Proximity to source improves accuracy

Error. Error. Error. The red lights began flashing within hours of the moment that this column hit print on Oct. 20, 2007. Sharp Baha’i readers from as far away as New Hampshire and Ontario were writing to set the record straight – Baha’is indeed do accept the doctrine of the virgin birth of Jesus, contrary to what the column had stated.

How did the error occur? Easy. It was based on faulty information included in an encyclopedia of world religions published by – well, not Baha’is. The publishers have since been notified and, it is hoped, will correct their next edition.

Meanwhile, this writer was once again reminded of a basic principle of good journalistic research – the accuracy of a story increases in proportion to how closely and how carefully its author draws from and listens to the actual source of that story. Want to know what happens in the Arctic? Ask an Eskimo, not someone from Brazil who has only ever read about the Arctic. Want to understand Baha’i theology? Talk with Baha’is, not just someone writing about Baha’is. Listen to Baha’is!

Tom Smith was the reticent trainer of the famous racehorse Seabiscuit. Some thought maybe Smith spoke so little because he was listening so hard. On one occasion he said: “It’s easy to talk to a horse if you understand his language.”

Too often evangelicals have failed to understand the language of those we’re trying to reach. Or we’ve forgotten that language changes over time. Terms that meant one thing in 1950 often mean something entirely different today. In the past when Americans spoke about God, it’s likely they had in mind the Judeo-Christian God of the Bible. No longer. Consider Deepak Chopra, who has a wide public hearing. In his book “How to Know God,” Chopra says God is not a person at all, but rather a process.

When Christians talk before listening, we often end up talking right past people. Which may be why one sage observed the best way to persuade folks is with our ears, not our mouths.

A fellow once screamed at his wife: “I know that you believe that you think you understand what you think I said! I’m just not convinced that you realize that what you think you heard is not what I meant. You know, a lot of the problem in this marriage is due to the fact that you just can’t seem to understand simple language!”

For 14 years the AIIA Institute, founded in 1991 by this writer and based right here in central Maine, has sponsored an annual forum on matters of faith. These exchanges have provided an opportunity for Christians to better understand non-Christian worldviews by listening to articulate spokesmen of alternative persuasions. That purpose has been served.

. There was the 1998 Dialogue Dinner with Muslims when Mrs. El Begearmi helpfully explained that, contrary to common Christian perceptions, Allah to Muslims is not just some sort of vague, distant, impersonal entity.

. Following my interview with Rabbi Fred Nebel of Bangor in 2002, one Christian pastor said: “My understanding of Orthodox Jews and their sense of Satan, evil and the Holocaust was certainly clarified.”

. When Kumar Nochur of the New England Hindu Temple got up to draw on a white-board at AIIA’s Fall Forum with Hindus in Hudson, Mass., in 2006, a number of Christians began to grasp the difference between Brahma and Brahman for the very first time.

. This past month Miklos Jako, a non-Christian theist from Lawrence, Mass., speaking at AIIA’s Fall Forum 2007, made the bold claim that he is not a sinner. That was difficult for Christians to swallow – until one thoughtful believer asked Jako to define sin. Jako said that, in his opinion, sin is only that which is hurtful to others. So consensual sex outside of wedlock, for instance, would not be sin. Suddenly his claim began to make sense – from his point of view. And because many people share his point of view, it is suddenly apparent why many people seem to sense no particular need for salvation. Why should anyone ask Jesus to forgive their sin if they don’t think that they’ve sinned?

That’s insight drawn from informed understanding, and an example of what can be gained by going directly to the source, then considering carefully what is discovered.

Readers interested in attending AIIA’s annual forum, participating in its monthly CONVERSATIONS event, or receiving its free monthly thought letter may contact us as follows: AIIA.ChristianAnswers.Net

The Rev. Daryl E. Witmer is founder and director of the AIIA Institute, a national apologetics ministry, and associate pastor of the Monson Community Church. He may be reached via the Web site AIIA.ChristianAnswers.Net or by e-mail at AIIAInstitute@aol.com. Voices is a weekly commentary by Maine people who explore issues affecting spirituality and religious life.