New Delhi and Pune, India, became the epicenters of global discussions during 2023 G20 Interfaith Summit, with New Delhi spotlighting political elements and Pune emphasizing religious matters.

In Pune, the ambiance was distinctly spiritual as religious leaders from diverse backgrounds converged for interfaith dialogues. Amid the voices advocating for peace, understanding, and unity, Dr. Edison Samraj, Education director for the Southern Asia Division (SUD) of Seventh-day Adventists, stood out as he delivered the inaugural address.

Dr. Samraj's speech revolved around the theme "Power of Grace." He made a profound connection between the letter “G” and the term “grace,” highlighting grace's pivotal role in people’s lives. "The ‘G’ factor, or grace factor, is the very solidarity or transformation of the human race. It is the quintessential element that brings about the metamorphosis within the human spirit," he elucidated.

Elaborating further in a breakout session, Dr. Samraj delved into moving cultures from 0 to 1. He drew parallels between different societies and cultures and how they perceive unity and division. He said the idea is not just about numbers but a more profound philosophical introspection on human connections. He mentioned, "Our world is banded in 0. We must strategize on migrating to 1. It is only Jesus Christ who can catalyze this transition," reinforcing his point by quoting from John 17, where Christ encourages His disciples to unite, echoing His unity with the Father.

The scholarly director continued. He walked the audience through various cultural narratives around the concept of 0. As the pioneer in the mathematical discovery of zero, India soon saw this concept morphing into a social “0,” implying division and emptiness. The ancient Indian phrase vasudev kutumbakam, which translates to “the world is one family,” however, stands in stark contrast, emphasizing unity and oneness.

Dr. Samraj also alluded to Western philosophies that wrestled with the idea of nothingness, like Jean-Paul Sartre’s seminal work Being and Nothingness. However, he juxtaposed this with the teachings of Jesus Christ, stating, "The Man of Galilee, Jesus Christ, asserted, 'If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.' Christ is the bridge, the nexus, that can unite us with the Father and one another."

Dr. Samraj's address was more than just a philosophical or theological treatise. It was a call to action—an earnest plea to the global community. He firmly opined that true unity remains elusive without the “G” factor: grace, as he poignantly defined it. He emphasized the importance of all humanity moving from 0 to 1—from division to unity in grace. With voices like Dr. Samraj’s leading the church, the message is clear: Grace is the glue that binds humanity together.

This article was provided by the Southern Asia Division.