The Interfaith Conversation Continues

Well it is 3 weeks into our Faith Club Book study and interfaith conversation. We began with 12 and now have about 20 people. The discussions have been lively and the time is flying. It is difficult to leave.
Week One:
Discussion was on ourselves. Who we are and why we are here. It was quite emotional. The Christians expressing gratitude to find a place to discuss issues in their heart and the mixed messages of their faith tradition. Most had grappled with the idea that only Christians could go to Heaven which did not make sense to them because of their belief in Humanity as being One with and created by God. What they were taught did not jibe with the truth in their Heart.

The Taoist was grateful to have a place to be accepted and to openly discuss her beliefs and ideas. She felt a part of and welcome.

The Muslims were also grateful to have a place to express their passion for their God without fear of persecution. They felt at peace, included and one with the group.

The Jew was excited to be a part of our converstation and eager to share her faith.

All participants are seekers, wanting desperately to understand people from different faiths by developing relationships and delving into the sacred texts of all faith traditions. We all want to become the Peace we want to see in the world and are all stepping out in faith that our God will show the way. The energy of the group is enthusiastic and eager to learn and to love. I am blessed to be a part of such diverse and exciting people of all ages.

Week Two:
Discussion was stereotypes of faith traditions.

• Lack of knowledge and life experience with others from different cultures breed and increase in stereotypes and prejudices.
• However, negative exposure to only a few people from different cultures increase stereotypes and prejudices. Even educated people accept and promote stereotypes.
• Media and peoples lacksdaisical williness to investigate prior to interogation plays a huge role in promoting stereotypes and prejudices.
• That person is not like me and I do not want to be the one that is wrong so they are is another reason for negative stereotypes.
• Fundamentalist in all Faith Traditions, is scary, offensive, non-inclusive.
• Our isolation in America breeds stereotypes of other cultures and faith, awareness is the key to our understanding.
• Organized religion does not leave room to question or consciously chose your faith. Your faith is usually a determinate of where you were born.
• You are looked down upon if you chose to leave, question, or challenge the tradition in which you were born. You become a threat and are kept at a distance.
• Most people are comfortable in their own creek and don't want to explore new lands and other rivers.

Christian stereotypes: It was interesting that most of the Christians had more stereotypes within their own faith tradition. They were as follows:

• Exculsion of Protestants from Catholics.
• Catholics are not real Christians
• Fundamentalism is our American Taliban
• Fundamentalist believe all must fit in their box or else.
• Catholics are better than Protestants because of exclusion from the table means we are just a little better than you.
• America is a Christian Nation
• My way or the high way. Christianity is the only way to God.

Jewish stereotypes:

• They are all rich, aggressive and have a chip on their shoulder.

Muslim stereotypes:

• Not apologetic for terrorist attacks.
• Women are oppressed.
• Eastern Indians are happy, diverse, colorful, poor but rich in spirit.
• People in the Middle East are not free to be, do and have much. We are sad for them.
• ASU does not offer classes on Middle Eastern Studies. This is necessary to bring forth understanding and awareness.

Our third week we will discuss the Stereotypes of Islam which Rashda Kahn and Ara Rahman addressing their views.