Submitted by Sam Kolkin, Feb 13, 2008 01:47

Every religion which teaches that only its followers will be "redeemed" is potentially aggressive. Christianity had its aggressive periods in the past, and may very well have them again in the future as long as it denies that a non-Christian can be "saved". It is sweet and comforting to think that the present Christian friendliness towards Jews will last forever, but it is hard to see any base for such conviction. When "salvation" from "eternal damnation" is at stake, proselytizing can easily become too passionate to remain peaceful, as quite a few abortion clinics in this country can testify. Whenever a group of church leaders feels it can get political gains from playing the salvation card a bit heavier, Jews and other non-Christians will be a natural target.

I am in no danger of conversion to a religion that sees itself as the only path to "salvation". I don't mind a missioner or two knocking at my door or approaching me in the street. However it would be quite a nuisance if the streets of my neighborhood get filled with crowds of proselytizers (of any religion). Re-introduction of a prayer for "enlightening" and "salvation" of the Jews to the Catholic Good Friday (Latin) services cannot bring hundreds of Christian missioners to my door, but it might be a sign of a bit more aggressive Catholic policy in Latin America and other parts of the world. I think it is rather silly to protest against re-introduction of that prayer (Catholics have freedom of speech, too!), but it does not sound like a positive development.

God is one. Paths to God are many. Those who believe their path is the only way to avoid "eternal damnation" can fall into a trap of forcing "salvation" on others. Avoiding this trap might be easier without re-introducing a prayer for the Jews. And the best way of proselytizing is showing an example of good behavior.

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