FOOD FOR THOUGHT...SOMETHING FOR US ALL TO CONSIDER...
Peace,
It has been stated, repeatedly, that this site has a membership of individuals of various faiths. To discuss issues that are pertaining to a particular community is like airing dirty laundry in the public, in my opinion. Especially without explaining everything in the process.
There are groups that have a specific membership composition that would have a definite interest in their particular group matters. Discussing group issues in that group is highly appropriate. Does the Jewish community go to the Christian community to address Jewish concerns? Does the Christian community go to the Muslim community to discuss address their community concerns.
We all know that there are various levels of friendship. That is why we call some people close friends. Or my homeboy or homegirl. You may have a gym friend that you go to the gym and enjoy certain exercise with. Or maybe even my friends on the job or from work. You can also have an inter-faith friend.
Example: If I started talking to my gym friends about my home life, my work life or something that they may have no interest, what do you think will happen? The would likely get turned off and not want to be in my presence. Some may want to be in my presence, but I may lose the audience or ear of others. And that may depend on my target audience. If I'm trying to be inclusive I'll say things to include. If I'm trying to be exclusive my approach would be of a different nature.
All people of faith have a common interest, in my opinion. Should people of other faiths, expect each other to help in the day to day care of the specific religious life? Should Christians expect Jews or Muslims or Budhist to uphold and perform the various rituals specific to that faith: communion, baptism, Bar mitzvah, fasting, etc., etc? I think not.
But that doesn't mean that we can't have dialogue and share belief in what we do have in common. African Americans of all religious stripes have a great story of struggle, a great of overcoming tremendous forms of oppression as well as great successes. We can still all learn from each others knowledge, compassion and spirit to press on in spite of the obstacles.
Right?
It has been stated, repeatedly, that this site has a membership of individuals of various faiths. To discuss issues that are pertaining to a particular community is like airing dirty laundry in the public, in my opinion. Especially without explaining everything in the process.
There are groups that have a specific membership composition that would have a definite interest in their particular group matters. Discussing group issues in that group is highly appropriate. Does the Jewish community go to the Christian community to address Jewish concerns? Does the Christian community go to the Muslim community to discuss address their community concerns.
We all know that there are various levels of friendship. That is why we call some people close friends. Or my homeboy or homegirl. You may have a gym friend that you go to the gym and enjoy certain exercise with. Or maybe even my friends on the job or from work. You can also have an inter-faith friend.
Example: If I started talking to my gym friends about my home life, my work life or something that they may have no interest, what do you think will happen? The would likely get turned off and not want to be in my presence. Some may want to be in my presence, but I may lose the audience or ear of others. And that may depend on my target audience. If I'm trying to be inclusive I'll say things to include. If I'm trying to be exclusive my approach would be of a different nature.
All people of faith have a common interest, in my opinion. Should people of other faiths, expect each other to help in the day to day care of the specific religious life? Should Christians expect Jews or Muslims or Budhist to uphold and perform the various rituals specific to that faith: communion, baptism, Bar mitzvah, fasting, etc., etc? I think not.
But that doesn't mean that we can't have dialogue and share belief in what we do have in common. African Americans of all religious stripes have a great story of struggle, a great of overcoming tremendous forms of oppression as well as great successes. We can still all learn from each others knowledge, compassion and spirit to press on in spite of the obstacles.
Right?
Yes...and thank you so much for this teaching moment as I enjoy learning about your NDB practices (smile)