I teach and do workshops on Pluralism – respecting the otherness of the other in religion, politics, culture, and the workplace. In our next program, we will invite June and Sidiki to speak about the right way they have learned to respect the otherness of the other.
This week is about the essence of Christianity and Islam, next week, it will be about Hinduism and Christianity.
Since June and Sidiki come from two different faith backgrounds, I am pleased to share a few notes:
Sidiki grew up in an Islamic tradition where the emphasis is placed on human dignity, equality, and caring for each other.
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. In his last sermon on March 6, 632 AD had said, “All humankind is from Adam and Eve, and the summary is all are equal, and no one is more privileged than the other. Thomas Jefferson incorporated similar ideal 1144 years later in our immortal declaration of independence, that all men are created equal.
Islam has a huge role in his life; it made him a good, charitable, and caring person that June adores. Prayer has taught him the importance of self-care, punctuality, and humility.
Do you know humility builds relationships, and arrogance kills them? Fasting has taught him patience and understanding of what it is like to be hungry when millions of people out there have no food. Zakat is another Islamic tradition that has taught him compassion and helped him respect June immensely.
Indeed, a religion makes one a good human being and a great citizen. I am so happy to hear how Sidiki will be a great husband to June. Indeed, that is all parents want, their daughter and sons to lead a happy life- Right?
June grew up in Christian tradition, which has taught her forgiveness, repentance, and unconditional love. She is raised with a belief in the Holy Spirit, the Church, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Jesus taught us how to love our fellow humans, as we all are God’s Children.
He taught us forgiveness. Each of us has complicated relationships with family members, friends, customers, clients, and community members. Take the time to forgive and seek forgiveness to start life with a clean slate from that day forward.
Forgiving is a practical thing to restore harmony among people, and that is what God wants. It brings clarity to the foggy mind, and you feel liberated.
When you forgive someone, you are not doing a favor to the other, but you are cleaning up yourselves. Forgiveness is a beautiful Christian value that contributes to the well-being of individuals, family members, communities, and nations.
June and Sidiki, you have two beautiful religious traditions, and it will bring completeness and fulfillment to your relationships. It will bring you happiness, which is what parents want – for their offspring to be happy.
Let me say this, your Marriage is very patriotic – you are creating one nation under God, and that is all God wants – harmony and peace amongst his creation.
Mike Ghouse – Wedding Officiant – www.InterfaithMarriages.org
President, Center for Pluralism www.CenterforPluralism.com
Persona site – www.TheGhouseDiary.com