Lesson Two: Key Concepts of Interfaith Leadership
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Lesson Two
In this lesson, students will be introduced to some of the primary concepts and social theories that support the interfaith movement in the United States today. By reviewing these concepts early in the course, students are equipped to better 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.
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.
2.3: Exploring Social Capital
Students 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 groups.
2.4 Key Concepts Summary
Eboo Patel will summarize the big ideas of this lesson and invite students to consider how they fit into the larger course.
