The Abrahamic Encounter: Local Initiatives Large Implications

In these times of increasingly contentious politics and uncivil discourse in the United States the ongoing encounter of adherents of the Abrahamic faiths in the American heartland offers a model of positive interfaith relations. Edited by a Muslim a Jew and a Christian this volume describes the three goals of the Central Ohio Abrahamic encounter: Enhancing mutual understanding and relationships disseminating accurate information about the three major Abrahamic traditions (Judaism Christianity and Islam) and contributing to the general betterment of society. Here is a local story that can inform--even inspire--other communities across the country and around the globe. Topics include beliefs scripture and interpretation historical illustrations and legacies contemporary challenges and possibilities and group dynamics especially majority-minority relationships among American Christians Jews and Muslims. This volume will appeal to the growing audience for interfaith resources. The inclusion of several essays by noted religious scholars and leaders chosen for their significance to the Central Ohio Abrahamic encounter sets this volume apart from other publications on local initiatives. It is well suited for individual or group study in churches synagogues mosques and interfaith organizations and can be assigned for undergraduate and graduate/seminary courses on Abrahamic relations or interfaith relations generally. This ambitious collection celebrates and analyzes the dialogue of civilizations that is taking place right in the heart of America. Dr. Jalil Dr. Hosansky and Dr. Numrich are true leaders in interfaith bridge-building and along with their contributors shed light through this collection on how others--both here in America and throughout the world--can begin the vital work of healing a fractured world. --Ambassador Akbar Ahmed Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies American University Washington DC Three prominent interfaith leaders in Columbus Ohio Dr. Mazhar Jalil a Muslim Dr. Norman Hosansky a Jew and Dr. Paul Numrich a Christian commenced a still ongoing public dialogue about their respective faiths. These admirable men have inspired hundreds of Jews Muslims and Christians in Greater Columbus to build ties of communication and cooperation and have successfully role modeled how it can be done in metropolitan areas across America. --Marc Schneier Rabbi; President Foundation for Ethnic Understanding Mazhar Jalil received his PhD in biology from the University of Waterloo Canada and serves as a trustee of Islamic Foundation of Central Ohio Columbus. Norman Hosansky received his PhD in organic chemistry from Rutgers University and serves as a lay leader of Congregation Tifereth Israel Columbus. Paul D. Numrich received his PhD in religion from Northwestern University and serves as a professor at Methodist Theological School in Ohio and Trinity Lutheran Seminary.