This Week's Quotation:
Thinking together is more important than thinking alike.
~ Johnny Moscato
Thinking Together, Not Thinking Alike
Rev. Berry Behr, Global Interfaith Ambassador
Think of a beautiful piece of lace. I can’t decide which component is more important—the delicately woven strands of thread or the spaces between them. Surely, without either of those ingredients, we would end up with just a useless mess of knotted thread.
I think of interfaith engagement like that. Some aspects of the world’s faiths will never be points of agreement. For instance, Christians will probably never release their belief in the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), while Muslims and Jews are highly unlikely to ever embrace it. These polarities are represented by the spaces in the lace pattern.
However, fundamental differences in theology and belief do not exclude the potential for effective and powerful collaboration. Many times I have witnessed people of different faiths coming together joyfully with a common purpose. I have seen deep friendships formed around spaces of potential conflict, with all parties agreeing to accept differences that could never be bridged but only safely contained in a bubble of respectful curiosity. Interfaith engagement can teach people to have an open-minded, open-hearted approach that encourages enlightened thinking and the emergence of new ideas leading to inspired collaborative action for the common good.
It takes courage to think differently! Sometimes, the first one to voice a new perspective faces violent judgment. A mother told a community group that her children were not her greatest achievement. The group was horrified, suggesting the mom needed therapy. Gradually, they came to a place of listening. The mom explained that her adult children were their own achievements: their successes and failures were based on their own choices, preferences, and efforts. Her role was to give them life tools to assist them. As an individual, this woman took pride in her own life achievements which did not belong to her parents or to her children. The discussion turned to the sovereign magnificence of all children. Ultimately, the courage to think together and consider unfamiliar ideas had enabled growth and enriched lives. As we share our stories with one another our wisdoms are revealed and offered to the collective in contribution to a shared vision.
A field of possibilities is revealed. Transformation blossoms. Together we breathe deeply the sweet aroma of a new earth.
About Open Windows
We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world’s sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
Many thanks, Rev. Behr, Yes, collaborative thinking takes us higher. There is a famous song in the musical “Annie, Get Your gun” which begins with “Anything you can do, I can do better … ” This is the egoic state of much of the world leading to competitive separation and even to war…sometimes that war is between religions. What about “Anything I can do, WE can do better?” Collaborative thinking and action take us higher. I appreciate your emphasis upon interfaith cooperation, which is not the same as pretending to adopt each other’s theologies. GO BERRY! Love, to you, Tom C.
Thank you for your work, Berry, in bringing people of different faiths together at some level. Perhaps your example will inspire some to leave behind their interpretations of Truth in favor of actually BEING IT.
Thank you Rev. Behr for your thoughts on collaborative thinking!! It allows us to come together rather than keeping us apart!! When that happens, Life finds expression!!
Mitch