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People fear religious intolerance, both personal and national. Though they may rightly expect that conversation will go awry, they are wrong to disengage from the struggle for peace. When all we are really seeking is to connect meaningfully about our spirituality, there is a way of decency, unification and liberation.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
*Matthew 5:9
Response
The following is a help in thinking about the implications of Fauvell's writing for your life and community.
1. What are some major threads of agreement that you see among world religions?
2. Do you agree that love is the central, core thread among world religions? Explain.
3. Have you or someone close to you suffered religious intolerance? What was that like for you?
4. What fears do you believe give rise to the continuing struggle for compassionate dialogue among different faith traditions?
5. What opportunities might you be given in daily life to be a person who fosters world peace?
6. How would you put your duty to encourage world peace in one sentence?
7. What strategies of group life might a local fellowship of faith adherents implement within itself to encourage respect of different faith traditions?
8. Based on your experience of the Christian faith, do you believe the churches and denominations are doing well at advocating for world peace? Explain.
Resources
English Translation of the Islamic Qur'an. Translation data not available.
"Give Peace a Chance" (Song)- John Lennon (Song Writer/Peace Activist).
New International Version Bible.
Stand Up (Album)- Dave Matthews Band (Artist).
Strength to Love. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1963).
Www.forusa.org [Fellowship of Reconciliation Website].
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*OneLife Ministries is a ministry of Brian Kenneth Wilcox, SW Florida. Brian lives a vowed life and with his two dogs, Bandit Ty and St. Francis, with friends and under a vow of simplicity. Brian is an ecumenical-interspiritual leader, who chooses not to identify with any group, and renounces all titles of sacredness that some would apply to him, but seeks to be open to how Christ manifests in the diversity of Christian denominations and varied religious-spiritual traditions. He affirms that all spiritual paths lead ultimately back to Jesus Christ. He is Senior Chaplain for the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, Punta Gorda, FL.
*Brian welcomes responses to his writings or submission of prayer requests at briankwilcox@yahoo.com . Also, Brian is on Facebook: search Brian Kenneth Wilcox.
*Contact the above email to book Brian for preaching, Spiritual Direction, retreats, workshops, animal blessing services, house blessings, or other spiritual requests. You can order his book An Ache for Union from major booksellers.
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