20 years ago — October 26, 1998
“Like it or not, 21st century globalism is the context in which Christians need to reassess their missions, their theologies and their world views. The risk … is an intensifying of sentiments and persuasions” that lead to a protectionist attitude and even terrorism.
“An alternative to fanatical fundamentalism and its terrorism is difficult and demanding, namely education, if it is the right kind.” The right kind of education can be found in the church-related institutions of higher learning. Here students can “be guided to explore the diversities which characterize the landscape of this global village. Helping people gain a depth of understanding of and respect for differences is alone the way to keep them from becoming divisive. Nurturing in individuals a confident love for the neighbor, increasingly likely now to be someone ‘different,’ is a sure way to envision community that does not demand conformity. … It is, after all, perfect love which casts out fear.”
From “Tolerance or terrorism: Toward a global Christianity” by Oscar E. Remick
