Interfaith Dialogue and Collaboration

Introduction

• The presenters are big fans of the Three Stooges, embracing humor as part of their interfaith work.
• Ten years ago, they began sharing wisdom from their spiritual traditions.

Religious Teachings

• Prophet Micah: Calls to act justly, love kindness, and walk with integrity.
• The Gospel of John: Jesus teaches about unconditional love.
• The Quran: Repel evil with something better so that enemies become friends.

Stuck in Patterns

• People often find themselves stuck in repetitive patterns, illustrated by a humorous story about a man making his own cheese sandwiches.

Post-9/11 Interfaith Initiatives

• After 9/11, it was crucial to showcase an authentic face of Islam and counteract fear.
• Collaboration led to a deeper understanding of each other's faiths, overcoming stereotypes.

Framework for Interfaith Dialogue

• True interfaith dialogue can lead to effective collaboration on moral issues.
• Challenges arise from confusion between the particular and the universal paths.
• Spirituality is about interconnectedness and inclusivity.

Addressing Taboos

• Importance of addressing inconsistencies within traditions such as exclusivity, violence, inequality, and homophobia.
• Sharing areas of taboo is necessary for authentic dialogue.

Humor and Hope

• Humor is used as a coping mechanism and to inspire hope.
• Emphasizing unconditional love, oneness, and compassion can overcome global brokenness.

Specific Religious Reflections

• Christianity: Cross should symbolize unconditional love rather than triumphalism.
• Islam: Diversity is seen as a divine design to connect humanity rather than uniformity.

Religion vs. Spirituality

• Religion can often create barriers that spirituality seeks to bridge.
• Interfaith is about completion, not conversion.

Social Justice and Environmental Care

• Collaboration focuses on social justice and earth care initiatives.
• Quoting Rumi: "God created 'I, you, we, they' to adore Himself."

Conclusion

• The theme song symbolizes unity across diversity: "It's all one and I am as I am."
• Emphasis on playing the game of adoration with oneself and God.

Final Thoughts

• The lecture encourages understanding, acceptance, and collaboration among different faiths to address global issues.