I know very little about Buddhism or Hinduism; Taoism is a puzzle; but, I’ve seen a real, live Druid in England. I’ve spent years studying Islam and as a result, or possibly a penalty, I have an extensive understanding of that religion. I’ve been a Christian for over forty years and for the most part, I know the basics of my own faith. And, I’ve visited Chattanooga several times; which will make the remainder of this article make sense (hopefully).
In a recent article in the Chattanooga Times/Free Press, Perla Trevizo wrote about the diverse religious landscape of that region. I found the article online and when I saw the words Chattanooga and religious diversity in the same sentence, I was hooked. To say that Chattanooga isn’t New York is a grand understatement; which is a virtue, rather than a criticism, in my estimation. One New York is plenty. Chattanooga is still quaint and the views can be spectacular. Chattanooga is also home to many Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. In fact, the Muslim population has doubled over the past decade. There are four mosques in the Chattanooga area. If that had been a Jeopardy question most of us would have heard the buzzer: I’m sorry Michael, you were incorrect on Mosques in Chattanooga, Tennessee for $500.00! Hey, didn’t you write a book on Islam? Thanks a lot Alex.
A local university professor stated that the growing diversity shouldn’t surprise people in Chattanooga: People are simply doing what our ancestors did. They bring their own religion with them. The takeaway is that Chattanooga is part of the Old South and has seen less change over a longer period of time than Atlanta or Birmingham. Today Chattanooga is dealing with what it means to live in a pluralistic, diverse area with people of many unique religions. Apparently they are making the necessary adjustments. The pluralism and diversity will continue to grow and there’s no going back. Buddhism and Islam on Main Street are here to stay.
Christianity’s response is a key to the ever-changing climate of a place like Chattanooga. Jesus taught us to be firm in our beliefs, to live out and example our beliefs and to be open to sharing our faith with other people. The Jesus model would expect us to be open to conversation with people of other faiths. Shunning them or ignoring them out of fear is not a Biblical option (this is the point when faith becomes hard). If it’s true that a Christian is the closest thing to Jesus that some people will ever experience…the pressure is on. I try to adhere to the words of A. Christian Van Gorder: “The central theological message for Christians interacting with Muslims (or other religions) is not that ‘our God’ is true and ‘your God’ is not, but the biblical revelation that ‘God is love’ and is actively seeking humanity to participate in a new covenant with God.”
This isn’t a contest for Christians, it’s an opportunity; an opportunity we mustn’t let slip away.
Michael McCullar
