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Rahul Subramaniam

Going deep

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by
Rahul Subramaniam
on March 27th, 2010 at 07:42 PM (311 Views)
When I began interfaith work, I was terrified of disagreement. Members of different faiths coming together is beautiful; I did not want to spoil a relationship by broaching a controversial topic. So I limited my discussion to compassion and anti-poverty.

For a time, this was a good strategy. However, my relationships with people of other faiths deepened when we explored divergences. Tackling differences with respect leads to greater understanding. Respect entails listening intently and remaining open to modifying opinions. Greater understanding is a primary purpose of interfaith dialogue. As a Hindu, I tend to seek underlying similarities between faiths and dismiss differences as trivial. This is not advisable. Ironically, acknowledging and embracing differences leads to stronger bonds of friendship.
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  1. Delaine - March 28th, 2010 03:11 AM
    Delaine's Avatar
    Very well said. I agree with you 100%. For a lot of people discussing the "differences" between us is a taboo subject. I've come to appreciate our differences and I see it more as an opportunity to learn about cultures and traditions that I knew little about before. For me, interfaith is about building my cultural and religious knowledge, celebrating diversity, and recognizing the common good in all human beings.

    Thanks for sharing this with us I look forward to reading more about you!
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  2. Sam - March 31st, 2010 11:47 AM
    Sam's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Rahul Subramaniam
    Greater understanding is a primary purpose of interfaith dialogue.
    I agree! Congrats on your first blog post here Rahul. Big thanks on being the 2nd interfaith blog on this site. I look forward to your weekly posts.
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  3. Souhila Aouali - March 31st, 2010 11:56 AM
    Souhila Aouali's Avatar
    Thank you Rahul for your comment! and I join your ideas at 100%. It is true that talking about similarities can bring people together but it will only bring them around what they have in common! BUT knowing and exploring differences is much powerful because it brings people to respect their differences and to build stronger and much specific links !...when we come to understand the differences between us, we in fact come to discover new dimensions through which stronger relationships and more reasonable and intelligent dialogues are built !

    I am ambitious to discover the new dimensions that you're offering to us !

    Thank you for sharing !!!
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