Interfaith dialogue and religious understanding after 9/11

Interfaith

In recent year there has been a concerted effort to bring together people who have different faiths and religious backgrounds. Much of this interest in other faiths was spawned, particularly in the west by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. These attacks were carried out by Muslim extremists and sense this time those in the west have attempted to understand more about the Muslim faith and other religious beliefs that may be different from those that exists in the West. The purpose of this discussion is to examine interfaith relations.

Interfaith relations

According to Ariarajah (2003) the state of interfaith relations has changed drastically over the past decade as a result of an increase in globalization. Globalization has led to an increase in the amount of communication with people from diverse backgrounds. Exposure to these different backgrounds has also led to an in increase in curiosity concerning different faiths throughout the world. The author explains that

"There is no need to argue the uniqueness of each of the religious traditions. The specificity of each tradition is self-evident because each of them has an inner

cohesive vision (or visions, as in the case of Hinduism) of Reality that is peculiar to the place of its origin or to the prophetic figure whose intense experience marked its beginnings. This specificity is further entrenched when the expression of that religious vision is enveloped in the philosophic, cultural, linguistic and geo-political realities of the place of its origin.

Althouh faiths differ in their religious doctrine, many faiths share some of the same fundamental beleifs. It is upon these similar beliefs that interfaith relationships are built. Many believe that the development of such relationships

"Ries is among a small group of Christians who've joined well-known evangelical

author and speaker Brian McLaren in observing a Ramadan fast, opening a new chapter in interfaith relations between two traditions often at odds. To McLaren

and his Christian and Muslim fasting partners, it's a neighborly gesture of solidarity that deepens their respective faiths and sends a message about finding peace and common ground (Gorski, 2009)."

Ries and others involved in this movement believe that embracing some aspects of the Muslim faith will serve the purpose of brining people from the two faiths together so they can improve the community and interfaith relations. Throughout the country similar interfaith exchanges are taking place amongst leaders and congregations with the desire to form alliances and understand one another better. In addition, the article explains that fasting during Ramadan also gives Ries a platform and the ability to share his experiences with those in his congregation.

Even though these efforts have been ongoing, there are some in the Christian community that are against such relationships. The article explains that many evangelicals believe that fasting in the same fashion as Muslims, undermines Christianity. They assert that such associations actually blur the lines between the faiths.

However, leaders of the Christian movement towards having such relationships with other faiths disagree with the aforementioned assertion. According to Brian McLaren, one of the Christian leaders of the interfaith movement, explains that the reason for fasting is not to become Muslim. Instead he asserts that "we are deeply committed Christians. But as Christians, we want to come close to our Muslim neighbors and to share this important part of life with them." The goal is to join Muslims in the observance as "a God-honoring expression of peace, fellowship and neighborliness (Gorski, 2009)."

McLaren started the movement because he believed that many Americans began to develop an anti-muslim ideology as a result of the terrorist attacks of 2001. He believed that through the development of relationships these sentiments could be reduced.

Although Christians participating in such relationships with Muslims is not necessarily approved by all Christians, Ries makes clear that he is a Chrisitian and that he believes in Jesus Christ. However, Reis also asserts that he does not have the right to send people to heaven or hell because he is not God. Ries also explains that much of the objection to his fellowship with muslims is governed by fear. He asserts that those that are opposed to such relationships simply have a fear of the unknown. The article further explains that understanding the faith of Muslims is essential to guaranteeing peace and unity amongst the faith.

Still others argue that Christians engaging in the practices of Muslims is wrong and contrary to the word of God. The article explains that

"It's by following these practices that a Muslim demonstrates his obedience to the rule of the law through the Quran. For a Christian to do the same automatically implies a submission to the same rule…Christians should have friendships with people of other faith, but engaging in other traditions' worship practices is problematic…Christians and Muslims fast for different purposes and do not worship the same God. Christians observing a Ramadan fast is "insane at best ... Sad, tragic, horrific, misguided, dangerous, wrong…If Christians want to pray during Ramadan, they should pray not with Muslims but for Muslims -- that Muslims would come to know Jesus. To pray with Muslims absolutely dishonors Jesus."

The fact that there is not consensus on whether or not people of other faiths should observe one another customs, speaks to the problematic nature in interfaith relationships. Although is a problematic issue their has been a great deal of striving toward better relations between people of different faiths.

Conclusion

The purpose of this discussion was to examine interfaith relations. The research indicates that globalization has led to a greater need for interfaith relationships. Some Christians and Muslims have been making a concerted effort to develop relationships with one another. However, there are some who believe that the development of such relationships are problematic and inconsistent with Christianity. Whatever the case, interfaith relationships is an issue that will continue to exist as a result of the presence of globalization in our world.