Pastor Don MacKenzie, Rabbi Ted Falcon and Imam Jamal Rahman started working together after the tragic events of 9/11. Since then, the Seattle-based “Amigos” have brought spiritual wisdom and humor to audiences in the U.S., Canada, Israel, Palestine and Japan. Their program, “Religion Gone Astray,” is also the topic of their second book, Religion Gone Astray - What We Found at the Heart of Interfaith, which was published last year. In both their program and the book, the Amigos deliver a courageous message that it is possible to reach across the divisions of our polarized times and religions and find not only common cause but also hope and affection.
Expanding on the conversation started with their very successful first book, the Interfaith Amigos probe more deeply into the problem aspects of our religious institutions to provide a profound understanding of the nature of what divides us. They identify four common problem areas in the Abrahamic faiths:
Exclusivity: Staking Claim to a One and Only Truth
Violence: Justifying Brutality in the Name of Faith
Inequality of Men and Women: The Patriarchal Stranglehold on Power
Homophobia: A Denial of Legitimacy
They explore the origins of these issues and the ways critics use these beliefs as divisive weapons. And they present ways we can use these vulnerabilities to open doors for the collaboration required to address our common issues, more profound personal relationships, and true interfaith healing.
Mark your calendars and plan to attend this special event on Oct. 14. United Church in University Place is located at 3912 Grandview Dr. West in University Place.