Description
Book SynopsisThe world is at a crossroads. We have reached a point where almost every person in the world is coming to realise the depth of the religious diversity that surrounds us. Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims, for example, are showing up in appreciable numbers in small and medium size towns, not just urban centers. Patterns of immigration, among other factors, have bought us to a dramatic cultural shift. This practical guide to the key methods and resources of the interfaith movement will help you effectively engage people of other faith traditions in discussing religious beliefs and practices in order to increase understanding and acceptance. Drawing on the knowledge and experience of interfaith leaders from a variety of faith traditions - Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Baha'i, Jainism, Shinto, Sikhism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism - this comprehensive resource provides practical ideas for connecting with people of all faiths and all backgrounds through common concerns and activities that promote respect and support. It enables communities rich with diversity to work together to create paths towards peace and justice.
Trade Review"Provides vital [information] on how interreligious dialogue can be developed on a community level. Contributors … share valuable insights in a very readable fashion." —John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, PhD, professor of social ethics and director, Catholic-Jewish Studies Program, Catholic Theological Union; president, International Council of Christians and Jews "A critical resource for those leading their communities past intolerance and fear into hope, understanding, and social change. Inspires the reader while providing cutting-edge methods to help communities build trust and celebrate our diversity and common goals." —Rev. Jennifer Butler, executive director, Faith in Public Life "A wonderful handbook that should be on the bookshelf of every member of the clergy. It provides practical and inspirational resources for communal interfaith programming." —Rabbi Leonard A. Schoolman, director, The Center for Religious Inquiry, Saint Bartholomew's Church, New York; author, The Changing Christian World: A Brief Introduction for Jews “Shows how practically dialogue can deepen our understanding and practice of our own faith traditions and at the same time help us to develop an understanding and respect for the faith traditions of others.” —Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed, national director, Interfaith and Community Alliance, Islamic Society of North America “A book that can make a dramatic difference. Will enable communities to think constructively about religious difference in conversation across the divides. Anyone seriously interested in dialogue and peace between the different religious traditions must read this book.” —The Very Rev. Ian Markham, PhD, dean and president of Virginia Theological Seminary “A must read for those of us involved in national faith-based organizations and an excellent guide for working in our local communities. It has a wealth of background information and a very useful resource section. The guidelines for language use is very important for our dialogue in multifaith groups. Our communication colleagues will find this a very important book to have in their libraries for reference.” —Shirley Whipple Struchen, executive director, Religion Communicators Council
Table of ContentsForeword by Rev. Dirk Ficca Acknowledgments INTRODUCTION Interfaith Dialogue: What Is It and Why Is It Important? PART I Creating Interreligious Community through Dialogue 1. Dialogue through Conversation—Spoken Dialogue by Rev. Dr. Francis Tiso 2. Dialogue through Arts—"Opening the World's Door" by Abby Stamelman Hocky, MSW, Rev. Susan Teegen-Case, and Rabbi Carol Harris-Shapiro 3. Dialogue through Observation and Participation— Interfaith Prayer Services by Rev. Dr. Clark Lobenstine PART II Living Interreligious Dialogue through Service and Advocacy 4. Action through Service—From Shared Values to Common Action by Dr. Eboo Patel, April Kunze, and Noah Silverman 5. Action through Advocacy: Many Faiths, Common Purpose by Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy PART III Interfaith Resources 6. Brief Overview of Faith Traditions 7. Interfaith Organizations and the Web 8. Suggestions for Other Resources Appendix A A Taxonomy of Interfaith by Bud Heckman Appendix B A Closer Look at Swidler's "Dialogue Decalogue" by Rev. Dr. Francis Tiso Appendix C A Formal Model: The West Coast Dialogue of Catholics and Muslims by Rev. Dr. Francis Tiso Notes About the Contributors About Religions for Peace Index
