- Examples of possible guidelines are: listening attentively when someone else is speaking, using “I” statements (I feel that …), or being able to pass on answering specific questions.
Identity
Eboo Patel, Acts of Faith (p. 69)I loved my work as a teacher, and I loved the people I was living with, but however I combined community, justice, and creativity, it did not add up to identity.
Although it should have felt like all the pieces of his life were coming together, Eboo still felt unsure of who he was. Seeing Brother Wayne’s connection to his Catholic tradition—and the way Brother Wayne used that connection to articulate a call to service—inspired and challenged Eboo to seek more.
- How did Brother Wayne help Eboo along his path to defining his identity? In what way did Brother Wayne give Eboo “wings” while encouraging his “roots” (p.70)?
- Tell the story of the formation of your own religious or non-religious identity. ¥ When was a time you were unsure about your own values or identity? Were there any individuals or events that helped you have “wings” and “roots?”
- How do give voice to your religious or non-religious identity?
- What other identities do you hold? How do they inform your religious or non-religious identity? Do these identities ever come into tension?
Community
Eboo Patel, Acts of Faith (p. 119)That night, in prayer, I had a moment of stark clarity: I was part of the story of Islam. I was part of the story of pluralism. I was part of the story of ubuntu.”
While in South Africa, Eboo learns the South African term for the principle of human togetherness: ubuntu (p. 116). Eboo explains that it was because of this sense of human togetherness that South Africans chose pluralism and reconciliation over separatist politics and vengeance.
- How did Eboo’s previous experiences bring him to this moment of clarity? Which of these experiences do you think was most transformative?
- What stories are you a part of? Give an example of a time when you felt that you were a part of something larger than yourself.
- How can you engage others on campus or in your community? What motivates or inspires you to do so?
Reflection
Once your group completes this portion of the discussion, take a few minutes and discuss the following questions:
- What portion of today’s discussion was most meaningful or interesting? Why? What was the most challenging aspect of the conversation?
- Acts of Faith is the story of a young person reflecting on his values and using that to take action with others. How can young people in college take action on their values? What tools and support do they need?
- Eboo writes about the importance of pluralism. How does action on specific issues (poverty, hunger, the environment, etc.) strengthen interfaith work and enhance pluralism?
Conclusion
You have just discussed Eboo’s story as well as shared stories of identity, community, and action with each other. By coming together like this, you have been involved in building pluralism. Building pluralism requires young interfaith leaders to build relationships across identities, tell powerful stories to bridge divides, and act together on issues of common concern. The identities we hold, the stories we tell, and the actions we take all help contribute to the interfaith movement.
Related Resources
- Faith & Civic Life Acts of Faith: Teaching Modules
- Higher Education Book Discussion Guide: Out of Many Faiths: Religious Diversity and the American Promise
- Faith & Civic Life Sacred Ground Book Discussion Guide
