Meaning: This quote by Roland Allen, a prominent 20th-century Anglican missionary and theologian, touches on the tension between respecting different belief systems and the Christian duty to spread the gospel. In essence, Allen is cautioning against using the existence of other moral and religious frameworks as an excuse to neglect the Christian mission of evangelism and spreading the message of Christ. He argues that to do so would be to remove Christ from a central place in one's own spiritual life. This quote reflects Allen's strong commitment to evangelism and his belief in the unique significance of the Christian message.

Roland Allen was known for his emphasis on the principles of indigenization and self-propagation in missionary work. He challenged the traditional Western approach to missions, advocating for a more organic, locally-led approach that respected and integrated with existing cultural and religious practices. Allen's views were shaped by his experiences as a missionary in China and East Africa, where he observed the inadequacy of imposing Western forms of Christianity on non-Western cultures.

In the context of this quote, Allen is addressing the potential danger of allowing the recognition of morality and religion in non-Christian societies to lead to a complacency or indifference towards sharing the Christian gospel. He suggests that if Christians use the existence of alternative moral and religious systems as an excuse to avoid evangelism, they are essentially undermining the authority of Christ in their own lives. For Allen, the duty to preach the gospel is a fundamental aspect of Christian faith and should not be compromised by the presence of other belief systems.

This quote also reflects a broader theological debate about the relationship between Christianity and other religions. Throughout history, Christians have grappled with how to approach and engage with non-Christian belief systems. The tension between respecting the diversity of religious beliefs and the Christian imperative to share the gospel has been a topic of much discussion and disagreement.

Some may interpret Allen's words as a call to prioritize evangelism over cultural sensitivity or religious pluralism. However, it is important to consider the context in which Allen wrote and the specific challenges he was addressing. His emphasis on indigenization and self-propagation suggests that he was not advocating for a dismissive or intolerant approach to other cultures and religions. Instead, he was concerned with ensuring that the Christian message was effectively communicated and integrated within diverse cultural contexts.

In contemporary discussions about mission and evangelism, Allen's quote can serve as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play when engaging with diverse religious and moral frameworks. It encourages reflection on the balance between respecting other belief systems and faithfully sharing the Christian message. While the quote may be seen as provocative to some, it also prompts important conversations about the responsibilities and challenges of Christian witness in a pluralistic world.

In conclusion, Roland Allen's quote captures the tension between acknowledging the diversity of moral and religious beliefs and the Christian duty to share the gospel. It reflects his deep commitment to the mission of evangelism and his belief in the unique significance of the Christian message. While his words may spark debate and reflection, they also invite a nuanced consideration of the complexities of engaging with diverse belief systems in the context of Christian faith.