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A deeply personal journey to interfaith collaboration that offers hope for an inclusive and healing way of being together in the world.
Too often religion seems to fuel more hatred than love, more conflict than collaboration. Interfaith Talk Radio's "interfaith amigos"—a pastor, a rabbi and an Imam—provide a rich understanding of the road to interfaith collaboration by sharing their stories, challenges and the inner spiritual work necessary to go beyond tolerance to a vital, inclusive spirituality.
From their deep commitment and lived experience, they present ways we can work together to transcend the differences that have divided us historically. Together they explore:
- The five stages of the interfaith journey
- The power of our stories
- The core of our traditions
- The promises and problems of our traditions
- New dimensions of spiritual identity
- And much more
Along with inspiring insights and encouragement for tapping into the promise of interfaith dialogue, they provide practical actions, additional readings and discussion questions to help you embody their revolutionary spirit of healing.
"A masterful first-hand account of interfaith dialogue. Insightful, interesting, informative and important ... [will be] of great interest to individual readers and a rich resource for religious communities seeking to create such dialogue."
—Marcus J. Borg, best-selling author, The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith and other books
"[A] very personal book … proposes a road map for spiritual growth and interfaith cooperation. It will open [our] hearts and minds to each other and each other's faith traditions."
—Rabbi Leonard A. Schoolman, founding director, Center for Religious Inquiry, New York; author, The Changing Christian World: A Brief Introduction for Jews
“Not an ordinary book, rather the lived experience of three religious leaders and the exploration of their faith differences. Lifts up a way to peaceful living based in understanding and compassion.”
—Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, former general secretary, The National Council of Churches in Christ (United States)
“Courageous…. Provides an essential and inspiring guide to religious healing and the human step to spiritual maturity.”
—David Korten, board chair, YES! Magazine; author, Agenda for a New Economy and The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community
“Brings us something new: true and honest friendship as evidenced in tough talk and deep interspiritual sharing. Read this book and live it. Get your clergy to do the same.”
—Rabbi Rami Shapiro, author, The Sacred Art of Lovingkindness: Preparing to Practice
“Important. The perfect book to introduce the world of interfaith cooperation and understanding [and] a great way for any local religious community's adult study group to safely dive in.”
—Rev. Bud Heckman, director for external relations, Religions for Peace; author, InterActive Faith: The Essential Interreligious Community-Building Handbook
“Written with clarity, insight and wisdom ... provides a judicious model for developing bonds across religious boundaries. Read it—and put its recommendations into practice.”
—Sr. Mary C. Boys, Skinner and McAlpin Professor of Practical Theology, Union Theological Seminary, New York City; coauthor, Christians & Jews in Dialogue: Learning in the Presence of the Other
Introduction 1
1. THE INTERFAITH JOURNEY: Stages of Interfaith Dialogue and Collaboration 5
What Is Interfaith? 5
Five Stages on the Interfaith Journey 7
The Next Step 26
2. THE POWER OF OUR STORIES: Moving Beyond Separation and Suspicion 27
Interfaith from the Inside Out 27
Pastor Don's Journey to Interfaith 29
Rabbi Ted’s Journey to Interfaith 34
Sheikh Jamal’s Journey to Interfaith 38
How We Got Together 43
Forging a Path 48
3. THE CORE OF OUR TRADITIONS: Inquiring More Deeply 51
Timeless Teachings 51
Pastor Don: Love 53
Rabbi Ted: Sh’ma 60
Sheikh Jamal: Basmala 69
Finding Common Ground 77
4. THE PROMISES AND PROBLEMS OF OUR TRADITIONS: Sharing Both the Easy and the Difficult Parts 79
Honest Dialogue 79
Living into Deeper Sharing 103
5. PERSPECTIVES ON ISRAEL AND PALESTINE: Moving Beyond Safe Territory 105
The Elephant in the Room 105
A Christian in Israel and Palestine 107
A Jew in Israel and Palestine 114
A Muslim in Israel and Palestine 121
Blessings at the Galilee 129
Expanding Our View 131
6. NEW DIMENSIONS OF SPIRITUAL IDENTITY: Exploring Spiritual Practices from Other Traditions 135
A Deeper Taste 135
Pastor Don’s Practices 136
Rabbi Ted’s Practices 141
Sheikh Jamal’s Practices 147
Healing through Spiritual Practices 152
7. THERE IS ALWAYS MORE: The Conclusion Is Also a Beginning 155
Authentic Spiritual Paths 155
Inclusive Spirituality 159
Don’s Reflections 160
Ted’s Reflections 162
Jamal’s Reflections 163
Honoring the Spirit 164
The Future of Interfaith Dialogue and Celebration 168
Discussion Questions 171
Suggestions for Further Reading 178
Acknowledgments 180
Credits 183