Interactive Faith: The Essential Interreligious Community-Building Handbook

“America is coming to a tipping point, a critical crossroads after which no one will be able to avoid dealing with our growing religious diversity.” So writes Heckman, a seasoned director of interfaith programs and former executive director of Religions for Peace–USA. This book, which brings together five original essays filled with case studies on interreligious dialogue, serves as a primer to those who may be new to the movement or find themselves in need of fresh ideas. Its basic premise is that the elements of commonality between religions are greater than their differences. Heckman starts out with a glossary of important terms, which are followed by essays on different ways to facilitate engagement. Eboo Patel, who is called a “rock star” of the movement, contributes a piece on his Interfaith Youth Core. The volume closes with a brief review of the dozen or so most common world religions, a thorough list of interfaith organizations and a comprehensive bibliography. This book should be required reading for clergy and anyone else interested in furthering the cause of pluralism. (Aug.)