As a student at Goshen College, I minored in Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies. When I shared that information, people would ask, “What exactly does that mean?”
It’s a good question. In my experience, we studied painful human history. We were challenged to understand the ways out of the pain. How is peace possible after tragedy? After generations of conflict, abuse and death, where does one find another way?
I’m grateful for the professors who shepherd students through such challenging and important courses. One I think about from time to time is Religion, Conflict and Peace, taught by Joe Liechty. In this course, we had the chance to practice Scriptural Reasoning.
Scriptural Reasoning brings together followers of different faiths to read from each other’s sacred scriptures. One evening we invited people from local Jewish and Muslim communities to join us.
A decade later, what remains with me are the introductions. We sat in a circle and shared who we were, what faith we practiced and a moment when we were aware of being different from those around us.
Maybe this was the point of the exercise: to experience each other’s humanity.
This issue features interfaith experiences and relationships. I’m struck by how rare and radical those instances are.
When it comes to communities of faith that are not Christian, we are bombarded by messages of disrespect, fearmongering and othering. Antisemitism and Islamophobia are rampant. Our commitment to nonviolence must include standing fast against even verbal violence, which can lead to physical violence.
I hope you find inspiration for that steadfastness in these stories of relationships with people of other faiths.
One media recommendation I’d like to offer — thanks to my Goshen College course so long ago — is a show called Little Mosque on the Prairie. It tells the story of a Muslim community. I think you’ll find moments of great relatability.
Have a comment on this story? Write to the editors. Include your full name, city and state. Selected comments will be edited for publication in print or online.