Hi

[Mehenwv]

I just found this place and am looking forward to learning about the different faiths represented here.

I do have a question. Can you tell me what kind of medal is used to make the interfaith necklace? I do want to order a couple of them but cannot find the particulars on how it was made.

[Delaine]

Hi Mehenwv,

Welcome to the Interfaithing community!

The necklace is made out of antiqued polished zinc. In the future we will have the necklace available in various metals.

[Mehenwv]

Thank you Delaine. I plan to order one when I get my pay check next week. My husband and I have actually just started attending a local UU church. It is a small congregation but there are people from many walks of life there: Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Earth, and some who have little or no religious background.

My husband and I are Muskogee Native American and practice the "Square Ground" way of life. Our rez is in Georgia so it is not easy to get there on a regular basis so the UU church seems to fill our needs closer to home between ceremony time at the rez.

I look forward to meeting the other members here and to learn about their various ways and practices.

[Mehenwv]

I was raised in a Christian home and will have to admit that I grew up with a lot of misconceptions, prejudices, and even negative thoughts about people of other faiths. It took many years of growing and maturing to realize that there are common threads running through most religions.

Personally, I have come to believe that religious beliefs and ceremonies are usually based on historical events that happen within the framework of a certain group of people. For example, the historical experiences of the Hebrew people were certainly different from the experiences of the Chinese, thus any religious ceremonies would reflect those historical differences. I could give more examples; however, I think you understand.

If one peels away the various ceremonies and really look deep into the core of each religion, one will find a core root of commonality. That is something we can all grasp. It then becomes possible to come together and share with each other and learn from each other without loosing our own cultural and religious identity.

I sincerely believe that it will be the people of 'faith' coming together with the common goal of peace who will ultimately win over the evils in this world. At least, we will be able to put up a formidable fight; however, if we remain divided in our own prejudicial corners, we won't stand a chance.

[Delaine]

I am very interested in Native Spirituality. I love their connection to the earth and all things living. Also, I've been learning a lot about UU lately and I am hooked, it seems like a very cool faith community.

Very interesting point about religious ceremonies being based on historical events. Very true!

It's great that even though you came form a background that wasn't so inclusive of other religions, you were still able to overcome those barriers and embrace interfaith. Gives me hope for humanity

Thank you for sharing your story, I hope it inspires others who came from a similar background to do the same!