Category: Challenges
On Stereotypes about African Religions
It is hard to believe as little as six years ago, I was spiritually in the closet. In my professional work as a psychotherapist and professional development trainer, people had often sensed I was deep... Read More
Small Town Texas Interfaith Dialogue Part 2
See Part I here. Oscar* was a character. Every time I spoke with him, he listened intently to what I was saying. He wanted to not only to hear every single word, but also understand them. His curiosit... Read More
Small Town Texas Interfaith Dialogue Part 1
There are so many great interfaith organizations across the United States. One of the challenges I remember starting the interfaith dialogue on my campus was finding support from a much larger nationa... Read More
True dialogue doesn’t allow you to give up your distinct beliefs
I have to admit that sometimes I get weary of those Christians who, upon learning I am actively involved in different forms of interfaith dialogue, judge me as not being Christian enough. The assump... Read More
Defining Religion: An Ongoing Discovery
Being a secular humanist working in an interfaith capacity – particularly with curious college students – means that I get asked many questions about how humanism relates to religion. The ... Read More
Interfaith Engagement: A Path to Religious Leadership
Managing Director’s Note: all Contributing Scholars begin writing by answering the following question as their first post: Why are you committed to building relationships with those from differe... Read More
Sacred Work is Secular Work
This past summer, I worked with Harvard’s Pluralism Project to assess religious diversity and interfaith cooperation within my own south central Kentucky context. Bowling Green, Kentucky is a refuge... Read More
Absolute Truth & Emotional Risk in Interfaith Dialogue
Muslim interfaith activist Aamir Hussain recently posted an excellent piece regarding the challenges of interfaith dialogue. Hussain describes the challenges of maintaining focus on conversation goals... Read More