Saturday, July 21, 2018

Some Basic Guidelines for Effective Interfaith Dialogue


Attorney Jonathan D. Strum holds degrees from the Georgetown University Law Center and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he won best oralist in the Eastern Regional of International Law Moot Court Competition in 1984. Currently, he serves as a partner at his law office in Washington, DC, in addition to serving as the United States counsel for Planet Energy, a Canadian energy marketing firm. Along with his professional responsibilities, Jonathan Strum is accomplished in interfaith dialogue. 

Also referred to as interreligious dialogue, interfaith dialogue occurs when individuals of different religious beliefs or traditions engage and cooperate with one another. Often, interfaith dialogue aims to increase understanding of other religious groups. This not only helps to improve relations between groups of different faiths, but also breaks down barriers, stereotypes, and other causes of tension. 

For effective interfaith dialogue to take place, individuals should be prepared to learn about the other faith(s) and be sure to be respectful of one another and speak with honesty. Each individual should also be given an equal chance to speak, although no one should feel pressured to discuss subjects unless he or she is comfortable doing so. 

When differences arise, each individual should avoid being disagreeable or rude. A good faith effort should be made to listen without judgment and empathize with other points of view. Finally, the discussion should be viewed as an opportunity for each individual to truly share his or her heart and mind.