Getting to Heart of Interfaith: The Eye-Opening, Hope-Filled Friendship of a Pastor, a Rabbi & an Imam

In this short but inspiring volume, the authors suggest meaningful dialogue is possible only when we let go of the fears that prevent us from listening to one another. We don't need to be threatened by beliefs or practices that differ from our own. We can remain secure in our own traditions, while opening ourselves to new perspectives. As we learn to listen more deeply, we discover and are enriched by the unique insights of each faith tradition. The "three amigos" recount their religious journeys, personal practices, and share what each of them loves, questions, and wants us to know about his own religion. These revealing and moving stories capture the essence of spirituality - the wellspring of life from which humanity emerges, the face of God reflected in each of us.

It is wonderful to read about three men from different faiths come to the conclusion that "interfaith" understanding is so important to this country and the world. The honesty, vulnerability and love that each author exhibits in his writing makes this book a remarkable read.

I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of how the Abrahamic faiths can operate in a real-world, open-hearted, spiritual context. Although the work is integrative in many respects, the content and approach serve to enrich the reader's understanding of each tradition in its own right. The content ranges from engaging personal stories, to exploration of specific content from religious teachings, to guides on how to initiate and support dialogue among people of different religious and spiritual backgrounds. The authors explore what they find beautiful as well as what they find uncomfortable in their traditions, and do so in a manner that invites inquiry and evokes hope.

Do not be deceived by the light-hearted, easy-going appearance of this slim paperback book. Inside its covers you will find a surprising depth of experience that will evoke a full range of emotional responses. A Christian pastor, a Jewish Rabbi and a Muslim Sheikh share their courageous journey that began on 9/11 and continues to deepen and broaden every day. They take us beyond the safe zones of interfaith dialogue, down the slippery slope of confronting the "truths and untruths" in each of their respective traditions. This is not a journey for the faint of heart. Nor is this a theoretical account of what "could be" or "should be," but it is rather an honest, practical guide to what can be, and even what must be if we are to achieve peace and reconciliation in our time. As Jamal says, "Only that which comes from the heart can open the heart." Read this book, take it to heart, and share it with others, and you will experience the truth in these words.

This book is written for every human being with a heart. You will feel your heart open to love and kindness in just the first few pages. I am buying it for several of my friends as a gift of hope for the future, knowing that this book promotes a healing, understanding and love. As Rabbi Ted says, "From Strength to Strength, PEACE to PEACE and from love to love. We can all use a little help.