We had a very good discussion group under the trees in Gabriel Park yesterday for the “Sharing Our Texts” interfaith event. Represented were Islam, Paganism, Judaism, Universalism and Agnosticism/Atheism. It looks like we may be planning an Interfaith Picnic for the spring!
One of the resources I brought to the conversation was an interfaith reading list I’d put together in August 2001 for one of the courses on religious diversity I led in Richmond, Virginia. A request was made to share this online, so in addition to e-mailing the original document, I figured I’d share this here as well.
This is not [...]
It’s unclear now as to whether Rev. Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida, intends to proceed with his earlier plans to burn copies of the Qur’an on September 11th.
Regardless of what decision Jones makes — nor why he makes it — we’re continuing with our plans to meet at Gabriel Park in SW Portland on Sunday afternoon (1 – 3 p.m.), to share texts from a variety of faith traditions and to simply sit down and talk to one another.
I’ve gotten lots of emails and phone calls about this event. Unfortunately, I’ve not been able [...]
In addition to my work as a writer/journalist I am a seminary-trained interfaith minister and religious diversity teacher.
Naturally, I was outraged when I heard about a Florida pastor calling for a “Burn a Qur’an Day” on September 11 of this year. The Dove World Outreach Center plans to host a bonfire on the evening of 9/11 to burn copies of the Qur’an.
In an attempt to counteract prejudice and hatred, I contacted some of the people I know in Portland’s Muslim community about hosting a “Read a Qur’an Day” instead. These friends improved upon the idea by suggesting an interfaith [...]
The “Golden Rule” — treat others the way you want to be treated — is a common thread which in one form or another weaves itself into many (if not all) religions of the world. Buddhism. Judaism. Christianity. Islam. Wicca. Native American traditions. And the list goes on.
Granted, many of us suck at truly living by and implementing this very basic guidance, as evidenced by everything from tabloid headlines (would you want someone hounding and making up stuff about you?) to international politics and foreign policy.
But there’s another key player here that deserves at least the attempt of respect and [...]
I got to thinking this morning about spiritual anchors — the rituals, practices, icons, symbols and more that help to bring us back to ourselves and our beliefs. These anchors are particularly important in times of crisis and confusion, as they offer reassurance and stability in the midst of chaos. In times of celebration, they are reminders of the paths we have chosen and can even help magnify and focus our joy.
Many people find such anchors in nature, though they may not think of them in spiritual terms. For some, the dry air and harsh beauty of the desert hearken [...]
We are a part of the world around us. Our physical bodies ground us and ensure our place in our own ecosystem. But with so many distractions, conveniences and demands on our time and attention, it’s too easy to fall into ignoring our bodies — one of my bad habits has been vegging out on the couch with the television on when I’m feeling tired, instead of reaching for a book or just going to bed.
Moving my body — through play and exercise — is the best way for me to reconnect with my physical self. After that, paying attention [...]
When you think of “full moon magick,” images of people in pointy black hats dancing around a bonfire might come to mind. Many Pagans do mark the phases of the moon with rituals and other observances — though rarely with the bonfires or pointy hats — but Neo-pagan traditions aren’t the only ones with ties to the moon.
The evening after the first full moon following the spring equinox marks the beginning of Passover, and Easter falls on the first Sunday after that (i.e., on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox).
The Hindu holiday Hanuman Jayanti [...]
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