Episode 208

“It’s a natural progression. As the world changes, countless things must change with it. People’s perceptions, order, and doctrines all need to evolve with the times.”

“But Apostle, isn’t there such a thing as eternal truth in this world?”

“Of course. There are values that remain unshaken, no matter what. As I mentioned earlier, God desires for us to live in pursuit of these values. Love, peace, compassion, and the quest to make the world a better place—these are the immutable virtues that will endure until the end of time. In that sense, I am truly grateful for this gathering, and I am certain God is pleased as well.”

The greatest concern in merging Christianity and Islam was the backlash from both sides. Forcing a union that neither side could accept would likely lead to another split in the future.

The key was how Christianity would recognize Muhammad and how Islam would acknowledge the divinity of Jesus. Surprisingly, the reconciliation seemed smoother than expected.

I scanned the room quickly, wondering if anyone was merely pretending to accept the changes, but most seemed genuinely moved, with no signs of dissent.

“Finally, the Muslims will acknowledge the divinity of Christ. If that’s the case, then accepting Muhammad as a prophet… well, if the Apostle says so, we must accept it. If our failure to properly follow Christ’s teachings led to this, then it’s our fault. Denying it further would only compound our sins.”

“Indeed, Muhammad was the last prophet as foretold in the Quran. But since we failed to fully embrace his teachings, another apostle has come. Instead of blaming others, we should first repent for our own shortcomings.”

Thanks to the presence of Edward Marshall, a final result was reached where both sides could find a compromise, acknowledging both Jesus’s divinity and Muhammad’s status.

The Bible and the Quran wouldn’t be entirely dismissed; rather, it was agreed that some parts had been misinterpreted and needed correction. In the future, new laws adaptable to the times would emerge, likely to be called the New Testament, while the Old Testament’s value would still be recognized.

This approach would help integrate existing clergy and scholars into the new order while minimizing their dissatisfaction.

The council wouldn’t conclude in a single day; it would continue for several days at least. So, I instructed them to organize the detailed laws and doctrines, and I would ensure they aligned with God’s will.

Some wanted me to deliver the teachings directly, but if any contradictions or errors arose, it would only embarrass me. I’ve always said it’s not good for me to be too forward, so I should step back.

However, Hassan and Sinibaldo, filled with passion and emotion, kept engaging me in conversation, making it difficult to find a moment to sit down.

“Apostle! I have one more question. During the remaining council sessions, we aim to establish new doctrines for everyone to follow, correct the errors in the Bible and the Quran, and return to a state that pleases God. But as you know, the accumulated teachings are vast, and it’s hard to distinguish what’s true and what’s been misinterpreted.”

“Hassan is right. Without a clear standard set by the Prophet, even a month-long council might not suffice to establish a proper foundation.”

They had a point. I pondered how to set a standard, but the answer was a reiteration of what I’d already said. Still, I needed to refine my words to avoid sounding repetitive.

I turned to Sinibaldo with a solemn tone.

“What did Christ say was most important? What value did I just emphasize? It’s very clear. Answer me.”

Without hesitation, Sinibaldo replied, “Love.”

“Exactly. Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Next, it was Islam’s turn. Hassan, still overwhelmed with emotion, looked at me with a pleading gaze, hoping I’d ask him something.

“Salam Alaikum.”

“Alaikum Salam!”

“What does that mean?”

“Peace be upon you! It’s peace, Apostle.”

Indeed, the value I’ve been emphasizing over and over, like a never-ending broth.

Yet, when asked for a standard, I had to emphasize it once more, this time with the dignity befitting the last apostle.

“Precisely. May love and peace be with you. There will be times when you’re unsure which path leads to God or truth. When your heart is tested, always remember: God desires love, and the path of exclusion or oppression leads to hell, while peace and acceptance are steps toward heaven.”

“Yes, we will remember!”

“But Apostle, does that mean this doctrinal debate is ultimately meaningless? Without a firm standard, even if not now, in the distant future, won’t there be those who misinterpret and misuse your words for their own ends? To distinguish such people, don’t we need something more concrete than abstract values?”

“If there are those who truly practice love and peace, treating others as themselves, could they be considered heretics or cultists? They would be the ones most pleasing to God. Of course, if someone only pretends to do so while secretly seeking wealth or exploiting followers, they can be called heretics without hesitation. Discussing doctrines and theology is the same. To clarify, I’m not saying God forbids debate.”

This is why I emphasized the importance of a quest for knowledge, yet here I am explaining it again.

Perhaps it’s for the best. I should establish this as an unchanging truth so no one is ever confused or questions it again.

“Healthy debate and the pursuit of the world’s essence are always right and should be encouraged. Many wonder why absolute truths aren’t revealed. The reason is that God wants us to reach those answers ourselves.”

“Are you speaking of human free will?”

“Similar, but slightly different. The laws God gives us are always based on our current state, so they must continually evolve. For example, imagine a fish with heavenly taste but poisonous. If we lack the technology to remove the poison, we must never eat it, as it would be a harmful creature. In such a case, it’s right to say never eat that fish to prevent mistakes. But if, over time, we develop the technology to easily remove the poison, what then? The fish becomes a valuable ingredient that requires careful handling.”

”…”

“Another example is the technology of ships and navigation. If we lack the means to reach distant continents, sailing to the end of the Atlantic is nothing short of suicide. In such a situation, it’s right to warn against such madness. However, as technology advances and we can explore every corner of the earth, such prohibitions become meaningless.”

I didn’t specifically mention pork, but the intelligent ones would surely recall the Levitical laws about unclean animals.

Hassan and Sinibaldo nodded, indicating they understood.

“Debate, discuss, and constantly seek the truth. But aside from the values I’ve emphasized, don’t consider any worldly law as absolute truth. Always question, and don’t take the world’s changes and flows for granted. God has filled this world with wondrous mysteries, and it’s up to us to discover them. Why does lightning strike from the sky? Why does rain fall? Why do apples fall from trees? Every seemingly obvious phenomenon has a reason. In this world, nothing is truly obvious, so don’t leave questions unanswered until you can explain why the obvious is obvious. Hassan, earlier you asked if there are immutable values in this world.”

“Yes, and you said values like love and peace are such.”

“I spoke of such abstract values because, as I mentioned, our wisdom hasn’t reached that level. I’ll ask not just Hassan but everyone: Do you believe it’s possible to fully understand and explain an omniscient and omnipotent God with human perception and language?”

No answer came.

If finite humans could fully comprehend and explain an omniscient God, it would be a contradiction in itself.

We can feel and accept God’s presence, but believing we fully understand and fit it into a framework of truth might be nothing more than intellectual vanity.

“But don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying it’s meaningless because human wisdom can’t grasp it. Even if we can’t know now, if we keep striving, advancing, and moving forward, someday, far in the future, we will understand everything God has prepared for us in this world. This is why I said not to be trapped by absolute laws or doctrines. There’s no guarantee that a law discovered today will still apply in a hundred years, and don’t reject new changes.”

“If we fail to move forward, we will inevitably decline and fade away. Rejoice in progress, fear stagnation, and despise regression. This is the final revelation bestowed upon us by the divine.”

The speech concluded, but no response came.

There were no cheers, no applause—only a solemn air of contemplation filled the space.

The only ones making any noise were…

“Hmph, what utter nonsense. Jesus and Muhammad are both false prophets. The Gospels and the Quran are nothing but apocrypha.”

“Exactly. All this talk of progress and regression. No true believer would be swayed by such serpentine words. Jesus is the worst false prophet in history, Muhammad follows as the next, and Marshall is the one after that…”

“They took our scriptures, labeled them the Old Testament, and then created their own so-called New Testament, which is apocryphal. The Quran is the next apocrypha, and if they create a new scripture with all this talk of progress and exploration, it will just be the next in line.”

…whispered the Jewish rabbis.

They must have realized the mood, trying to keep their voices low, but unfortunately, it was all too audible.

They are so consistent, it’s almost endearing. Their unwavering nature is almost charming at this point.

Yet, even among these steadfast Jews, there are always a few who break the mold.

Seizing the moment, Elazar stepped forward and shouted boldly, “I will convert! Brothers who wish to join me, step forward! This is your only chance!”

I wonder how many rabbis, not in their right mind, will grasp this last lifeline.

To be honest, I have no idea.