Can different faiths coexist?

Dear Chaplain: Is the bumper sticker “Coexist” with all of the religious symbols some kind of political statement or religious movement? Do you believe this is something Christians should support or advertise? Signed, Coexisting Dear Coexisting: Thank you so much for your question. In the early 2000’s, graphic designer Piotr Mlodozeniec created a “Coexist” design for an art competition, and the museum that sponsored the competition trademarked it. The image became popular when the rock group U2 used it on tour to promote religious tolerance. The initial design was the word “coexist” spelled out, with the letter “c,” being a crescent moon to represent Islam; the letter “x” being a Star of David to represent Judaism; and the letter “t”, being a cross to represent Christianity. Although it wasn’t created to start a movement or a political campaign, today it is a very popular image used to make a statement about religious tolerance in the world. One of the most well known variations of the image is as follows: “c”crescent moon representing Islam; “o,”- a peace symbol; “e,” - male/female symbol or evolution; “x” - Star of David representing Judaism; “i” a pagan/Wiccan symbol; “s” - Chinese yin-yang symbol; and “t” - a cross representing Christianity.

On the surface, coexisting seems to be a Christian concept. Diverse people living in peace with one another, for the most part lines up with what Jesus taught during his earthly ministry. He instructed us to love our neighbors, to pursue peace with all men, and to treat the stranger that dwells among us, well. Jesus didn’t judge, mistreat, or hate people who were different than him, and those of us that follow him shouldn’t either. However, based on everything I’ve read biblically, it’s difficult for people who serve different Gods to exist in close proximity of one another because our differences can easily cause us strife. The Bible says “How can two walk together unless they agree” and “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. This tells me that living in close proximity with those having religious differences can be as difficult as light dwelling with darkness, good dwelling with evil, and love dwelling with hate because most religions are diabolically opposed to others.

I am grateful for the free will we were given to choose our own religion, and blessed to live in a country where we can worship freely, as we like. However, I would not personally advertise the “coexist” bumper sticker. From my lense, the image could suggest that all religions are equal or all Gods deserve equal respect. For some that may be true, but for me, I choose to lift up Christ above all, in all that I am, and in everything that I do. I don’t have a problem with Christians who do support or advertise things that promote religious tolerance. It is unwise to split hairs over issues not related to the foundation of our faith.