A New Approach to Interfaith Dialogue

Wherever you fall on the over-used, albeit now household phrase “clash of civilizations,” you can’t help but recognize that the tension behind the rhetoric is real. Whether you fall into the camp of disbelievers, who claim the idea to be a crude characterization of a conflict which is far from Manichean, set in a world stage that simply can’t be divided into two warring blocs; or the camp that claims the clash is real and dangerous and must be averted by aggressively protecting ourselves from a culture and way of life that is violent, destructive and inhumane – we have to recognize this problem involves us all.

I won’t go into the other points of view to the “clash” thesis, expounded by Bernard Lewis and Sam Huntington in the late 1990’s, except to say that we have to agree on the core notion of the idea, wherever we fall on the spectrum, why?

Remember in the dialectic, a notion is an underdeveloped thesis, or a thesis that has not yet reached reconciliation with its antithesis and lingers in a stage of uncertainty. We are all in that stage of uncertainty. Some may be compelled to defend their camp, while others to act in sake of social justice, defending the victims of the clash, and safeguarding civil rights, while still many more will curse the darkness. But whatever we are doing, we must recognize that the conflict is very large, very complex and must be met at many levels.

If we want to meaningfully take steps that promote mutual coexistence, how do we create a platform for all of the views about what is going on to be shared? Getting people together from different faiths is one way to move in this direction, but who are we really engaging at this level? Are we engaging the ‘choir’ so to speak, or are we working with everyday students, community members, and everyday people to bring them this idea of interfaith dialogue?

If we aren’t working with them and we’re allowing interfaith dialogue to stay within the realms of religious leaders symbolically exchanging kind words with no action associated with their declarations, we better think again.

An excellent way to stimulate this uncharted level of grassroots interfaith activism is through initiatives such as 20,000 Dialogues. 20,000 Dialogues uses PBS documentary films to promote discussion between people of diverse faith. It is intended to reach the average person.

At its heart is the idea of democratizing dialogue through a "bottom up" approach that gives any interested individual the materials and tools needed to host and/or participate in small, grassroots generated discussions. It is an empowering project for those looking to take action and is designed for people who want to make a positive difference.

How do I get involved? Here’s the checklist:

• Pick a date (or several dates) to hold a screening and dialogue. Dialogues can be at your home, place of work or in your congregation.
• Invite your friends and colleagues to join you.
• Go to www.dialoguesforpeace.org and register.
• In 7-10 days you will receive your free copy of Cities of Light: The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain, or Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet..
• Review our dialogue packet, for first time facilitators.
• Complete our online evaluation and you’re done!

You can host a dialogue in your living room, at your school, or with your congregation. Do it during lunch with your coworkers or with your book club. These dialogues can be as small as 5 people or as large as you want.

If you want to use the dialogue as an educational opportunity we have a wealth of resources for educators and these dialogues are designed for college and high school settings.

Be a part of this nationwide campaign today!

For more information contact Outreach Coordinator, Daniel Tutt at 202.262.1304, Daniel@upf.tv.