Sharing Selves

“I strongly feel that it is only when there is a deep understanding of one's own religious beliefs and commitments that progress can be made in achieving true understanding and respect for the religious values and beliefs of others.” ~ David R. Smock

Our interfaith group has taken an interesting turn. We had a “dinner dialogue” when we meet before 2011 finished and decided to try it without the dinner this past week. The previous time we were comprised of mostly Christians and one Jew. This time we were represented by a Jew, a Muslim, an atheist, and the remaining Christians, mostly Mennonite, though also Catholic and United Church.

I started the answers again, and set the tone for deep sharing. The topic this time for me was call. I had preached on call that morning so the theme was in my head. I had five minutes to share. Everyone else shared deeply too. Even the atheist drew a topic to which he could passionately speak.

These dialogues have pushed the group to more intimate knowledge of each other, even though we have been meeting over five years. I think we are getting glimpses of our core beings in the answers. We have decided to do this one more time at the next meeting in March. I enjoy probing my own belief system in order to understand it better and would agree with the quote that it does help me gain respect for the others.

Peace,

Suzanne