Newton overture declares Muslims, Jews, Christians worship same God
The Layman Online, January 23, 2006
The Presbytery of Newton in New Jersey has asked the 217th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to affirm “a common Abrahamic heritage” among Christians, Islam and Judaism.
The overture asks the General Assembly “to accept and proclaim that Muslims, Jews and Christians worship the same God – the God worshiped by Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Moses, Mary, Jesus and Muhammad – and ask the one true God to bless efforts in dialog, building bridges of harmony and fighting violence and terror.”
Neither Islam nor Judaism recognize the Trinitarian Father, Son and Holy Spirit of Christianity as the “one true God.”
The overture quotes partially from section 9.42 of the Confession of 1967 – “The Christian finds parallels between other religions and his own and must approach all religions with openness and respect.”
The rest of that section adds, “Repeatedly God has used the insight of non-Christians to challenge the church to renewal. But the reconciling word of the gospel is God’s judgment upon all forms of religion, including the Christian. The gift of God in Christ is for all men. The church, therefore, is commissioned to carry the gospel to all men whatever their religion may be and even when they profess none.”
The text of the Newton overture:
Overture 40. On Affirming a Common Abrahamic Heritage Among the Three Faiths, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism-From the Presbytery of Newton.
Whereas the First Presbyterian Church of Rockaway, N.J. has just completed a Mission study which, in part, states, “We are called to work for reconciliation, peace and justice for all God’s children, and whereas members of that congregation have been involved in People for Peace and Justice, an ad hoc group that has participated in interfaith dialog and initiated several incentives for creating understanding, and whereas those involved have gained a better understanding of Christianity. Islam and Judaism, to wit, that they are all derived from the same Abrahamic roots and that they adhere to many similar tenets, all three religions believing in one true God, professing adherence to the same commandments and desiring to live in peace and harmony; and
Whereas the Presbytery of Newton accepts these principles espoused by one of its churches and wishes to promote them through out the Presbyterian denomination, calling for similar dialog to open our hearts to those who believe in One God and adhere to the great commandments; and
Whereas The Confession of 1967 states, “The Christian finds parallels between other religions and his own and must approach all religions with openness and respect;” now
Therefore, the Presbytery of Newton overtures the 217th General Assembly:
1. To affirm a common Abrahamic heritage among the three faiths, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, to accept the principle of unity and harmony among them and to encourage all congregations to do the same.
2. To accept and proclaim that Muslims, Jews and Christians worship the same God – the God worshiped by Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Moses, Mary, Jesus and Muhammad – and ask the one true God to bless efforts in dialog, building bridges of harmony and fighting violence and terror.
3. To promote the common effort of Christians, Muslims and Jews to work together for peace, justice and righteousness which is an equal concern of each of the three faiths.
Rationale
There is a pressing need for dialog among people of the three monotheistic faiths, to affirm common roots, to explore similarities and differences, to overcome stereotypes, and to promote understanding and harmony.
In a world threatened by war and violence, it can have great impact for Christians, Muslims and Jews to lift up common ethical grounds that enable solidarity for justice, peace and sustainability of creation