Posted by Dinah on December 19, 2004, at 13:42:36
It seems that a lot of the recent disturbances have at heart a lack of understanding of different traditions and cultures. If you look at things on the surface, it's easy to come to conclusions about the why's of it that aren't really accurate in terms of the perceptions of the people whose faith it is.
My son's school, instead of restricting religious expression, opens its doors to the expression and understanding of all religions. They have people come in and explain different customs and history.
Could we do the same thing here?
The Rabbi at the Orthodox community near here is really cool. He's computer savvy and he may be willing to come and explain customs that people might find unfamiliar. If not, the Rabbi at the local Conservative community is a friend of my pastor's. Perhaps I could ask him to ask the Rabbi if he would be willing.
I'd also love to have the leader of our local Hindu temple come and explain their customs and beliefs. Some of my husband's Hindu friends have explained Hinduism in such a way that I now can begin to grasp how rich and beautiful their religion is. For example, I hadn't realized that many Hindus consider themselves to be monotheistic. That the different gods and goddesses are manifestations of the one supreme god, not unlike the manifestations of God as understood in trinitarian Christianity.
I'm not sure if I have the time right now, but maybe in the new year if you have no objections?
Or maybe you have guest experts you could invite?
poster:Dinah
thread:431684
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20041120/msgs/431684.html