In recent weeks, a group of Buddhist monks has captured the attention of the nation, trekking thousands of miles across the country toward Washington, D.C. They call it a “Walk for Peace.” As they pass through the heart of the Bible Belt, their presence has sparked a significant dialogue regarding how the Christian should respond to such a display of “loving-kindness” and interfaith symbolism.
Many onlookers suggest that to question the spiritual nature of this walk is “un-Christlike.” The prevailing cultural sentiment argues that “learning about different cultures” is the ultimate goal and that silence in the face of a different religion is the highest form of love.
But for the believer who holds to the Bible, we must ask: What is the nature of the peace they are walking for, and what is our responsibility to the Truth?
The Source of True Peace
The world is desperate for peace. In a time of political upheaval and global “rumours of wars,” the sight of men walking for a humanitarian cause is intoxicating to the public. However, the Bible is clear that true peace is not a vibration we cultivate from within or a social harmony we achieve through interfaith unity.
True peace is a Person.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27, KJV)
The world offers a peace that is temporary and based on the absence of conflict. The Lord Jesus Christ offers a peace that is eternal and based on the reconciliation of the sinner to a Holy God. To suggest that any other religious path can bring “peace to the world” is to ignore the fundamental problem of human sin, which no amount of walking or “good vibes” can resolve.
Love vs. Compromise
Modern culture—and even some within the pews—often highlights the command to “Love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39, KJV) as a reason to remain silent about false doctrine. They suggest that being “respectful” means keeping one’s biblical convictions to themselves.
However, the highest form of love is not remaining silent while a neighbor follows a path that leads away from the Gospel. The Apostle Paul did not remain silent in Athens when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry; his spirit was stirred in him, and he disputed in the market daily (Acts 17:16-17).
To “Love like Jesus” means to tell the truth. Jesus did not withhold His remarks regarding false religious systems; He confronted them directly because He knew that only the Truth can set men free. Kindness without the Gospel is merely a polite path to a Christless eternity.
As we look toward the return of our Lord, we are warned that a time of “Global Peace” will be used as a primary deception.
“For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them…” (1 Thessalonians 5:3, KJV)
The push for a “Global Religion of Self” or a “Universal Peace” that bypasses the Cross of Calvary is a precursor to the spirit of the Antichrist. While the participants of such walks may be sincere in their desire for kindness, the doctrine they represent—that peace is found within through human effort—is the ultimate lie.
Our Stance
The Christian does not need to “bash” individuals or behave with malice. We pray for the safety of those on the road and, more importantly, for the salvation of their souls. But we must not mistake tolerance for truth.
We should not be swayed by the world’s demand that we “shut up” regarding our faith. If we want the world to have peace, we must do more than watch a walk; we must boldly proclaim the Gospel of the Prince of Peace.