Faith And The City :: Resources :: Faith And The City TV Forum

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

Topic: Perspectives on Interfaith Dialogue
Recorded: March 3, 2003
First Aired: March 18, 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:

Ms. Shelley Rose
Associate Director, Southeast Region, Anti-Defamation League

Rev. Dr. Gilbert "Budd" Friend-Jones
Pastor, Central Congregational Church

Ms. Tayyibah Taylor
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Azizah Magazine

The following questions are offered to encourage discussion of "Interfaith Dialogue."

1. It has been suggested that interfaith dialogue is essential in an increasingly pluralistic society and world. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

2. Does your faith have what one panelist described as a "mission imperative" -- a clearly defined responsibility for people of your faith to share the truths of that faith with people of other faiths?

3. 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?

4. When does interfaith dialogue become proselytizing -- that is, an attempt to convert a dialogue partner from his or her faith to your own faith?

5. Can you be true to your faith and yet listen openly and respectfully to the religious views of other faith traditions?

6. What can you do to ease tensions and increase understanding of other faith traditions?

There is a quick and easy way to express your view on any public issue to our elected and appointed leaders: You can find email addresses for hundreds of leaders from the local to the national level by visiting the "contacts" section of our website at http://www.faithandthecity.org. Why not email your views to your representatives in city, county, state, or federal government? You can do it now by clicking here.