Rev. Ann Holmes Redding: Christian and Muslim
The Seattle Times has a story about Episcopal priest Ann Holmes Redding, who has recently made public her commitment to both Christianity and Islam.
Shortly after noon on Fridays, the Rev. Ann Holmes Redding ties on a black headscarf, preparing to pray with her Muslim group on First Hill.
On Sunday mornings, Redding puts on the white collar of an Episcopal priest.
She does both, she says, because she’s Christian and Muslim.
Redding, who until recently was director of faith formation at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, has been a priest for more than 20 years. Now she’s ready to tell people that, for the last 15 months, she’s also been a Muslim—drawn to the faith after an introduction to Islamic prayers left her profoundly moved.
. . .
“I am both Muslim and Christian, just like I’m both an American of African descent and a woman. I’m 100 percent both.”
Redding doesn’t feel she has to resolve all the contradictions. People within one religion can’t even agree on all the details, she said. “So why would I spend time to try to reconcile all of Christian belief with all of Islam?
“At the most basic level, I understand the two religions to be compatible. That’s all I need.”
She says she felt an inexplicable call to become Muslim, and to surrender to God.
“It wasn’t about intellect,” she said. “All I know is the calling of my heart to Islam was very much something about my identity and who I am supposed to be.
“I could not not be a Muslim.”
Read the whole story.
See also this article by David W. Virtue at Virtue Online: On being a Muslim and a Christian . . . Not.
HT: SermonAudio
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Livy Merchant
I hope Ann sees this letter. I have searched without luck for her email address.
This is Livy Merchant, former curate in Rosemont and rector of St. Stephens in Providence. Friend of Ann’s many years ago. I know what she has gone through. I have lived and worked in education for six years in Turkey and am very close to a Sufi group and also to a group of Alevi’s (look it up). Islam has a very sunny side if you know where to look.
I have served as priest at the Anglican chaplaincy in Ankara but will not function as a priest any longer. The reason is that my primary residence is in Greece on the island of Zakynthos. The church here is Orthodox and the Patriarch of Constantinople has agreed to my chrismation in September. Like Ann I do not worry about contradictions between faith groups, and though I am not a Moslem, I whirl with the Mevlevi dancers at least once a year. Mevlana did not worry about distinctions either.
Ann, if you see this please write me at LTM.ZAK@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you.
Faithfully and affectionately, Livy
Jun 23rd, 2007 2:49 am
Simon Barr
Thank you Livy Merchant. I hope you and Ann read this
I too am a moslem and a christian. and I practice both.
The differance with Ann is that I grew up as an orthodox moslem shiat, then I let Jesus in to my heart, and I have gained so much that I can not explain. Please please do not let Jesus stop you from opening your heart to Allah his Lord
WHAT ARE WE AFFRAID OF
In His name
Simon
Sep 12th, 2007 11:14 am
Phil Gons
Simon, Livy, and Ann,
None of you can be a Muslim and a Christian. You may like to think that you are both, but you are not. For to be one—properly defined—is precisely not to be the other. Most likely you are neither a Muslim nor a Christian, but rather a syncretist. May God grant you grace to repent of your sin and embrace the true God of the Bible through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Sep 13th, 2007 8:52 am
kelly
Phil, don’t tell people what they cannot be- only God can do that. I believe in the Fundamentals of Christianity, and I believe in Jesus being God’s only son. But I also believed us humans screwed it all up, and God had to speak to Muhammed and redirect people to what is most important, that there is something bigger than all of us, and we need to bow down and never forget, even for one second, that we must be worshippers of God. Jesus is a tool which God used to speak to us, so is Muhammed, why is that wrong? We get all caught up in the interpretations and screaming that we are right, we are forgetting that we are all sinners and we are all wrong, and only God can help us. Sending peace to all people on earth, and praying they find God, the one that really matters.
Jan 19th, 2008 9:37 pm
Philip Gons
Kelly,
God has made it clear in His Word that one cannot be a true Christian and a Muslim. I not only can but must tell people the truth.
On what basis do you believe that God spoke to Muhammad? Not on the basis of the Bible? If you have some other foundation for your faith, then on what basis do you believe the Christian view of Jesus? You’re in a bind from which you cannot extricate yourself. There are no rivals to Jesus, and there are no rivals to God’s revelation in the Scriptures.
You ask why it is wrong to believe that Muhammad is a tool which God used to speak to us. The answer is quite simple: it’s in utter contradiction with the inspired Scriptures.
Jan 23rd, 2008 11:02 pm
Takis Korianitis
As you can understand by reading the above messages the persons involved as “open minded” are, in truth, in total confusion and ignorance of what they say they believe. A few things need to be explained to the common reader and to those that claim both Christian and Muslim Faith.
A. The God that has revealed Himself in the Old Testament as Jehovah is not Allah. Allah was the moon god of the Babylonians and that is why the half moon is prominent in all Muslim nations’ flags.
B. The God of the Old Testament revealed himself to us in the person of Jesus the Christ. Three times in the gospel of John the Jews take up stones to kill Jesus because he claimed to be God. And finally that was the death sentence based on. It is clear in the Holy Scriptures that Jesus was both a man but also the All mighty God of the universe. Read the 1st chapter of the gospel of John and the 1st chapter of the Colossian epistle. I pray you will understand.
C. Mohamed was a confused Catholic who was a pedophile and a blood thirsty tyrant. Mohamed’s religion was spread under the threat of his own sword and shedding of people’s blood. Jesus’ truth was spread by His Love and the shedding of His own precious blood. Excluded from true Christianity are all the so called “churches” that persecuted people to supposedly “teach” them Christ.
Just these few truths are enough to make anyone understand that Christianity is the truth revelation of God, and that Mohammedanism is a man made religion that leads people in to hell.
Please repent from your unbelief and trust solely on the Lord Jesus Christ to save you. That is why he died on the cross. He paid for our sins. Mohamed cannot offer any forgiveness of sins or salvation.
If you are truly seeking answers I am here to help you with a study of revealing the meaning of true Christianity and the true face of Mohammedanism.
Pastor Takis Korianitis
Zakynthos Bible Baptist Church
Feb 22nd, 2008 5:15 pm
David
Takis Korianitis you are a believer and believers require no facts or objective reality as a basis for their assertions. To suggest that Mohammed was a pedophile is one thing but to even say something as childish as “Jesus’ truth was spread by his love…” and “Excluded from true Christianity are all the so called churches that persecuted people…blah blah etc” shows that you have no concept or regard for history. I am not here to school you but I will say to others to let you have your say in peace because as a believer your capacity is only believe and not engage in nuanced dialogue. Credible evidence, history, academics or any of the sciences can never sway a believer towards using Gods gift of a good brain.
Jesus I pray that you save me from your followers.
Selah
Feb 26th, 2008 5:05 pm
richee
i don’t think that you could be both a Christian and a Muslim at the sane time. you should choose, if your a Christian repent for this heresy and abandoned that Muslim faith/ Christ is the only savior and Mohammedans do not believe that. so in that case how can u be both of the same faith.
i pray that God may forgive you as u ask forgiveness to Him and accept Jesus in your life again.
Mar 12th, 2008 5:34 am
Takis Korianitis
David,
I would not mind to be schooled. As a matter of fact I am still being schooled. It seems that the history you accept is one of so called “intelectual school”, and not of the open mind. I grew up as a Greek Orthodox and I was indulging in all the teachings and traditons of my ancestors. Proud as I could be about my nationality, my religion, and my history. Then I was chalenged by the truth. I had to decide if christianity, after all, was the truth and if so, then which sect? I searched for a good while in all religions including the religion of atheism, and the religion of materialism. Then I made my desicion. I have seen the other side. I have tasted the “food” that it serves. I was there right beside you walking in the darkness of human pride believing anything that any intelctual would serve me, and then….. Oh then I met Jesus! You cannot judge what you do not know. You cannot have an opinion of what you have not tasted. You are still there on the other side all “grown up” by the mind of man that has no answers for the past, the present,or the future. Just because my previous post was painfull to you it does not mean that I have not studied the sciences and still studying.
My friend (if you allow me) There is no difference between you and me. I believe that, “In the begining God…” you belive that, “in the begining ……. (fill the blank)”.
I am a believer and so are you in your own unrevealed past of your existance as a human being.
Thank you for responding. I would not mind hearing from you again. There are other sites that discuss the origins of man and of his existance on this earth. If there is any need to discuss further we can communicate. Please use plain English as it is my second language.
I pray you understand my spirit and not be offended. I am a Greek and love to debate as all of us here do.
Mar 20th, 2008 5:13 pm
David
Takis,
Like you I do enjoy a good debate and I am not offended by your words and spirit. I was a Christian believer for over 20 years. I was a minister and have witnessed to hundreds of people. As one grows and learns one has a responsibility to exercise that experience and knowledge. The fact is that all religions have an origin. If you know the actual history of Christianity one would understand that it was not a holy endeavor. War, politics, manipulation and the quest for power are a part of the history as well as the needs to form a beneficial society and deal with human needs (spiritual and physical). There have been systems of worship since the beginning of mankind. They were useful tools in creating order in societies. The best practices of pre-Christian religions have been passed on throughout the years and today Christianity is a mix of several religions and practices. Not unlike other religions.
These are just the facts as we know them and they are noy to be ignored because of our religious beliefs. God gave us brains and the power to think and reason. It is important that we maximize that gift. I am not hear to denounce religion or Christianity. I would like to help bring it out of the dark ages of superstition and useless dogma. God also gave us love, faith, virtue and patience. In that spirit I thank you for your comments and your faith.
Apr 30th, 2008 11:02 am
J
David,
You are antichrist by John’s definition. (see 2 John 1)
Takis, Richee, and Phillip: Keep the faith - God’s faith - a gift to you upon spiritual resurrection into the true body of Christ on earth. Men and women, such as David and Ann and Livy cannot understand a thing you write to them, They have not been born again. They are dead in their sins and trespasses. They follow their own hearts and judge by their own carnal experiences. Superstition is the closest they will ever get to spirituality so long as they remain dead. Pray that God changes their hearts. (See Deuteronomy 4:29)
May 27th, 2008 2:33 pm
fouad
These verses from Quran are self explanatory;
The Holy Quran, Al-Baqarah, Verse 130;
And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly? Him We chose and rendered pure in this world: and he will be in the Hereafter in the ranks of the Righteous.
The Holy Quran, Al-Baqarah, Verse 135;
They say: “Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (to salvation).” Say thou: “Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham, the True, and he joined not gods with God.”
The Holy Quran, Al-Baqarah, Verse 136;
Say ye: “We believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) Prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them: and we bow to God (in Islam).”
The Holy Quran, Al-Baqarah, Verse 140
Or do ye say that Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know better than God? Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from God? But God is not unmindful of what ye do!
Mar 5th, 2009 10:02 am
NIceforallu
Hi all
If you think that a christian is whoever follows what Jesus asked, I say, I am a christian too (maybe more than any christian). But, if a christian is whoever believes that Jesus is son of God, I say, I am not a christian. I do believe Jesus never ever declared that he is a son of God.
In the same case, if you think that that a Jew is whoever follows what Moses asked, I say, I am a Jew too.
As a Moeslem, My religion ask me to follow what prophet’s ask to me, both Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. I believe, Islam comes to us to complete and make more perfect. Islam doesn’t change the rules, but only adjust and make more perfect. That’s are my believes.
The differences among us, maybe, “what really-really Jesus or Moses ask to us”.
Thanks
Apr 2nd, 2009 12:13 pm
Thomas Carney
One cannot be a Muslim and a Christian at the same time. To be a Christian is to acknowledge Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as He IS. He is fully God and fully Man without commingling, comixture or dilution.
Islam relegates Jesus Christ to be a mere prophet, to deny that He was crucified on the Cross, and that He did not rise from the dead.
If you are a Muslim you deny being a Christian. If you are a Christian and claim to be a Muslim, you’re denying your Christian Faith.
Livy Merchant, it is obvious that you have not been totally honest with the person who is receiving you into Orthodoxy. One simply cannot be a Christian and a Muslim at the same time. To be one is to deny the other.
Apr 2nd, 2009 12:58 pm
Jim McBee
Ann:
I support you in your search for a larger understanding of God. I believe the message is all about love and the return to love. If you are assisted in your search by both Christianity and Islam that’s wonderful. God bless you and give you strength.
Jim McBee
Apr 2nd, 2009 1:52 pm
Mark
Let us not forget The Nicene Creed where Constantine basically implemented the ideology of Trinity. I have read no line in the Bible which confirms that Jesus was God, God’s son and the Holy spirit. The trinity idea is a copy of Pagan Ideas. Please research Horus.
Apr 2nd, 2009 2:26 pm
T
J, John was just a man who had his opinions, another Pharisee, and this man was probably not one of Jesus’ twelve apostles; this is according to modern academia and basic logic being used while reading and comparing his supposed three books (the Epistles, the Gospel, and Revelation). For such a supposedly spiritual, noble, and enlightened man you display the terrible sin of vanity in thinking you know who these people are (”they are dead in their sins”), and thinking that YOU are correct. Are you God?
Takis, I appreciate your spirit of debate and your devotion. I was saddened to see this conversation between you and David end so abruptly. I would urge you two to continue. Both of you make good points, you two should realize this. Let’s make this a better conversation of two or more minds, let’s answer each others points and questions instead of talk past each other as you all have at one time or another.
The Bible, like the Qur’an, and God, like Allah, have their origins as well. Who is it? YHWH, Jehovah, Elohim…? There are many names of God in the Bible and some were ancient “pagan” gods (El, Elohim, Enlil, not to mention the name GOD gives Itself “I am what I am”). A passage in the bible (Exodus 15:1-22) is a plagiarized poem to a Canaanite god. There are numerous contradictions, more than one creation story, etc. These are all facts, look in the Bible and other literature. Therefore, if it is the Word of God, then apparent contradictions such as being Christian and Muslim are acceptable because it is a reflection of the beautiful confusion that even God is. If it is not, well…then the Bible is not an ABSOLUTE authoritative text. And I am not saying it is not an authoritative text.
If any of this is not understandable I would like to quote J (not one of the nicknames for one of the Biblical authors by the way):
“Men and women… cannot understand a thing you write to them, They have not been born again… They follow their own hearts and judge by their own carnal experiences. Superstition is the closest they will ever get to spirituality so long as they remain dead. Pray that God changes their hearts.”
Takis, what other paths have you seen or trod upon? Remember, “You cannot judge what you do not know. You cannot have an opinion of what you have not tasted.” David, couldn’t this concept of “history” be an elaborate ruse by a playful God?
J and richee, could you ever be wrong? If so, why not now? Show me proof. And what of David is wrong…did God not give us brains? Is that for a reason or not? Should we not use them?
Apr 2nd, 2009 3:23 pm
gil
Rev. Takis, thank you for your love of Christ! I too understand a simple principal that Jesus IS the Son of God.
To accept allah and muhammed is to reject Christ. Only man in his own mind can accept both. The Bible and, indeed, Christ, Himself, do not offer that option. “I am the Way, the Truth, and Life. No one comes unto the Father but by Me”……I didn’t make that up…it’s the very words of Christ Himself.
Apr 2nd, 2009 7:04 pm
Galya
Dear All,
I believe that there is only one God out there for everyone - Muslims, Christians, Jews and even for atheists.
The concept of God is beyond our exact understanding, as we are limited in our comprehension of spiritual matters. Thus, we have various teachings, which are influenced by our own human limited interpretations and endless discussions about the differences in religions and which one is truer.
The core of the matter is that living in faith means bridging the gap that separates people from each other. And differences in religions do create separation, barriers and judgement.
I admire Ann in her effort to close the gap between people and to bring to our attention the core of faith and spirituality - to love each other and not to judge. I admire it even more given her official position and the amount of criticism and misunderstanding she encountered from both side.
I hope that one day we will have one faith for everyone and this will not separate us anymore.
And since God is one - I think God is hearing Ann well both in her Christian and Muslims prayers and does not judge and notice the difference.
Apr 2nd, 2009 7:40 pm
Adnan
I would like to thank you for sharing your experience with us all. It takes courage and you are very courageous. Would like to invite you to come and give a talk to us all in California. How do I invite you?
Jul 28th, 2009 12:54 am
Skywalker
I was compelled by this story because this beautiful-spirited woman chose courage to follow where she was being led.
She is doing what is right for her, we would do well to support her whether we agree with the theology babble or not. God’s got her covered, He’s not surprised by any of this. May her spiritual journey continue to unfold openly like a garden in spring. Embrace this moment in time.
I think her heart and soul are beautiful, and that means more to me than what a person believes, who they bow down to.
Ann, you are loved. Your heart, spirit, and soul precede you and the warmth you radiate lights this darkened world. Listen to God, to your heart, you know what is right for you. I trust your discretion.
You are beautiful. You are loved. You are precious!
Jul 28th, 2009 2:25 am
Char
I have been trying to find a an email for Ann, but I hope she reads this. I am an Episcopalian and am quite disturbed that the canons of our church are defined so narrowly. I totally support your move and am deeply saddened that you had to be defrocked in order to practice both faiths. I see you symbolically standing in the heart of Jerusalem bringing both Islam and Christianity together. I have deep empathy for your situation. God and Allah go with you!
Aug 1st, 2009 6:25 pm
wake up people
You cannot be both a christian & a follower of islam.I repeat YOU CANNOT BE BOTH A CHRISTIAN & A FOLLOWER OF ISLAM.Jesus preached love & compassion.He preached for you to love your neighbor as you would yourself.He preached to turn the other cheek….The religion of Islam preachs that the best act for you to in the name of Alah is to die in holy war.It is not a religion.It is a deadly cult,it is of pure evil.to say that jesus and muhamad(sic) serve the same god is crazy.muhamad was a thief,mass murder,sadistic,pedephil,rapist,vile and sick pervert.a person would have to be brain damaged to believe in any book that says that the sun sets in a mud puddle and that it is ok to marry a 6 year old kid & be able to have sex with her at the age of 9…that is not the work of a prophet but of a pervert.
Aug 4th, 2009 8:47 pm
luvGod1st
Ann and Char, I was raised Anglican (Canada’s equivalent of Episcopalian). I also was led to look beyond what was presented to me, to look for truth. My search through many religions’ beliefs eventually led me to accepting the Bible, rather than the Anglican version of Christianity. I came to believe in Jesus the way the Bible says. What others said above about that you can not be a Christian and a Muslim at the same time is true. Something I copied on Muhammad vs. Jesus
Jesus taught people to repent and correctly practice the faith of Israel and to pray to the God of Israel (YHWH).
Muhammad taught people to obey the faith of the pagans and to pray not to the God of Israel (YHWH) but to Allah.
Jesus taught to love and forgive one’s enemies and to put down the sword.
Muhammad taught to attack, kill and torture his enemies.
Jesus healed anyone who came to him and gave life to the dead.
Muhammad healed no one but took away people’s lives.
Jesus’ words shortly before dying: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they do”.
Muhammad’s words before death-”KILL the Jews and Christians…”
Sep 9th, 2009 11:39 am