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Interfaith Leadership Video Series​

Curriculum

Lesson Two: Key Concepts of Interfaith Leadership

In this lesson, learners will be introduced to some of the primary concepts and social theories that support the interfaith movement in the United States today.

Key Concepts of Interfaith Leadership

In this lesson, learners will be introduced to some of the primary concepts and social theories that support the interfaith movement in the United States today. These lessons equip learners to understand the world around them through the lens of interfaith cooperation, and to begin putting their own interfaith leadership skills into practice.

2.1: Interfaith in American Democracy

This module takes a closer look at the particular opportunities and challenges of interfaith leadership in a religiously diverse democracy such as the United States. 

Discussion Questions

  • Do you agree with Eck’s notion of pluralism as a response to diversity? Explain why or why not.

2.2: Models of Religious Diversity

This module lays the groundwork for understanding the potential influence of interfaith leadership in today’s world. We clarify the difference between diversity and pluralism, and discuss common responses to increasing diversity, including positive, negative, and apathetic. We also share a three-step process for transforming diversity into pluralism – the ultimate goal of interfaith leadership. 

Discussion Questions

  • Have you seen these different responses to diversity in your own life?
  • In your experience, have you found that cooperation with people of other religious traditions has changed you? If so, how?

2.3: Exploring Social Capital

Viewers will learn about the important theory of social capital, and how our relationships and networks can be leveraged to increase pluralism and work towards the common good. We distinguish between bridged and bonded social capital, and offer real-world examples of bridged social capital averting violence between religious and civic groups. 

Discussion Questions

  • What are some of the social networks of which you are a part, both present and historical?
  • Are there any ways in which they have benefitted you?

2.4 Key Concepts Summary

This video summarizes the big ideas of this lesson and invites learners to consider how they fit into the larger context of American Pluralism. 

Discussion Questions

  • What motivates someone to be an interfaith leader? Where does this leadership begin?
  • How might I motivate someone to join me?
  • Does interfaith depend on altruism? Or does it serve distinct communities or individuals’ self interest?

More Lessons

Lesson One: Introduction to Interfaith Leadership

We define interfaith leadership and give an overview of the structure, topics, and tactics of the entire course.

Lesson Three: Identity of an Interfaith Leader

Explore Interfaith Leadership as both an identity category and an individual commitment.

Lesson Four: Cultivating Appreciative Knowledge

Learn methods for cultivating appreciative knowledge of other religious beliefs, practices, and worldviews.

Lesson Five: Historical Examples of Interfaith Cooperation

Discover key historical moments of interfaith engagement that today’s interfaith leaders can learn from.

Lesson Six: Ethics and Theologies of Interfaith Cooperation

Consider stories, figures, and experiences from their own traditions that support their interfaith work.

Lesson Seven: The Movement Now

Examines opportunities and challenges present in the current interfaith movement.

Lesson Eight: Interfaith Leadership in Action

Synthesize the core ideas presented throughout the series and summarize key strategies and approaches.