There seems to be a growth of gatherings where people of all faiths get together to discuss important matters such as issues affecting their communities, etc. These gatherings are more formally known as “Interfaith” gatherings. After receiving several invitations to participate in an Interfaith gathering and request to become a member of this movement, I decided to research where and how this movement started. I was also seeking to understand the momentum it has gained over recent years.
It is my desire that believer's know and understand truth and more importantly scripture admonishes us to expose the unfruitful works of darkness. Over the next few weeks, I will be taking the time to talk through the origins of the Interfaith movement as well as examining scripture to determine if this movement is righteous and if believer’s should participate in any aspect of what it represents.
The origins of the “Interfaith” movement (Popular Approach)
The Interfaith movement refers to the cooperative, constructive and positive interaction between people of different religious beliefs & backgrounds with the objective of increasing acceptance and tolerance of other religions, bridging the gap of hate, promoting love and understanding. This movement de-synthesizes the belief in one religion and/or religious practices by seeking to set the stage for one faith. Most cities now have interfaith groups established at a local level with churches that represent the community and its many religions. At the local level this movement will bridge the gaps of racial inequality and social injustices in the name of peace. These groups will tackle some of the most challenging issues that face our time through unity and intertwining of various religions.
The concept of "interfaith" can be pin pointed back to the beginning of the ages but in today’s society (modern culture) this concept has been widely reintroduced via the Roman Catholic Church in the mid 1960’s when the Catholic Church implemented changes to policies towards non-Christian religions. This concept has now expanded to not only include formalized religions i.e., Christianity, Buddhism, Hindu, Islam & Judaism but also Pagan, Wiccan, Native Americans and occult worshippers/believers all in hopes to promote the ideals of this movement. Consequently, it continues to receive further attention as the world battles terrorism, hate and other social injustices.
One of the most memorable events propelling the movement forward in America is the tragedy that occurred in the United States on September 11, 2001. The movement has sparked global influence and has reached the pinnacle of many world leaders and many religious leaders for example, the Roman Catholic Church, Islamic Leaders, leaders in Judaism as well as American Church leaders. These leaders believe it is through love and peace a common goal of unity and life in harmony will be achieved and there must be tolerance for all people “in spite of” their belief and practices. The creation of faith in a globalized age through the Tony Blair’s Inter-Faith foundation focuses on making it “intolerable” to disrespect any religion. It has received support from many popular American leaders such as Rick Warren who is currently on the advisory board. Through this unique partnership Tony Blair’s Inter-Faith Foundation and Rick Warren’s P.E.A.C.E. plan, faith is now promoted for the good of the world. This is the most universal belief surrounding the Interfaith Movement which has taken flight as demonstrated through teachings like Oprah Winfrey’s life lessons or bumper stickers taunting “coexist” with one another.  |
| Living together in peace no matter the differences of others. |
