Welcome to the deeper dimensions of interfaith dialogue—exploring that which divides us personally, spiritually and institutionally.
"We believe that interfaith dialogue holds the key to a healing that calls us back to purpose and to meaning. We have risked confronting aspects of our traditions usually hidden, and the consequences have been deeply life-affirming. We risk becoming vulnerable as we share awkward and even unacceptable texts and interpretations, but it is this very vulnerability that allows our dialogue to move forward."
—from the Introduction
Expanding on the conversation started with their very successful first book, the Interfaith Amigos—a pastor, a rabbi and an imam—probe more deeply into the problem aspects of our religious institutions to provide a profound understanding of the nature of what divides us. They identify four common problem areas in the Abrahamic faiths:
- Exclusivity: Staking Claim to a One and Only Truth
- Violence: Justifying Brutality in the Name of Faith
- Inequality of Men and Women: The Patriarchal Stranglehold on Power
- Homophobia: A Denial of Legitimacy
They explore the origins of these issues and the ways critics use these beliefs as divisive weapons. And they present ways we can use these vulnerabilities to open doors for the collaboration required to address our common issues, more profound personal relationships, and true interfaith healing.
Probes deeply into the problem aspects of our religious institutions to provide a profound understanding of the nature of what divides us.
"Exuberant and courageous ? an inspiration and example for us all in these sadly polarized times. It is a reminder that it is possible to reach across the divisions and find not only common cause but hope and affection."
-Karen Armstrong, author, A History of God: The 4,000-Year-Old Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam and many other best-selling books
"Remarkably readable, insightful and even entertaining.? Highly recommended for individuals and groups."
-Marcus J. Borg, best-selling author, The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith and other books
"Part of [the] divine call, helping us to live as neighbors in the blessedness of our shared world?. This is that rarest of books, one that teaches us both how to live and how to live with each other."
-Amir Hussain, professor of theological studies, Loyola Marymount University; editor,
Journal of the American Academy of Religion
"An urgently needed interreligious message for our turbulent age?. Candidly confronts the troubled past, while ultimately providing today's Jews, Christians and Muslims with realistic hope for the future."
-Rabbi James Rudin, author, Christians and Jews: Faith to Faith-Tragic History, Promising Present, Fragile Future
"Reminds us that when we can lay down our doctrines and share [our] struggles with open minds and hearts, we will find rich relationships and common cause ? and love of neighbor ? which is the point, after all."
-Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune, founder and senior analyst, FaithTrust Institute
"Brings hope-filled proof that interfaith affection and respect are possible in our divided world?. Challenges us to join in as they wrestle more of the hard questions separating God's faithful into disparate camps."
-Phyllis Tickle, compiler, The Divine Hours
"Looking at the good, the bad, and the ugly in their respective traditions, these three men of faith will restore your faith in the human spirit. A courageous, open-hearted and immensely generous book."
-Lesley Hazleton, author, After the Prophet and Mary: A Flesh-and-Blood Biography
"Once again the three Interfaith Amigos give us an important contribution to interfaith understanding."
-Stuart M. Matlins, co-editor, How to Be a Perfect Stranger:
The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook; publisher, Jewish Lights
