| abstract |
The Interfaith Sacred Journey ministry visits transform those previously seen as "the other," specifically in non-Christian faith traditions, into recognized neighbors in the community. Interreligious dialogues serve to promote valuable interfaith engagement with the hosting faith tradition. Positive interfaith interactions result in unexpected enlightenment and transformation for participants and the hosting faith tradition.
The Interfaith Sacred Journey visits are an essential pathway to dispel and dismantle myths, stereotypes, misconceptions and misunderstandings of other faith traditions, Christian and non-Christian. Learning first-hand and in person allows for an authentic and deeper understanding of our neighbors, who do not worship like us, the strangers. Engagement in interfaith visits enacts the commandment to love our neighbor, transforming it to an action and no longer Scripture written on a page in the Bible. The principles of loving your neighbor and the Golden Rule are embodied in practice, fostering active interfaith engagement and encouraging all as people of God.
Overall, surveys demonstrated a positive view of faith traditions visited along with enlightenment and transformation in participants, which is the goal of the Interfaith Sacred Journey ministry. Participants are enlightened and transformed leading to personal and community enlightenment and transformation through local interfaith engagement in their neighborhoods and churches.
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