The Abrahamic Family House is an interfaith complex located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It contains a mosque, church, and synagogue in one location to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
The Bible does not directly mention the Abrahamic Family House, as it is a modern construction. However, the Bible has a lot to say about interfaith relationships and the importance of unity among God’s people. The Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all trace their spiritual heritage back to the biblical patriarch Abraham. He is considered the father of all who have faith, as Romans 4:16 (ESV) states: “That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.”
The idea behind the Abrahamic Family House is to highlight the shared roots and honor the common heritage between these three major world religions. By creating a space for encounter and dialogue, greater understanding can emerge. The Bible supports interfaith relationships, even though maintaining identity and sound doctrine is also emphasized.
Respect for Other Faiths
The Bible promotes respect, kindness, and peace between people of different faiths. Jesus told his followers to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39, ESV). The parable of the good Samaritan used a man from a religious group antagonistic toward Jews as an example of true neighborly love (Luke 10:25-37). Peter realized God was at work among non-Jews when he met the Roman centurion Cornelius (Acts 10). Numerous verses advise living at peace with everyone if possible (Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14).
This respect applies even when disagreements exist over doctrine. The example of Gamaliel in Acts 5:34-39 illustrates letting dissenting views have space rather than reacting violently. Paul quoted Greek philosophers to connect with the intellectuals in Athens (Acts 17:22-34). He found common ground before presenting the gospel. Mutual understanding between faiths honors God and aligns with biblical values.
Maintaining Religious Identity
At the same time as showing respect, the Bible is clear on maintaining one’s own religious commitments. There is only one way to God through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Salvation comes only through faith in Christ (Acts 4:12). Believers are instructed to remain strong in doctrine and guard against heresy and false teaching (1 Timothy 4:16, 2 John 1:10).
Cooperation and friendship between faith groups is commended in the Bible. But syncretism, or the blending of different religions into one, goes against the Bible’s principle of rejecting other gods. “I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other” (Isaiah 42:8, ESV). Interfaith dialogue centers on understanding others better, not compromising one’s own beliefs.
Working Toward Peace
While maintaining identity, the Abrahamic faiths can also work together for peace. Seeking peace between people aligns with the Bible’s values. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God,” Jesus pronounces in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:9, ESV). Working for peace often requires overcoming hostility and division. Abraham is a model of childlike faith bringing blessing to all nations (Galatians 3:7).
The potential for tension and disagreement exists between groups who hold different convictions. The Bible praises gentle answers, patience, and kindness in response to conflict (Proverbs 15:1, 1 Peter 3:15). With neighborly understanding, the Abrahamic religions can cooperate for the common good. Shared projects like the Abrahamic Family House allow each faith to maintain its distinct identity while working jointly to foster community.
Appreciating Shared History
The Abrahamic Family House also celebrates a shared spiritual heritage going back to Abraham. This common history as descendants of Abraham binds the three religions together. All look to him as an example of faith and obedience to God. Though differences exist between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, they share common roots.
The Bible contains the story of Abraham responding in faith to God’s call. Several times God promises that through Abraham “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3, ESV). This blessing comes through Abraham’s descendant Jesus Christ, on whom the three religions hold diverse perspectives. Nevertheless, the example of how one man’s faithful obedience brought blessings to many provides inspiration for cooperation and dialogue across faith lines.
Promoting Religious Freedom
Another important way the Abrahamic Family House aligns with biblical values is promoting religious freedom. The Bible shows God giving humans free will to respond to him. Joshua told the Israelites to “choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15, ESV). Jesus let people decide whether to follow him or walk away (John 6:67). The opportunity to choose one’s own religious path comes from God.
Too often religious coercion and oppression violate individual freedom of conscience. The Bible consistently presents faith as a free response to God’s gracious invitation. The Abrahamic Family House upholds this by celebrating diverse faiths in one place. Each person can honor their chosen path peacefully. This freedom is needed for genuine relationship with God.
Interfaith Cooperation
Joint projects among the Abrahamic faiths have precedent in the Bible. Ezra gives thanks to “the Lord, the God of Israel, who had put it into the heart” of the Persian king to commission rebuilding God’s temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-11, ESV). Similarly, the Abrahamic Family House comes from a Muslim government’s vision for interfaith connection.
The Bible endorses working together across faith lines when values align regarding ethics, justice, compassion, and service. For example, in Exodus 18 (ESV), Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, a Midianite priest, gives organizational advice. And Daniel, though an Israelite exile, rises to high rank in Babylon thanks to his excellent spirit and work ethic (Daniel 5:12, 6:3). The Bible supports cooperative projects that benefit all humanity.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Finally, the Abrahamic Family House represents the possibility of forgiveness, grace, and reconciliation between historic religious rivals. The Bible highly commends forgiveness, which God graciously extends to sinful humanity through Christ (Colossians 1:14). Seeking reconciliation requires humility and sacrificial love, following Jesus’ example (Philippians 2:5-11).
For centuries, animosity and violence have marred relationships between branches of the Abrahamic faiths. Efforts like the Abrahamic Family House provide opportunity for healing. One way is through honestly acknowledging past wrongs and offering forgiveness. With God’s help, even groups long estranged can rediscover their common humanity under the fatherhood of Abraham.
The unprecedented Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi offers much to appreciate from a biblical perspective. As an interfaith initiative bringing mosques, churches, and synagogues together for understanding and cooperation, it aligns with biblical values of religious freedom, peacemaking, and shared heritage. Done properly, interfaith dialogue affirms identity while building unity and blessing for all.