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My Neighbor's Faith: Stories of Interreligious Encounter, Growth, and Transformation
This groundbreaking volume gathers an array of inspiring and penetrating stories about the interreligious encounters of outstanding community leaders, scholars, public intellectuals, and activist from the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. With wisdom, wit, courage, and humility, these writers from a range of religious backgrounds share their personal experience of border-crossing, and the lessons learned from their interreligious adventures. We live in the most religiously diverse society in the history of humankind. Every day, people of different religious beliefs and practices encounter one another in a myriad of settings. How has this new situation of religious diversity impacted the way we understand the religious other, ourselves, and God? Can we learn to live together with mutual respect, working together for the creation of a more compassionate and just world?
303 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 47 reviews
October 10, 2015
Great book to finish up my EFM experience. Fantastic personal stories on people's experiences with their own faith traditions and others. With so many contributors- some stories are naturally better than others, but overall excellent read. I know so many that should - though sadly won't- read this book.
September 8, 2014
This was chosen as a good book for newer groups, as well as established groups. It exposes the variety of experiences that can happen when one approaches "the other" with an open heart and mind. Short memoir collection of incidents where people of faith met and grew. Some funny, some poignant, some spiritual. Noted as a good discussion-starter.
July 7, 2013
Profound. Beautiful. Inspiring. I will return to this collection of essays frequently as I pursue my personal and professional work.
May 18, 2020
This book addresses the need and blessing of interfaith dialogue and cooperation. While acknowledging differences, it focuses on the greatest tenant common to all major world faiths - “loving your neighbor as yourself” - even when they are different - even when that forces you out of your comfort zone - even, perhaps especially, when it is hard.
May 22, 2021
Stories for all Faiths
What makes us faithful....what makes us believe in a higher power can be seen universally in these essays.
Excellent final EfM read.
What makes us faithful....what makes us believe in a higher power can be seen universally in these essays.
Excellent final EfM read.
June 20, 2015
This book is basically Unitarian universalism. It doesn't have a place in an Episcopal Education for Ministry course. This is not a book about Christianity. I feel betrayed by the course designers of a Christian course that I didn't get a healthy dose of Christian theology this my 4th year.
There are about 50 different authors writing their own separate stories. You can count the number of GOOD ones on ONE HAND.
Even in the crummy vignettes I think it's telling how no matter how they try and denigrate those who wish to stand for Christian values and elevate Islam (!?), the intolerance of muslim clerics always bleeds through; whether it's Bosnian Muslims demanding western Protestant Christians apologize for what Serbian Orthodox Christians did over the last 600 years OR the sham that was the Ground Zero Mosque!
The entire context of the Ground Zero Mosque is dropped, that very near a site of hideous ISLAMIST terror many Americans objected to a mosque being built. I would like to hope no Christian would be so insensitive and chauvinistic - the fact is we have proof of Christians being considerate. Shortly after the end of WWII, a convent was to be built in Auschwitz. Some local Jews expressed some misgivings about this and the nuns got their faces in front of TV cameras, in the paper and told everyone who would listen that THEY were the victims of intolerance and bigotry.
OH WAIT, NO THEY DIDN'T - they said, "You're right. This looks inappropriate & insensitive. Even though we aren't Nazi's & did not partake in the holocaust, we will build our convent elsewhere."
Lastly, Jim Wallis' screed is particularly tough to read, what with his calls for "Christian tolerance" when he gives nothing but hatred and vitriol if you're sympathetic to the tea party, have serious questions about Occupy Wall St or are a Republican.
The only reason this doesn't get 1 star, is because there about 4 really good stories buried in a sea of garbage.
There are about 50 different authors writing their own separate stories. You can count the number of GOOD ones on ONE HAND.
Even in the crummy vignettes I think it's telling how no matter how they try and denigrate those who wish to stand for Christian values and elevate Islam (!?), the intolerance of muslim clerics always bleeds through; whether it's Bosnian Muslims demanding western Protestant Christians apologize for what Serbian Orthodox Christians did over the last 600 years OR the sham that was the Ground Zero Mosque!
The entire context of the Ground Zero Mosque is dropped, that very near a site of hideous ISLAMIST terror many Americans objected to a mosque being built. I would like to hope no Christian would be so insensitive and chauvinistic - the fact is we have proof of Christians being considerate. Shortly after the end of WWII, a convent was to be built in Auschwitz. Some local Jews expressed some misgivings about this and the nuns got their faces in front of TV cameras, in the paper and told everyone who would listen that THEY were the victims of intolerance and bigotry.
OH WAIT, NO THEY DIDN'T - they said, "You're right. This looks inappropriate & insensitive. Even though we aren't Nazi's & did not partake in the holocaust, we will build our convent elsewhere."
Lastly, Jim Wallis' screed is particularly tough to read, what with his calls for "Christian tolerance" when he gives nothing but hatred and vitriol if you're sympathetic to the tea party, have serious questions about Occupy Wall St or are a Republican.
The only reason this doesn't get 1 star, is because there about 4 really good stories buried in a sea of garbage.
May 19, 2015
An inspiring collection of brief essay recollecting true inter-religious and inter-faith encounters. An essential read, I believe, not only for religious folks, but for anyone concerned about peace on earth in the 21st century. I understand religion to be a human made creation to help us connect with the unknowable, the ineffable.
The encounters in this book point the way to how one can adhere to their own religious traditions faithfully while not only appreciating, but engaging in a life of true religious pluralism. An essential skill sorely needed in this troubled world. What unites us is deeper than what divides us.
This book will have a special place along side the sacred writings of my tradition and I will return to it again and again.
The encounters in this book point the way to how one can adhere to their own religious traditions faithfully while not only appreciating, but engaging in a life of true religious pluralism. An essential skill sorely needed in this troubled world. What unites us is deeper than what divides us.
This book will have a special place along side the sacred writings of my tradition and I will return to it again and again.
May 24, 2015
The last of the Year 4 EfM books. It's pleasant, and not overly theological. It is interesting to read about religious pluralism from the standpoint of individuals who have experienced meaningful encounters with people of other faiths and came away changed by the encounters; in some cases the brief encounter was life-changing. The many essays are not in any way off-putting, nor is there any deep theology. If you're not in EfM and just want an introduction to religious pluralistic thought, this is a painless way to get it. If you are in EfM, this book is a good way to end the year.
June 4, 2015
I loved all the stories told in this book. I am amazed at the bravery and openness of people seeking to understand the faith of others.
This book was read by students in year 4 of Education for Ministry during the year themed "Living Faithfully in a Multicultural World."
This book was read by students in year 4 of Education for Ministry during the year themed "Living Faithfully in a Multicultural World."
May 22, 2014
The stories of interfaith encounters in this book are so moving. I was brought to tears and inspired over and over.
May 20, 2017
Just, this is the very best one of the Fourth-Year EfM assigned textbooks. A really worthwhile book for today.
May 10, 2018
I am in a program for Episcopalians called Education for Ministry, of EfM. It is not a preparation for the priesthood, it is a thorough look at how our beliefs developed and came to be, and a look at where we want to go with our beliefs. First year is Old Testament, second year is New Testament, third year is history of the church and fourth year is a wide selection of theological perspectives. My Neighbor's Faith is the last book we read, and it is one of the great joys of our EfM studies, reading about people with a variety of religious beliefs who come into contact with "the other." Coming into contact with "the other" explodes a lot of our pre-conceptions, and, if we are paying attention, may expand our own views in ways we would never have expected. It is joyful work. I consider this book a reward for good behavior. Having read all the heavier stuff, reading about real-life confrontations with our own prejudices and narrow mindedness, and having our lives expanded and our beliefs enriched by learning from those of other faiths - it makes you want to dance, in a theological sort of way :-)
May 18, 2022
This book is a pleasant series of essays about interfaith interactions across a wide spectrum of the spiritual landscape. There are great reflections, anecdotes, and testimonies that really exemplify the best of humans practicing their assorted faiths in unity with others. I especially appreciate the diversity of viewpoints; too often these kind of stories are told from only one (typically Christian) perspective and the takeaways are shallow. Here we see real reflection on not only what has been learned about the other, but what has been learned about the self from the other. Even more refreshing is the stories where the practice of faith was not only parallel, but respectful and mutually supportive.
As an addendum, this was a great book to finish my fourth year of EFM with. Not only was the content not distressingly out of date, but it was a relaxing subject matter that I was able to take in and spend time in reflection on.
As an addendum, this was a great book to finish my fourth year of EFM with. Not only was the content not distressingly out of date, but it was a relaxing subject matter that I was able to take in and spend time in reflection on.
July 6, 2024
Just then, her 9-year-old son returns home. A dirty undernourished boy shyly enters the hut barefoot and meekly interrupts his mother. He hands over about fifteen pesos which he collected -- during school hours -- selling Chiclets at a downtown street corner. The mother places all but one peso in her pocket. This one coin she places upon a box in the middle of the room that serves as a makeshift table. After a while, I ask her what she plans to buy with the peso she set aside.
"Oh that," she responds, "that's for the poor."
In that moment, I learned more about God than I had from all the theology books I had ever read.
from The Value of a Peso by Miguel A. De La Torre
note: a peso is about equal to a nickle in value
This book consists of a series of short essays by many different authors. As such, the writing is necessarily uneven. I found most of the articles to be good reading and have no difficulty in recommending it to those who wish to learn about other faiths.
"Oh that," she responds, "that's for the poor."
In that moment, I learned more about God than I had from all the theology books I had ever read.
from The Value of a Peso by Miguel A. De La Torre
note: a peso is about equal to a nickle in value
This book consists of a series of short essays by many different authors. As such, the writing is necessarily uneven. I found most of the articles to be good reading and have no difficulty in recommending it to those who wish to learn about other faiths.
November 30, 2025
Interfaith cooperation
The book is stories of interfaith interactions. Many of them are interesting and moving but I also found many of them dated. If you are a Christian with no experience with other faith practitioners or scant knowledge of other faiths, then this book will be very helpful in gaining insight into the many similarities between us. If you have multi-faith experiences then you may not get as much from this book. Because it only focuses on interfaith experiences, there aren’t any about connections between unchurched people which I think is a big miss for our early 21st century world. I also thought it needed younger voices. Too many of the contributions were from 40, 50, 60 years ago. But, as I said, it is a good introduction for Christians who have missed out on interfaith connections or are concerned about reaching out to those of other religious traditions.
The book is stories of interfaith interactions. Many of them are interesting and moving but I also found many of them dated. If you are a Christian with no experience with other faith practitioners or scant knowledge of other faiths, then this book will be very helpful in gaining insight into the many similarities between us. If you have multi-faith experiences then you may not get as much from this book. Because it only focuses on interfaith experiences, there aren’t any about connections between unchurched people which I think is a big miss for our early 21st century world. I also thought it needed younger voices. Too many of the contributions were from 40, 50, 60 years ago. But, as I said, it is a good introduction for Christians who have missed out on interfaith connections or are concerned about reaching out to those of other religious traditions.
September 16, 2019
Put aside in August. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... might be fun to listen to as an audio book when doing something else, but for me, a collection of personal essays and anecdotes is not something I would normally read, and having to sit down and read it the old fashioned way was just not something I was likely to finish.
After honestly enjoying most of the essays I read (about half the book), I decided to find something that would capture my interest more. What I read was thought provoking, well written, and worth reading. The rest of the book is probably worth reading; for now I will put it on the shelf.
After honestly enjoying most of the essays I read (about half the book), I decided to find something that would capture my interest more. What I read was thought provoking, well written, and worth reading. The rest of the book is probably worth reading; for now I will put it on the shelf.
May 25, 2017
As the final book for EfM's year four group, I found this book of interfaith stories to be the perfect ending to a program that is designed to help Christians learn more deeply how to live their faith in their daily lives. The stories were inspiring as well as motivating me to continue my journey into uncomfortable situations and learn and be enriched in those experiences.
Correct belief is less important that knowing God and being God's hands and feet and voice in the world God has created for all human beings.
Correct belief is less important that knowing God and being God's hands and feet and voice in the world God has created for all human beings.
May 18, 2023
inspiring stories of sharing faiths
I became thoroughly enthralled with this book. It tells stories of people who encountered those of different faith traditions. Taken through the metaphor of meeting neighbors as in a journey, the reader learns of faith intersections where people have learned to respect and honor neighbors of various faiths even while disagreeing on some things. The stories show meaningful interfaith connections made while acting on personal religious convictions to love God and love neighbor.
I became thoroughly enthralled with this book. It tells stories of people who encountered those of different faith traditions. Taken through the metaphor of meeting neighbors as in a journey, the reader learns of faith intersections where people have learned to respect and honor neighbors of various faiths even while disagreeing on some things. The stories show meaningful interfaith connections made while acting on personal religious convictions to love God and love neighbor.
June 12, 2024
written in the aftermath of the 911 attack, but still relevant
This book examines - through the eyes of many essayists - what it means to live in a society where both religion is taken seriously, and valuing religious pluralism is foundational.
In the early 21st-century, the line between these two principles fell in the shadow of the 9-11 attack.
In the 2020s, it seems, the location of the line may have shifted from earlier in our century, but the basic tension remains deeply relevant in our society.
I would encourage all of us to read this book and think of those with whom we are in deep disagreement religiously. How do we work both to preserve respect for religion and for pluralism today with our current divisions.
For me, these essays still speak.
This book examines - through the eyes of many essayists - what it means to live in a society where both religion is taken seriously, and valuing religious pluralism is foundational.
In the early 21st-century, the line between these two principles fell in the shadow of the 9-11 attack.
In the 2020s, it seems, the location of the line may have shifted from earlier in our century, but the basic tension remains deeply relevant in our society.
I would encourage all of us to read this book and think of those with whom we are in deep disagreement religiously. How do we work both to preserve respect for religion and for pluralism today with our current divisions.
For me, these essays still speak.
September 28, 2020
We used this book for a women's interfaith discussion group, reading five essays for each monthly session. The group included newcomers as well as long term members. We found it easy to have meaningful discussions each time. Almost every topic was someone's favorite. Lots of authors were well known, and triggered additional reading. It gave us encouragement for our interfaith efforts, and well as deeper insight into many faith traditions.
May 12, 2021
This was a fourth year reading for Education for Ministry. I do think it is one of the best, if not the best, books I've read in the four years of EfM. It was easy to read. Most authors did not use esoteric words that not all of us are familiar with, and when they did, they provided a definition. They were written for the lay man and each essay had so many good points and worthwhile things to think about. It is a book for those who have a faith, whatever that faith may be.
July 3, 2024
This is a book with several dozen very short inspirational stories in which people develop insights about themselves when interacting with people who practice a different faith. It's a feel-good book that reinforces that we're all more alike than different. If you believe that your faith is the one true faith, then this book is not for you.
June 15, 2019
I read this book for EfM. Finally a fourth year book I enjoyed!! The book is comprised of stories in which people of different religions learn from and about each other and their respective faiths. Many were inspiring and uplifting. It was a fitting end to four years of study.
August 31, 2024
Essays are around 1500 words, too short for any kind of complex thought or "growth and transformation." Just, like, cute stories. "Aww cute Iranian kid was first Muslim I met" type things. Disappointing, with the exception of a couple of stand out essays (Wendy Peterson).
May 25, 2018
Read this for EfM. Kind of ignored each chapter intro, and read each story as its own thing, like an anthology, and really liked several of them.
May 23, 2019
A book for EFM. Insightful, poignant.
May 27, 2019
Favorite EFM book.
May 9, 2021
This book marks a splendid finale to my four years in EfM!
December 9, 2021
Great, short, personal stories from all types of perspectives about living and working toward transformation in diversity. Community, not coalitions. Will use for teaching.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 47 reviews