For the last time, the book we are reading from was written by Dr. Charles Kimball. Dr. Kimball is an ordained Baptist minister, as well as, a professor specializing in religious studies. He has a Th.D. in comparative religion with a focus on Islam. Dr. Kimball is also the author of other books, most of which focus on religions and conflict.
The chapter begins with Dr. Kimball talking about Jerusalem and how this city is a religious symbol (and a prime example of the mix between religion and politics) for more than half the world’s population. He says people of all three Abrahamic faiths should pray for peace in Jerusalem. For it is a holy city which they all hold dear. He then talks about an Arabic proverb which states: “Trust God but tie up your camel first,” which means while faith is important, it does not mean we should sit idly by. He then talks about how biblical figures preach action as much as faith, such as Moses confronting the Pharaoh when trying to save his people. He also tells of the Prophet Muhammad, and how Muhammad led his people to Medina so they could form their community without persecution.
Next off, the following section is titled “A Hopeful Way Forward.” Dr. Kimball begins by summarizing what has been covered in the book. He talks about how we have learned about people of the Abrahamic faiths, and how we have discussed the challenges which have arisen in these religions. We have learned none of these religions have a clear-cut plan for how a government should work. We have also learned these religions aren’t one monolithic, homogenous entity, but rather they are made up of hundreds (upon thousands) of different communities. He says this last chapter will focus on what should be done to combat extremism, as well as intolerance.
Continuing, the next section focuses on how to combat Religious illiteracy. It starts off with reminding us of the religious knowledge study done in America. An overwhelming number of Americans lack a basic understanding of the most basic details of the world religions. Even though 80% of Americans describe themselves as Christian, many could not even name the first book of the Bible. This goes to show that an important step towards progress is basic religious literacy. A hopeful sign for this is enrollments in Religious Studies have significantly increased since the 9/11 attacks. Many Mosques and Churches have created programs for education and question answering. There is a global growing effort to spread religious pluralism and education. Dr. Kimball starts to talk about books, such as Three Cups of Tea, which give a unaltered look at religious conflict, issues, and progress, all while telling a story about a fight for better education.
Following, the next section focuses on what people can do to reach out to others. One of the most successful ways to reach out, is to start or participate in interfaith dialogues. There are hundreds of ways to do this. There are many religious institutions which already have programs for this, or if you would like to do it a different way, you can set up your own program. Many American Jews, and Muslims will encourage, and invite those not of their faith to participate in holidays and traditions. This is a great way to learn about faith, but is also a great way to connect to people of a different faith. Pope John Paul II (as well as the current Pope) promoted dialogue between people of different faiths. There have been Catholics who have preached anti-Muslim sentiment, but there has also been back and forth discussion between the two faiths, because they are both aware they make up more than half the world population. This means peace between these two religions is vital for world peace. There is often a question on whether most Muslims denounce violence, for in the media it is does not seem this way. There are efforts from all over the globe to curb these thoughts. For the overwhelming majority of Muslims practice their religion peacefully and denounce the violence of extremist groups. There have also been many Jewish organizations which have formed interfaith programs. These same programs are dedicated to understanding and coming together. Dr. Kimball notes you do not need to have a deep and rigorous understanding of religions to be an active participant in one of these groups. It is important to learn about each other on a personal level, because this personal knowledge is what tears down the ideas that religions are monolithic.
Moving on, the next section is about religion and politics in the 21st century. As Dr. Kimball, has said, there is always a connection between religions and politics, the framework in which this is true, is different from instance to instance. The United States has maintained a unique model for religious freedom and pluralism. While it provides arguably one of the best models, it is not without its flaws, as seen with religious conflicts in the past. In the U.S., religious disagreement does not usually end with violent fighting, but rather with civil debate (a better outcome). Religious minority groups should always be protected, and it is important for those in the majority to defend the rights of the minority group. In some countries in the Middle East, if you are not part of the religious majority, you are subjected to a lower class of citizenship. However, in places like Iran, they are trying to form a consensus of how to create an Islamic state with intertwined participatory democracy.
Finishing up, the last section is called “the Next 10 Years.” Dr. Kimball finishes the book by saying that the next 10 years will be the most difficult. The joke is the next 10 years are always difficult, and this time-period is not utterly unique in the grand scheme of things. The stakes may be higher, but the road to peace is still available.
All in all, this closing chapter to the book wrapped everything up nicely. It not only summed most of the book up, but it listed ways and things people can do to try and spread religious awareness and tolerance. It served as a good way to finish the book, and this part of the class.