View the video below, and please excuse the general incompetence of the interviewer.
I regret that the interviewer really didn't allow Swilley more time to speak to the issue (near the end of the interview as it were), but I appreciate that Swilley's words echo the message of this clip from the film "Saved," a great illustration of the matter at-hand:
(Thank you to D. for reminding me of this scene!)
It saddens me when any faith of peace is manipulated or misrepresented to do harm in any form. But instead of continuing to rehash the ways in which scripture has been used as a weapon, I'd like to share something else.
I've recently written about my take on syncretism, religious diversity, and upholding one's right to belief. But with that, I believe in the right to share one's beliefs. I think a leave-it-alone, don't-ask-don't-tell approach in which everyone is expected to keep their business to themselves can put us in a vacuum.
So here are a few of my own tips for sharing one's beliefs; and while I write them from one Christian's perspective, I hope that if you see anything that rings true in other traditions, you will say so or take it with you. I will list them now and expand upon them later for the sake of readability.
Thoughtful, Authentic, Nonviolent Evangelism
-Be honest about where your religion or worldview falls short or where you think it could fall short. A religion with limitation does not necessarily indicate a God with limitation.
-Consider context. Be willing to approach people in different ways, respecting their own experiences and understandings.
-Be willing to be honest about your own mistakes and difficulties, past and present, and to discuss issues that often go unspoken or against the grain of public opinion.
I will illustrate these points in the future and hope to add to the list. If you'd like to make further suggestions, you're welcome to email me!
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