Group Discussion Questions
Faith And The City Forum: Interfaith Dialogue on Public Issues

Topic/Title: "Fundamentalism and Our Religious Faith"
First Aired: May 21, at 7:30 AM

Faith And The City Forum is one of several initiatives by Faith And The City, a nonprofit organization that works to encourage a sense of community throughout the 20-county metro Atlanta region by amplifying the voices of the many religious traditions represented in the region.

Panelists for above discussion:

Dr. Jimmy R. Allen
Former President, Southern Baptist Convention

Dr. Jimmy Harper
National Conference on Community and Justice

Dr. Khalid Siddiq
Director, Al-Farooq Masjid of Atlanta

Rabbi Yossi New
Congregation Beth Tefillah

The following questions are offered to encourage discussion of this important public issue.

1. How do you define the terms fundamentalism and fundamentalist? Is there a difference between fundamentalism and fanaticism?

2. Using one panelist's definition, are you a fundamentalist and, if so, are you a fundamentalist with a capital "F" or a small "f"? The capital "F" is the fundamentalist who is intolerant of other faith traditions and willing to force people to accept his or her tradition. The small "f" fundamentalist is ardent in his or her faith, but respects the right of others to embrace other beliefs.

3. Does passionate religious faith ever justify religious intolerance?

4. Can members of your faith tradition be ardent, event fundamentalist, in their faith and, at the same time, accept the right of other people to embrace a different faith tradition?

5. Has the term "fundamentalist" applied indiscriminately to Islamic individuals and groups, especially since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks?

6. Are you a Muslim or do you know Muslims who have felt discriminated against since September 11? Regardless of your faith, have you experienced discrimination in any situation due to your religious beliefs? Please share how you or some one close to you felt as a victim of religious intolerance.

7. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all trace their roots to a common spiritual ancestor -- the patriarch Abraham. Can this common heritage provide sufficient common ground for shared dialogue and mutual tolerance today? Why or why not?

8. Does your faith have a "mission imperative" that calls people of your faith tradition to share the truths of that tradition with people of other faiths? How do you feel about trying to convert others to your faith or having others try to convert you to theirs?

9. Does your faith tradition maintain that people of other faith traditions -- no matter how faithful they may be -- will be denied salvation, eternal life, or paradise? Do you believe that claim to be true? Why or why not?

10. Do you know and dialogue with people of other faith traditions? Do you want to? Discuss ways that you might engage in such relationships.

11. Has this program or the associated discussion of the issue led you to any new ideas, insights, or resolve regarding this issue? If so, what will you do differently?

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