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IN THEORY:
Bringing many faiths to the table
The Colorado-based nonprofit Common Tables reportedly puts together dinners in which adults of varying faiths meet at least four times. Participants can talk about anything from theology to the weather. The only thing off-limits is proselytizing. The idea is simply to reach out and get to know one another’s faith and to nurture interfaith friendships.
What do you think of this idea? Could you envision it playing out in this area, and even among your own congregants?
Matthew the tax collector repented of his sins to follow Jesus Christ. Soon after this he “gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a great crowd of tax-gatherers and other people who were reclining at the table with them” (Luke 5:29, New American Standard Bible). There is no record of “proselytizing” happening at that event.
Apparently only the normal interpersonal dinner conversation took place between Jesus, His disciples and the non-religious crowd.
The Pharisees, who were hyper-legalistic religious hypocrites, condemned Jesus’ disciples for eating with such “rabble.” Jesus spoke up to explain His motives and to defend His followers: “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32).
From this Christians learn four principles of inter-faith relations. It’s OK to have social contact with non-believers (knowing such were never part of Jesus’ “inner circle”). We don’t always need to shove the Bible down people’s throats. The command to “abound in love . . . for all men” (1 Thessalonians 3:12, NASB) implies that we get to know them personally. And finally, our ultimate, prayerful desire is always for the healing of their souls through coming to know Jesus Christ as we have.
PASTOR JON BARTA
Valley Baptist Church
It’s a great idea! One of the Psalms says how great it is when brothers dwell in unity (Psalm 133: 1, Revised Standard Version), and the New Jerusalem Bible even suggests that that verse could mean “to sit down,” perhaps for a meal.
There is something celebratory about a meal shared: God has provided the food for our nourishment, and the fact that we’re eating together is also indicative of the probability that we’re not going to kill each other.
It seems to me that it’s better to eat and talk together than to eat separately and plan mayhem on the other person. It’s also instructive that some feuds continue when one party refuses to sit down at the table with the other party.
In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:44), Jesus is quoted as saying, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” By the way, have you ever tried praying for someone you think is persecuting you? If you do, you may discover that your enemy is no longer your enemy — and I think that’s what Jesus had in mind when he said to pray that way.
As I see it, the same goes with sharing a meal: How can one possibly regard the person across the table as an enemy when both have enjoyed the same God-given fare? Would it work here? Yes. In fact, members of my congregation will eat with and hear a presentation from a member of a different faith on Friday, May 2. Thanks for asking.
THE REV. C. L. “SKIP” LINDEMAN
Congregational Church of the Lighted Window
United Church of Christ
La Cañada Flintridge
A program to regularly bring together people of various faiths for open conversation sounds like a very good idea.
Many misconceptions and preconceived notions about another’s religion can be dispelled with simple, uncomplicated dialogue.
Such meetings can serve as an impetus for greater understanding and acceptance among Americans of different backgrounds, and can help us find the common ground we share.
The idea of people getting together to discuss issues of faith — or any issues they like — without proselytizing is a particularly appealing aspect of this effort.
Judaism teaches us not to proselytize to people of other religions.
As a rabbi, I feel that it’s important for individuals to have a strong religious identity, which is why I encourage my co-religionists to strengthen their spiritual commitment, but Jewish teachings stress that one does not need to be Jewish to be a good person. We don’t believe that Judaism is an exclusive “ticket to heaven” — our understanding of religion is that one has a responsibility to follow the traditions of the religion of their birth, believe in God, reject violence and fanaticism and to lead a moral life.
A lively interfaith dialogue — and the friendships that result — can only benefit the community. Sharing different perspectives in a relaxed, non-pressured way should bring real insights for the participants and reward everyone involved.
After all, the best way to combat ignorance and prejudice is through a candid, open-minded discussion of the facts.
RABBI SIMCHA BACKMAN
Chabad Jewish Center
I’ll reach over the table and borrow Catholic theologian Hans Küng’s dictum, “No peace among the nations without peace among the religions. No peace among religions without dialogue between the religions.”
We can’t be scared to talk and discuss our difference. I believe if we did more of it, we may even find that the table is more common than not. The dialogue must be healthy and respectful, and this is easier said than done.
There is a tendency to be judgmental when religions meet, and if they collide, watch out. But this is where we have to push ourselves to use our God-given mind, thought and processes of reason. If we open our ears and listen, if we try to understand and attempt to walk in the shoes of others, it just may be an opportunity for peace.
The role and goal of real religion is to elevate the soul beyond the bounds of humanity. Around a common table, if people understand this, perhaps the dialogue will evolve into something bigger, where communities will have opportunities to work together as well.
Common Tables is a first and small step, but a necessary one.
FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN
Armenian Church Youth Ministries
In His Shoes Mission
Let’s see, I’ll start with the Hindu sampler; and for my main course, the soft-boiled Wicca. Extra hocus, hold the pocus. For dessert, I hear your Chocolate Zeus is divine. To drink? Sure, make it Christianity — on the rocks!
What is with this drive toward religious commingling? I could appreciate lunching for intercultural awareness, but within Common Grounds this is only a possible byproduct of the main impetus, which is religion.
This isn’t new. Another group, The Faith Club, had similar objectives, and it still has the same problem. The problem is that those who actually believe in some particular truth, something held as divinely mandated, are not terribly interested in participating with such religion-neutering enterprises.
It’s always the very liberal, Scripture-diluting sort that embraces these emotion-based coffee klatches and sophomoric supper clubs, because everyone can banter in circles and nod approvingly without any real concern for eternal verities. Could you imagine Elijah having ice cream with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18)? Why don’t we all take a moment and chant together, “it just doesn’t matter.”
Common Tables wants people to “get along,” but we do, generally. Most people I meet aren’t Christian, and I’m not turning my nose up or scowling at them, I just try to be neighborly; one that also believes Christ’s unique significance is true.
I can listen to how you worship a tree, or learn about some new “spiritual” author recommended by Oprah that you follow, but why make dinner reservations to specifically do that? I can log on to Wikipededia.com for such information, and that’s why I’m experiencing spiritual indigestion at the thought of all this.
I’d rather that Common Tables not marginalize religious differences, but feast with vigor and friendly argument. That would be exciting. You feed me whatever you have, and I’ll give you Christianity — straight up!
THE REV. BRYAN GRIEM
Senior Pastor
Montrose Community Church
Glendale clergy and lay persons do gather together over lunch every month for dialogue and fellowship.
This interfaith activity is an open, inclusive forum in which to meet others of different faith traditions and develop new friendships. The purpose is to unite churches and religious organizations through common goals for service to the Glendale and surrounding communities. This is the Glendale Religious Leaders Assn.
This interfaith association has existed in Glendale for more than 15 years. Members and guests are invited to attend every month rather than four times, but the same ideas of sharing and friendship are nurtured. Over the years the group has seen many changes, first growing out of a Christian Ministerium into a broader base welcoming all faith traditions.
While there is no proselytizing over lunch, members can’t help but to query each other about faith practices and meaning. The best part of knowing someone personally from another belief or religion is that established communication now exists that was absent before. There is no longer an isolationist attitude or barrier.
Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “He who can truly communicate to others is a higher being who builds new worlds.”
By meeting and dining together, people began to share personal stories and inspirations of faith.
Through these revelations, learning about Muslim, Bahai, Buddhist, Christian or Scientology faith practices based on real life is possible, replacing some abstract misconceptions about what a person who practices a different religion must be like.
These interfaith activities open the door to ending hate crimes, prejudice, religious intolerance and fear by providing truth.
Understanding one’s fellows goes a long way toward creating a peaceful community. There is an invitation to make new friends of different faiths at the next Glendale Common Tables luncheon on May 13, at noon, hosted by the Solheim Lutheran Home.
Hope to see you all there!
CATHERINE EMRANI
Volunteer Minister
Glendale Church of Scientology
What do you think of this idea? Could you envision it playing out in this area, and even among your own congregants?
Matthew the tax collector repented of his sins to follow Jesus Christ. Soon after this he “gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a great crowd of tax-gatherers and other people who were reclining at the table with them” (Luke 5:29, New American Standard Bible). There is no record of “proselytizing” happening at that event.
Apparently only the normal interpersonal dinner conversation took place between Jesus, His disciples and the non-religious crowd.
The Pharisees, who were hyper-legalistic religious hypocrites, condemned Jesus’ disciples for eating with such “rabble.” Jesus spoke up to explain His motives and to defend His followers: “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32).
From this Christians learn four principles of inter-faith relations. It’s OK to have social contact with non-believers (knowing such were never part of Jesus’ “inner circle”). We don’t always need to shove the Bible down people’s throats. The command to “abound in love . . . for all men” (1 Thessalonians 3:12, NASB) implies that we get to know them personally. And finally, our ultimate, prayerful desire is always for the healing of their souls through coming to know Jesus Christ as we have.
PASTOR JON BARTA
Valley Baptist Church
It’s a great idea! One of the Psalms says how great it is when brothers dwell in unity (Psalm 133: 1, Revised Standard Version), and the New Jerusalem Bible even suggests that that verse could mean “to sit down,” perhaps for a meal.
There is something celebratory about a meal shared: God has provided the food for our nourishment, and the fact that we’re eating together is also indicative of the probability that we’re not going to kill each other.
It seems to me that it’s better to eat and talk together than to eat separately and plan mayhem on the other person. It’s also instructive that some feuds continue when one party refuses to sit down at the table with the other party.
In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:44), Jesus is quoted as saying, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” By the way, have you ever tried praying for someone you think is persecuting you? If you do, you may discover that your enemy is no longer your enemy — and I think that’s what Jesus had in mind when he said to pray that way.
As I see it, the same goes with sharing a meal: How can one possibly regard the person across the table as an enemy when both have enjoyed the same God-given fare? Would it work here? Yes. In fact, members of my congregation will eat with and hear a presentation from a member of a different faith on Friday, May 2. Thanks for asking.
THE REV. C. L. “SKIP” LINDEMAN
Congregational Church of the Lighted Window
United Church of Christ
La Cañada Flintridge
A program to regularly bring together people of various faiths for open conversation sounds like a very good idea.
Many misconceptions and preconceived notions about another’s religion can be dispelled with simple, uncomplicated dialogue.
Such meetings can serve as an impetus for greater understanding and acceptance among Americans of different backgrounds, and can help us find the common ground we share.
The idea of people getting together to discuss issues of faith — or any issues they like — without proselytizing is a particularly appealing aspect of this effort.
Judaism teaches us not to proselytize to people of other religions.
As a rabbi, I feel that it’s important for individuals to have a strong religious identity, which is why I encourage my co-religionists to strengthen their spiritual commitment, but Jewish teachings stress that one does not need to be Jewish to be a good person. We don’t believe that Judaism is an exclusive “ticket to heaven” — our understanding of religion is that one has a responsibility to follow the traditions of the religion of their birth, believe in God, reject violence and fanaticism and to lead a moral life.
A lively interfaith dialogue — and the friendships that result — can only benefit the community. Sharing different perspectives in a relaxed, non-pressured way should bring real insights for the participants and reward everyone involved.
After all, the best way to combat ignorance and prejudice is through a candid, open-minded discussion of the facts.
RABBI SIMCHA BACKMAN
Chabad Jewish Center
I’ll reach over the table and borrow Catholic theologian Hans Küng’s dictum, “No peace among the nations without peace among the religions. No peace among religions without dialogue between the religions.”
We can’t be scared to talk and discuss our difference. I believe if we did more of it, we may even find that the table is more common than not. The dialogue must be healthy and respectful, and this is easier said than done.
There is a tendency to be judgmental when religions meet, and if they collide, watch out. But this is where we have to push ourselves to use our God-given mind, thought and processes of reason. If we open our ears and listen, if we try to understand and attempt to walk in the shoes of others, it just may be an opportunity for peace.
The role and goal of real religion is to elevate the soul beyond the bounds of humanity. Around a common table, if people understand this, perhaps the dialogue will evolve into something bigger, where communities will have opportunities to work together as well.
Common Tables is a first and small step, but a necessary one.
FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN
Armenian Church Youth Ministries
In His Shoes Mission
Let’s see, I’ll start with the Hindu sampler; and for my main course, the soft-boiled Wicca. Extra hocus, hold the pocus. For dessert, I hear your Chocolate Zeus is divine. To drink? Sure, make it Christianity — on the rocks!
What is with this drive toward religious commingling? I could appreciate lunching for intercultural awareness, but within Common Grounds this is only a possible byproduct of the main impetus, which is religion.
This isn’t new. Another group, The Faith Club, had similar objectives, and it still has the same problem. The problem is that those who actually believe in some particular truth, something held as divinely mandated, are not terribly interested in participating with such religion-neutering enterprises.
It’s always the very liberal, Scripture-diluting sort that embraces these emotion-based coffee klatches and sophomoric supper clubs, because everyone can banter in circles and nod approvingly without any real concern for eternal verities. Could you imagine Elijah having ice cream with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18)? Why don’t we all take a moment and chant together, “it just doesn’t matter.”
Common Tables wants people to “get along,” but we do, generally. Most people I meet aren’t Christian, and I’m not turning my nose up or scowling at them, I just try to be neighborly; one that also believes Christ’s unique significance is true.
I can listen to how you worship a tree, or learn about some new “spiritual” author recommended by Oprah that you follow, but why make dinner reservations to specifically do that? I can log on to Wikipededia.com for such information, and that’s why I’m experiencing spiritual indigestion at the thought of all this.
I’d rather that Common Tables not marginalize religious differences, but feast with vigor and friendly argument. That would be exciting. You feed me whatever you have, and I’ll give you Christianity — straight up!
THE REV. BRYAN GRIEM
Senior Pastor
Montrose Community Church
Glendale clergy and lay persons do gather together over lunch every month for dialogue and fellowship.
This interfaith activity is an open, inclusive forum in which to meet others of different faith traditions and develop new friendships. The purpose is to unite churches and religious organizations through common goals for service to the Glendale and surrounding communities. This is the Glendale Religious Leaders Assn.
This interfaith association has existed in Glendale for more than 15 years. Members and guests are invited to attend every month rather than four times, but the same ideas of sharing and friendship are nurtured. Over the years the group has seen many changes, first growing out of a Christian Ministerium into a broader base welcoming all faith traditions.
While there is no proselytizing over lunch, members can’t help but to query each other about faith practices and meaning. The best part of knowing someone personally from another belief or religion is that established communication now exists that was absent before. There is no longer an isolationist attitude or barrier.
Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “He who can truly communicate to others is a higher being who builds new worlds.”
By meeting and dining together, people began to share personal stories and inspirations of faith.
Through these revelations, learning about Muslim, Bahai, Buddhist, Christian or Scientology faith practices based on real life is possible, replacing some abstract misconceptions about what a person who practices a different religion must be like.
These interfaith activities open the door to ending hate crimes, prejudice, religious intolerance and fear by providing truth.
Understanding one’s fellows goes a long way toward creating a peaceful community. There is an invitation to make new friends of different faiths at the next Glendale Common Tables luncheon on May 13, at noon, hosted by the Solheim Lutheran Home.
Hope to see you all there!
CATHERINE EMRANI
Volunteer Minister
Glendale Church of Scientology
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