.

3. IF the campus rector was personally involved per your description, then the local church which the rector is a member should confront this man and bring discipline upon him following the biblical mandate and order.

As I have stated on several occasions over the years, the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa is on a downward spiral to apostasy, which has already taken place among some of the Dutch Reformed Churches in the USA, Canada and elsewhere. When a denomination, church or individual embraces the heretical doctrine of admitting women into either of the two offices of the Church; Elder and/or Deacon, one must understand that the accepting of that view is just the fruit of a much more serious problem; the divine inspiration and authority of the Bible. Once that door has been opened, then anything is possible in regard to heterodoxy or heresy. It is my deep conviction and sorrow that not only is the wrath and judgment of God upon the nations of this world, but also upon the visible Church. There is a 'cleansing' taking place in which God is calling His true children to separate themselves from the world AND from the apostate churches. Tolerance, of which is of the Evil One, has infected myriad churches in our day in various forms. Political Correctness has a twin brother... Ecclesiastical Correctness in which the world is welcomed into the Church, both in matters of doctrine and practice.

I doubt, there is much you can do about the situation at the university unless there is a specific law, rule, policy or guideline which prohibits interfaith events.

As a related aside, an antidote to the current "tolerance" being embraced by so many throughout the world in regard to Islam and its adherents, Dr. Bill Warner has an excellent, albeit brief lecture on world history concerning Islam which you can view here: Why We Are Afraid, A 1400 Year Secret.

Pilgrim,

I tried to keep my post short, so did not give all the details I am aware of. Well, what I know is the the campus rector himself approved the "prayer"of the Muslim student. Also he defended his position on the basis if the Constitution of the RSA that allows religious freedom, and that management must manage the reality of the student population on the campus.

It seems as if there will be charges laid either at his local church or at the curators of the theological school where he still holds the position of professor (scary!).

Any case thanks for your reply!!

Johan

A Christian should never be part of a payer meeting that has other faiths involved, as they would not be addressing the true God....
Just like here in Detroit, when they have the Priests/Imuns/Rabbi all gather together to pray, and only the christian is addressing the real God!