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This issue looks at Interfaith challenges and Interfaith understanding that can come from sharing and dialogue.
Response editor Dana E. Jones in her "From the Editor" column writes about visiting Hiroshima, Japan, this summer.
"Though I believed I knew something of other faiths, that day in Hiroshima taught me how much I do not know. It taught me that in meeting those of other faith traditions, I will gain insight into knowing God that will strengthen my Christian faith," writes Ms. Jones.
"This issue looks at what it means to live in a nation and a world where we increasingly are in contact with those of other faiths."
Bible Study: "Canaanite Neighbors in a Roman Context" by R. Grace Imathiu
The Rev. R. Grace Imathiu shows how Jesus’ encounter with a woman broadens his ministry to include non-Israelites. This author observes that encounters with other faiths have often been a time for showdowns while the true oppressor was the Roman Empire.
"The Mosque Next Door" by Diana L. Eck
Ms. Eck looks at increasing religious pluralism in the United States. Excerpted from a speech by Ms. Eck, she approached this subject after the first generation of immigrants began to show up in her college classroom. She says their struggles with identity lay the foundation for issues that begin to torment the soul of the United States.
"One Man’s Interfaith Life in Indianapolis" by Shahid Athar
Shahid Athar is a Muslim and medical doctor in Indianapolis. His adjustment to the United States includes learning the commonalities between Muslims and people of other faiths. For instance, both Muslims and Jews don’t eat pork. The media often labels Muslims as terrorists, yet during the Persian Gulf War, a Christian priest is an ally. And, a Roman Catholic hospital is welcoming.
"Christian Mission in an Age of Religious Pluralism" by M. Thomas Thangaraj
The author asserts that demographic changes and globalization are creating a new religious landscape. Diverse peoples are closer because of communication technology and transportation. When Christians develop friendships with people of other religions it is hard to condemn the other to eternal damnation.
"Maya Spirituality in Postwar Guatemala" by Paul Jeffrey
Paul Jeffrey, United Methodist missionary in Honduras, provides a close up look at the encounter between two worlds and the interfaith relations in Guatemala today. He reports that more than one-third of Guatemala’s 11 million people practice traditional Mayan spirituality. One pastor even argues that Protestants are in no position to cast stones at practitioners of Maya spirituality.
"Interfaith Marriage: Faiths, Journeys, Lessons" by Kelly C. Martini
Ms. Martini says interfaith marriages are increasing and introduces us to four couples who all married outside their faiths. They share how they deal with work and commitment and how they handle raising children. Yet the greatest lesson comes as interfaith couples learn more about themselves; their faiths; and ways to live in families and a world often intolerant of such marriages.
"Jewish-Christian Dialogue Today" by Erica R. Jenkins
Rev. Erica R. Jenkins takes her subject right out of the headlines as when Vice President Al Gore named Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) as his running mate in the presidential campaign. She says that though Jewish-Christian dialogues have been under way for some time, much remains to be done to heal years of pain, fear and misunderstanding. Though the dialogues need to include Muslims and others, these two groups are learning to respect each other.
| Other Articles in This Issue |
| Responsively Yours |
| Spanish: Conflicto y Comunidad en la Iglesia de Corinto |
| Bright Lights |
| How to Use This Issue |
| Women's Division News |
E-mail: umw@gbgm-umc.org
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Response magazine is published by the Women's Division, General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Church. Subscribe to this award-winning magazine!
