… showing us that Christians are called to be more Christian.
Eboo Patel is a Muslim scholar who lectures on leadership in Christian seminaries, teaching the church leaders of the next generation how to engage on an inter-faith level and how to lead well.
Out of Ur report a classroom debate he facilitates surrounding an industrial dispute in a factory in a small town in Nebraska. Muslim workers want prayer breaks during Ramadan. Management want increased efficiency. Long standing locals are a little scared of all these Mohammedians who have moved in. How would the students approach the problem? Some of the students argued that America was founded on the concept of religious tolerance and so accomodation should be made for the Muslims. Others argued that America as a capitalist economy couldn’t allow productivity to drop because of the private convictions of staff.
To which Patel responded:
I’m hearing you articulate two grand narratives. First, the narrative of American freedom. And second, the narrative of capitalism and productivity. But remember, the reporter is not calling you because you are an expert in economics or constitutional law. He’s calling you because you are a minister. Don’t be afraid to answer the question as a Christian. Answer out of the Christian narrative.
Your Correspondent, Has to issue R.E.M. an apology for eco-fraud.
Your American Correspondent here…
Many of my fellow Christians here in America equate American ideals and capitalism with Christianity and thus the problem with not being able to speak as a Christian-ly about anything. Whatever are they going to do when they realize that we are not in fact a Christian nation. Thankfully Mr Patel is at least calling them to say what they really believe, hopefully their ministers and professors, friends and elders, are doing the same thing. Oh, wait, maybe some of the ministers and professors and elders and friends are part of the problem. Fun here in the midwest.