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OPINION

Who Is Dr. Bob Roberts Jr.? A Global Peacemaker

symbols of islam, christianity and judiasm together on a necklace with a holy book in the background
Bob Roberts Jr. shares the love of Christ while respecting the beliefs of others. (Dreamstime)

John Quick (Solo Blog) By Thursday, 08 June 2023 12:50 PM EDT Current | Bio | Archive

In a world often delineated by religious and cultural boundaries, the pressing need for dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect is indisputable.

I recently got to sit down with Dr. Bob Roberts Jr. and had the privilege of engaging with a man who stands at the vanguard of this mission. Pastor Bob Roberts, a follower of Jesus, Baptist church leader, and advocate for interfaith understanding, emerges as a beacon of hope amid our disruptive and hostile world.

Born into a Baptist home in East Texas, Roberts has lived a journey that took him far beyond the confines of his home state. His experiences led him to understand a profound truth: that following Jesus does not entail being completely arrogant to other religions.

Instead, he discovered a calling to create bridges of understanding between faiths. His faith, rooted deeply in the teachings of Jesus, became a catalyst for fostering unity and compassion among diverse religious communities worldwide.

Roberts' vision materialized with the founding of the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network (MFNN), an innovative platform that brings together faith leaders — pastors, imams, rabbis, and others. This initiative's purpose is clear: to forge resilient communities steeped in mutual respect and authentic relationships while respecting each faith tradition's unique theological identity.

MFNN's cornerstone is the retreat, a fertile environment where faith leaders navigate the labyrinthine world of interfaith relations. The experience, encapsulating group lectures, questions, and dialogue, culminates in a commitment to five shared goals. These range from sharing meals and partnering in community projects to standing up for each other during crises and recruiting more clerics to this cause.

The impact of this work is nothing short of transformative. The deep bonds formed and the mutual understanding fostered stand as a testament to the power of empathy, respect, and commitment to the common good.

But Roberts' quest for peace and understanding doesn't end with MFNN. He now serves as President of the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE), an organization devoted to manifesting the teachings of Jesus in ways that inspire engagement across all faiths.

At IGE, Roberts stresses the importance of religious freedom as integral to a thriving society and stable state. His belief in universal human dignity shapes IGE's commitment to a world where people of any faith or no faith can express their beliefs freely and enjoy equal citizenship.

Relational diplomacy, another cornerstone of the IGE, echoes Roberts' work at MFNN. Through fostering mutually beneficial relationships and inviting diverse viewpoints, barriers of culture and religion can be surmounted, giving birth to partnerships for the common good.

It is best encapsulated in his quote, "As long as people have breath in 'em, we need to love them and love them for who they are. And if they feel that you only love them to convert them, they won't listen to you. But if they know you care about 'em, it also changes your heart because, for me, it makes me pray a lot more for people I know that don't know Jesus."

Roberts' faith in Jesus forms the bedrock of his efforts in bridging the chasms between different faiths. He is an emblem of how love and faith in Jesus can illuminate the path toward unity and understanding without diminishing others' beliefs.

Roberts' work is a testament to the transformative power of love, acceptance, and mutual understanding. As we navigate our increasingly fractured world, voices like Roberts' are essential. They remind us that while we may differ in our faiths, the shared values of compassion, respect, and community can bind us in unity.

More information about Bob Roberts' work in interfaith dialogue and community building can be found at bobrobertsjr.com. His efforts illuminate the path for religious leaders and communities worldwide, offering a blueprint for how to navigate the complexities of faith in our world today with grace, understanding, and respect.

His is a shining example of the possibilities when faith and understanding come together, a testament to the power of embracing our shared humanity over our differences.

John Quick is a seasoned entrepreneur and a former regional director for Samaritan's Purse. He's also known as chief implementor and red tape cutter. Read John Quick's Reports — More Here.

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JohnQuick
In a world often delineated by religious and cultural boundaries, the pressing need for dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect is indisputable.
bob roberts jr
705
2023-50-08
Thursday, 08 June 2023 12:50 PM
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