I was a Christian (definitely not practicing) for 40 years. I have nothing but fond memories of going to church and of being a Christian, but I never really got some of the ideas and didn’t ever feel totally connected. I met my ex-husband at 38. He is an American-Muslim, who was raised as such. As we got to know each other, I started studying Islam. I liked what I learned. When we decided to get married, I converted to Islam. My family was devastated. I’m always amazed at how religious everyone gets when they want to put down someone elses religion. They believed I converted because of his influence (I guess in a sense they were right), but I believe I converted because God showed me this path to get to him. My family still thinks I am going to hell because I am not a Christian (this is the main problem I have with Christianity). My husband and I are no longer togehter, but we are raising our child as a Muslim. However, when she gets of age, it is my hope that she will study all religions and make her choice according to where she finds God.

I am still learning about Islam. I am proud of who and “what” I am. I believe the best way I can promote the message of Islam is by example. I try to live my life justly and in the manner in which God wants us to. My philosophy is that Chrisitans, Jews, and Muslims all believe in God, we just get to him down different paths. I do not have a lot of knowledge about any other religions, but I would never put them down now just because I do not believe as they do.

Again, I thank the authors for this book. I plan to give it as gifts to several of my friends and family, not to promote my religion to them, but to see the beauty in all religions.

I want all women to know about another important effort to help futher what the Faith Club has started. Please visit www.WOMENSPEAK2007.com to learn about a meeting of 2,000 women planned for San Antonio, TX, March 9-11. Women from 4 continents, many of the 50 states, representing many faith traditions, cultures, languages, are coming together to find our commonalities and learn to promote positive change and understanding in our world. All women interested in bringing peace to the world are welcome! Welcome especially to Suzanne, Ranya and Priscilla!

I have been posting for about a week, since I heard the review of The Faith Club on the Dianne Rheim show and think this is a wonderful idea. I think that Suzanne, Ranya and Prescilla (and people like them) are the best hope for this crazy world. The more we get to know each other, the we can be manipulated by media, governments and political movements with their own agendas that take advantage of the divisions between us.

The more individual, strong friendships there are between people from different backgrounds, the stronger the world becomes.

I agree with Alan, in that the media sells extremism and divisiveness.

I’m with you, Edward, in that I think everyone “creates” their own path to God. It may or may not conform precisely to the teachings and theology of a particular sect - I think that depends more on the community of believers you come across and the religious role models you admire (both of which are very human elements) than on God.

My relationship with God is somehow separate from the human experience of religion. Religion can help (or hinder) a relationship with God, by providing insights, rituals, and communities of people that support our beliefs in God. But I’ve been through stages in my life where I thought that organized religions were doing more harm in the world than good. I still have my moments of thinking that. I also have some wonderfully supportive moments with my faith community (in a small Methodist church) that make it clear to me that a community of believers is a wonderful thing.

I’m here to learn. And to help continue what Suzanne, Ranya and Prescilla have started.

My parents, both from Poland, survived the Nazi Holocuast. I was raised in a moderately religious, somewhat isolated environment. Having seen the side of my faith that puts its own survival at the forefront of its values, I have some insight into our needs and actions.

Because of world events, my recent association with some Muslims and some literature that I’ve read, my views have been evolving. I managed to get one idea published in the NY Times on 10/2/06 (a 150-word Letter to the Editor). It basically states that in order to combat extremism, we must see more role models and leaders who hold the moderate viewpoint of combating injustice (people like Mandela and Ghandi), and the media must end its fascination with extremists and instead promote the moderate view.

I’ve written more, but they have not been published. Maybe I’ll have better luck with this blog. The goal is to spread the word to foster the reconcilaition of nations and religions.

I’m so pleased that Suzanne, Ranya, and Prescilla have taken such an important step in their lives, chose to share it, and are asking all of us to find ways to act. We just started a new year, and my vision is to have greater understanding - less ignorance - which will eliminate the fears we have amongst us that drive us to bitter conflicts.

I hope to post more soon.

My name is Edward, and I fell in love with The Faith Club not too long ago - less than a month. I gave it as a gift to my World Civ teacher, who remains a very open-minded Catholic and very supportive.

I don’t actually have a religion, but seem to have come to a point I find I “transcend” religion. I don’t have a religion identity, because I understand the key of all the locks each faith seems to be attempting to find: love. I am a big perponent of Mysticism and have fallen in love with Paul, Rabia, Hadith (I think that is his name) and others of all faiths. I will be honest in saying I am often moved to tears - through their words or others. It seems like I cry all the time.

It is very frustrating, however. I have looked into many faiths - Christianity (Catholic, Gnostic); Islam; Judaism; Buddhism; Hinduism; Paganism; Wicca; etc. And yet, I can’t seem to be able to devote myself to one. I am moved by the Christ, but question the nature of Jesus. I enjoy the skeptical wisdom and debate of Judiasm, the open heart of Islam, the riddles of Buddhism and the understanding of Hinduism.

Basically, I think I’m forming my own. But enough about me: How about anyone else?