Building
Bridges of Understanding:
An Interfaith Response to September 11
The challenge of knowing one's neighbor in our California
communities is often complicated. Beyond geographic, linguistic,
socioeconomic and political boundaries, there also are six
major religious traditions that co-exist in a myriad of expressions
throughout the state. While diverse in theology and practice,
they all at heart encompass a vision of the sacredness of
human life, community, tolerance, and justice. Yet many of
us have little experience with or knowledge of those traditions
outside our own.
In the
Harvard University Pluralism Project, Diana Eck noted that
"how Americans of all faiths and beliefs can engage with
one another to shape a positive pluralism is one of the essential
questions - perhaps the most important facing American society...religious
diversity in our civil and neighborly lives is emerging, mostly
unseen, as the great challenge of the twenty-first century."
To begin
meeting that challenge we have produced our newest study guide,
Building Bridges of Understanding. It is not designed
either to promote universalism or to view any tradition through
the prism of Christianity. Instead it is an academic look
at six faith traditions and a glimpse at their inward expression
and outward models of community service. The Center for Religion
and Civic Culture at the University of Southern California
is a partner in this effort, which has been largely funded
by The California Endowment.
When we
offer love, respect, and dignity to our neighbors, we lower
our tolerance for hate crimes to be committed against each
other. When we seek dialogue with and service to each other,
we offer national security beyond any borders. Through this
guide, may we see each other as neighbors, not as strangers;
as co-inhabitants, not as "others". Join us in Building
Bridges of Understanding in California.
In addition
to the study guide we also offer a video resource which supplements
the printed materials with a personal look at how individuals
from the various traditions live out their faith today in
California.
To purchase
printed study guides or to order the video resource, contact
the Council: cccinfo@calchurches.org
for more information.
For more
information, visit our joint "Building
Bridges" website maintained by the University of
Southern California Center for Religion and Civic Culture.
Download
the study guide.
Already completed your study of the Building Bridges
of Understanding curriculum? We now offer the opportunity
for you to fill out online facilitator
or participant evaluation
forms.
* Some of the files on this page are PDF documents. An
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view them. If you do not
have a Reader, you can download
the program for free from Adobe.
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