I just heard a great presentation at my church about how Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King used the Bible in making his arguments against segregation in America, and I was struck by the parallels between his work and the work of Shirin Ebadi, a female judge, lawyer and civil rights activist in Iran.  Ebadi’s marvelous book, Iran Awakening, illustrates how Ebadi uses the Quran to argue for the equal rights of women and the just treatment of all people in Iran.  Like King, she has risked all and been willing to go to jail in her efforts to raise people’s consciousness about the equal dignity of all people.  After reflecting on King and Ebadi, I was struck by how both the Bible and the Quran have both been used to uphold unjust beliefs, yet how in bold, compassionate and reasoned hands they can be persuasively used to call upon all of us to help build a world in which all people are treated equally.

For an illustration on how King used the Bible and the constitution to argue for equal rights, read his Letter from the Birmingham Jail.  For more on Ebadi, check out her book, Iran Awakening, which is for sale on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com. 

– Suzanne Oliver

We’d like to thank those of you who gave copies of The Faith Club to friends and family as holiday gifts and welcome new readers into our community.  Please take this opportunity to introduce yourself. Tell us about your faith or religion. And tell us about why or how you practice that religion. (For previous posts on this topic, see our blog archives.)

We’ve signed the petition for the withdrawal of the Left Behind: Eternal Forces video game, which teaches religious intolerance by encouraging players to kill all those who don’t convert to Christianity at the end of time.  If you would like to find out more or sign the petition, visit the Crosswalk America or Jews on First website.

A Virginia Republican Congressman thinks that the newly elected Muslim Congressman Keith Ellison presents a threat to America’s traditional values. Why? Simply because Ellison is a Muslim.  Congressman-elect Ellison’s decision to use a Koran at his swearing in at Congress has been called a threat to civilization.  (See article.) Why do so many Americans find it impossible to differentiate between an ordinary Muslim and a terrorist like al-Zawahri? Is there anything wrong with swearing on a Koran? Does the Virginia Congressman not realize that there are many violent passages in the Bible that he will place his right hand upon when he is sworn in?

What do you say to strangers or write on the holiday cards you send?  Suzanne used to worry about sending “Christmas” cards to Jewish friends.  This year, she  added “Happy Hannukah” or “Enjoy the Holidays” to her Christmas greeting when sending cards to Jewish friends. Meanwhile, Ranya received a card from a Christian who apologized for not crossing out “Merry Christmas” in the card’s greeting.  What do you think is the right thing to say?  

It’s December, and we’re seeing the usual hot-headed debate over the meaning of Christmas in America today.  One rabbi threatened to sue over Christmas trees in the Sea-Tac airport. Meanwhile, at least one Jewish woman doesn’t have a problem participating in Christmas. (See article.)   She’s got a Santa on her rooftop. Does Santa offend you? Does Christmas? How do you celebrate (or not!)?

Don’t be afraid of asking tough questions on this blog, of expressing ignorance or preconceptions. Use this as an opportunity to ask someone of another faith about how they feel about your own religion, God, prayer, rituals, heaven or anything else related to faith.

Evangelical Christians believe it is their duty to convert others to the Christian religion in order for them to receive salvation.  Do you believe you should try to convert others to your own religion? Why or why not?

Have you converted from one religion to another?  Tell us what led you to your decision.  In The Faith Club, Suzanne tells about why she left the Catholic Church for the Episcopal Church. She feels more comfortable in a place where women can be priests, where priests can marry, where rules are more relaxed and doctrine is open to a wider array of approaches.  Do you agree or disagree with her decision?

What is your opinion of interfaith relationships?  Have you ever loved someone from another faith?  What particular challenges do these relationships face?  Do you have any relevant stories to share?