Curriculum

Lesson Six: Ethics and Theologies of Interfaith Cooperation

This lesson invites learners to consider stories, figures, and experiences from their own traditions that support their interfaith work. 

Ethics and Theologies of Interfaith Cooperation

This lesson invites learners to consider stories, figures, and experiences from their own traditions that support their interfaith work. We encourage learners to use these elements to develop their own ethic or theology of interfaith cooperation. 

6.1: What is an Ethic or Theology of Interfaith Cooperation?

The third area of knowledge for interfaith leadership is what we call an ethic or theology of interfaith cooperation. This personal ethic, derived from the texts, figures, history, and art of one’s own tradition, is explained in detail in this video. We will also identify how this ethic or theology can and should be used by interfaith leaders in different contexts. 

Discussion Questions

  • Identify someone in your own tradition who engages in this work. Can you discern an ethic or theology of interfaith cooperation in how they do the work they do? Do their reasons resonate with you? What are other things from your tradition that motivate you to do this work that they don’t mention?

6.2: Ethics of Interfaith Cooperation for the Field

In this series of interviews, young professionals share their ethics and theologies of interfaith cooperation and reflect on how they use them in their own interfaith leadership. 

Discussion Questions

  • Of the stories and examples shared in the video, identify 1-2 stories you had not heard before that helped you to build your appreciative knowledge of another religious tradition. 

6.3: Building Relationships Across Difference (Interfaith Focus)

Facilitating dialogue is one of the most important and difficult skills of interfaith leadership. This module introduces methods to successfully facilitate dialogue and move discussion into action. 

Discussion Questions

  • When and how is it appropriate to address issues of radical difference even within shared values? What is the appropriate balance between acknowledging differences on the one hand and commonalities on the other?

6.3: Building Relationships Across Difference (Bridgebuilding Focus)

Facilitating dialogue is one of the most important and difficult skills of bridgebuilding. This module introduces methods to successfully facilitate dialogue and move discussion into action. 

Discussion Questions

  • When and how is it appropriate to address issues of radical difference even within shared values? What is the appropriate balance between acknowledging differences on the one hand and commonalities on the other?

6.4: Ethics and Theologies of Interfaith Cooperation Summary and Reflection

This summative module reviews the concept and purpose of ethics and theologies of interfaith cooperation and reflects on how effective dialogue facilitation helps build relationships and grow interfaith cooperation. 

Discussion Questions

  • What is your ethic of interfaith cooperation or bridgebuilding?

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