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In Chicago, Being Faithful in an Pluralistic World, Being Ready for the Moment
Listening now to author Eboo Patel speak (Wow!). Some notes:
He just told a wonderful story about realizing, at the dinner table, that his daughter, a Muslim, was singing the Lord's Prayer in Spanish. It turns out, she had learned from her Latina nanny.
The Good Samaritan story = helping people from a different background.
Eastern religion is not Methodists in Pennsylvania.
Diversity as asset.
How do we sacralize (make sacred) our religious diversity?
Bonhoeffer: "Those who did not stand up for the Jews do not deserve to sing Gregorian chant."
For many people, all they know about Islam is the bad stuff.
Leaders making the difference with diversity: will it be conflict and cooperation?
Our congregations are positioned to rise up interfaith leaders. Interfaith leaders must have 1) a theology of interfaith cooperation, grounded in our respective faiths; 2) knowing shared positive values across religions; and 3) not believing in the clash of civilizations.
In Tahrir Square: Christians forming a human barrier to shield from sniper fire Muslims who were in prayer. And Muslims did the same five days later when Christians celebrated Mass.
Rabbi Heschel and Dr. King marching together in Selma. And the rabbi said, the soul of Judaism is at stake in the Civil Rights movement.
Are we willing to change the conversation for the better?
To think how accepted Jews and Catholics now are in America. Putnam ("American Grace") says this came simply from Americans building relationships, getting to know one another.
In America, we're better together. ("Better Together" campaigns.)
Dream your dream. Do your work. Be ready for the moment.
Tags: diversity, eboo patel, interfaith leaders
