The Faith Club by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, and Priscilla Warner
Book Summary:
Three mothers from three faiths: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism got together to write a picture book for their children that would highlight the connections between their religions. They realized that before they could talk about what united them they had to confront what divided them in matters of faith, God, and religion. Somewhere along the way, their moments of conflict, frustration, and anger gave way to new understanding and great respect.
Book Review:
by Jolene Mckenna. I enjoyed getting to know Ranya, Suzanne and Priscilla. There were some key points that I will capture here. Reading this journal style book did feel slow at times which made it hard to continue. I would have liked the key points to be highlighted so I could skim some of the journal entries. I am about half way through the book and the book club meets in 2 days, I don't see how I will finish the book by then. Not that it is difficult to read, just very slow. All in all, I am very glad I am reading it. I think this would be a better book to use in a study group where you read one or two chapters a week and discuss your reflections with others.
Fasting during Ramadan. Ranya shared a story where she attempted to fast, however, she was told she was too young, that her growing body needed nourishment. Instead, her grandmother advised her to participate in the control of her temper or to give a thirsty person a glass of water before taking care of her own thirst. This she was told, was a sure way to get to heaven.
Who is Muhammad? Ranya shares that Muslims believe Muhammad is the last of a series of twenty-five messengers and prophets, starting with Adam and including Moses and Jesus, who were sent by God to guide people to the right path. Muhammad was born in 570 and died in 632. Muslims believe that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which means peaceful surrender to the will of God, are three forms of one religions, which was the religion of the prophet Abraham.
Could you convert? These three ladies have discovered something different than their own religion. They reflect on how they came to their religion, how visceral it is. Judaism, Muslims.. are they born into their faith due to being Jewish or Arab? Suzanne invited Ranya to the Easter services, Priscilla still struggled over the crucifixion and her accused Jewish ancestors. Much how these three ladies opened up to learn about each others religions and beliefs, I was enjoying learning more about Islam and Judaism. Could I convert? Although I was raised a Catholic, where my Mom acted more of a spotter (when you are on a trampoline you have a spotter who is there to catch you if you fall but they are not on the trampoline with you) than a participant, my believe in God or a higher power was solid. I didn't know much about God but I sure felt His presence. I didn't really know Jesus Christ though, couldn't say that I was doing anything other than following the precepts of the church. One day while I was at church during a child's baptism and we were asked to read the Apostles' Creed I stopped in my tracks. I thought, I can't say this because I don't know if I believe it. I can't commit to pray for this child as a child of Jesus unless I really believe. At that moment I told myself "Jolene, it is time you decided if you believe in Jesus or not!" I prayed about it, I read the bible. Then one day not too long after I was reading the new testament. It may have been from John 1:35-36, but I am not certain. All I know is I couldn't take my eyes off the words on the page 'Lamb of God' and they seem to be the only words on that page and almost glow. I was almost in a state of suspended animation then I shouted "Oh my, Jesus died for ME! He was the sacrifice for ME! Once and for all!" Just imagine a dear friend sacrificing his most treasured possession for you. My heart filled with love for Him. Since then Jesus has become my best friend, my confidant, my spotter. I am intrigued by the Muslim faith, I admire the discipline of practicing Jews, but for me... I love Jesus and he is my choice.
Other Reflections: These are additional reflections that I made note of and were discussed in our book club meeting. Some are comments from one of the women that struck me, others are how I reflected on what I read.
- God shows no partiality
- What does it really mean "I am the way to the Father". Was it really as simple as follow my teaching?
- Does the promise of eternity in heaven result in us not being the best we can be while we are on earth?
- Priscilla deals with her Jewish guilt in Jesus' crucifixion.
- Is God a conditional God? Approval only if I...pray...wash...dress a certain way...eat a certain food???
- The love of God is greater than any suffering. God enables us to transcend suffering.
- Reflect on the difference of being an American and a Christian. Separation of Church and State. Many of us are distanced from the historical or biblical land issues. Is Israel simply a metaphor?
- Jesus lived with persecution (as were the Apostles). How many Christian followers were crucified, burned at the stake, beheaded?
- God of Abraham is the God of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
- Jesus and Moses were both Jews.. What was Muhammad? Follower of Ishmael, He studied Jesus.
- Did Jesus die for all our sins? What about original sin?
- Jews don't have the promise of an afterlife, but God will keep his covenant with the Jews.
- Crucifixion: What Christians hold to what Jews turn from.
- Muslims believe in the Virgin Birth. Do Muslims look at Jesus as we look at Isaiah?
- I was in Istanbul during Ramadan and saw an If tar. Feeding of the poor. Ranya's mother told her that as a young child she should not fast but should perform acts of goodness during Ramadan.
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