Podcast: What do Cats Have to do with Interfaith Work?
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
Differences…Divinely Ordained?
After graduating from Texas A&M University in 2011, I promptly moved to India for my spiritual quest hoping that the thorough understanding of a new philosophy (Tartam) that incorporates the teach... Read More
Why I Keep Coming Back, or: Hooked
This past semester, I completed an ethnographic project on a Sacred Harp singing group in the Boston area, motivated by one central question: what is it about this old-timey style of music with its ar... 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
On Trauma and Interfaith Grace
I started a course called “Pastoral Care” this quarter, and had no idea what to expect. It is week 2, and it feels like week 9. We tackled “trauma” today, at 9 am on a Friday morning. I had no... Read More
Hearing Our Song at the Sea: A Dvar Torah on B’Shalach (Ex. 13:17-17:16)
This past week’s parsha (Torah portion), “B’Shalach” (Exodus 13:17-17:16), is a rich and event-filled text. We witness the physical and spiritual movement of the Israelites out of slavery and ... Read More