In "How to Read the Qur'an," Carl W. Ernst provides a scholarly framework for understanding the text through a literary and historical lens, rather than a purely theological one. He addresses the significant cultural barriers and modern anxieties that often prevent non-Muslim readers from engaging with the book in a fair-minded way. By advocating for a chronological reading, Ernst allows the audience to see how the scripture developed over time in dialogue with its original listeners, moving from the poetic Meccan suras to the more legalistic Medinan ones. The work highlights the intertextuality between the Qur’an and earlier biblical traditions, framing it as an integral part of a shared global heritage. Ultimately, Ernst argues that examining the text’s internal structure and historical context can bridge the gap between outside academic study and traditional religious interpretations. For more information about Interfaiths, please visit us at The East-West Foundation http://theeastwestfoundation.org/

Mikael Nilsson’s research challenges the common assumption that Nazi antisemitism was purely secular by highlighting how Adolf Hitler’s worldview was rooted in a distorted Christian theology. It explains that Hitler reimagined Jesus as an Aryan warrior rather than a Jewish figure, weaponising religious symbols to transform genocide into a perceived moral and divine mission. This historical analysis suggests that the Holocaust emerged from a horrifying mutation of established religious thought rather than a simple rejection of faith. Consequently, modern interfaith dialogue must move beyond superficial commonalities to honestly confront how sacred traditions can be manipulated to justify violence. It emphasises that theological accountability and historical honesty are essential for preventing the recurrence of such radicalised ideologies. Such a reckoning requires religious communities to acknowledge their past complicity while actively deconstructing the perverse ethical frameworks that enabled historical atrocities.

Inter-religious dialogue is the effort by individuals and organisations of different religious affiliations to exchange views on their commonalities and differences, reduce misunderstandings, and cooperate on shared goals such as peace or ecology. The relevance of the academic study of religion (Religionswissenschaft) to this dialogue is multifaceted, acting as both a historical initiator, a critical observer, and a resource provider.

Key aspects of its relevance include:

• Historical Foundation: The study of religion and modern inter-religious dialogue share common roots in the 19th-century fascination with "the foreign" and the 1893 World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, which was a turning point where religions first actively communicated the expectation of learning from one another.
• Provision of Expertise: Scholars act as resource givers, providing practitioners with essential information on religious traditions, scripture (such as introductions to the Quran), and specific themes like gender or ecology to facilitate informed exchange.
• Analysis of Learning Processes: Research examines how individuals learn in inter-religious settings, noting that it often involves a "double networking" where learners find anchor points in their own tradition to connect with aspects of the "other".
• Critical Reflection and "Boundary Work": The sources highlight that dialogue is not neutral; it often involves power dynamics and "boundary work". Scholars investigate how dialogue can sometimes reinforce the "World Religions Paradigm" by treating religions as fixed, static entities rather than fluid processes.
• The Debate on Engagement: There is an ongoing debate within the field between those who advocate for a "Watchtower" function—maintaining a strict distance to observe dialogue from the outside—and those who promote "Engaged Religious Studies", where scholars actively advise NGOs or serve on inter-religious boards.
• Typological Frameworks: Scholars provide categories to understand the nature of dialogue, such as distinguishing between polemical (who is right?), peace-promoting, cognitive (who are you?), and partnership-based (how can we improve the world?) interactions.

Ultimately, the study of religion helps to de-essentialise the participants in a dialogue; instead of seeing "Islam" or "Christianity" as monolithic blocks, it reveals them as diverse, changing systems influenced by their social and historical contexts.

To understand the scholar's role in this dialogue, one might see them as a mapmaker in a complex terrain: while the religious practitioners are the travellers seeking to build bridges between their lands, the scholar provides the detailed cartography that shows where the ground is firm, where the borders have shifted over time, and where hidden power currents might affect the journey.

To learn more about our work, visit http://theeastwestfoundation.org/ and sign up for our substack at Interfaiths | Iqbal Akhtar | Substack

This episode examines how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam utilise repeated sacred phrases, often referred to as mantras, to foster a deeper connection with the divine. These monotheistic traditions employ specific names of God or holy verses to align a practitioner’s life with spiritual reality and transform their inner consciousness. The source details how these invocations can be performed as structured seated meditation or as "portable" prayers integrated into daily activities to maintain constant spiritual focus. Modern research explores how these ancient repetitive practices are currently being adapted for psychological health interventions and clinical studies. Ultimately, while the terminology varies, the practice of sanctified repetition serves as a cross-cultural bridge between Abrahamic and Dharmic contemplative traditions. For more information, connect with us by visiting https://interfaiths.substack.com/ and http://theeastwestfoundation.org/

In this episode, we undertake a rigorous examination of the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel through the lens of classical Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh). While Hamas invokes religious doctrines such as jihād to justify its military operations, many scholars argue that its tactics represent a political manipulation of religion rather than authentic practice.

Drawing on the research of leading scholars like Ahmed Al-Dawoody, Karima Bennoune, and Nesrine Badawi, we explore two critical dimensions of Islamic war law:

• Jus ad Bellum (The Right to Wage War): We discuss why classical jurists traditionally required legitimate political authority (such as a state ruler) to declare jihād, a condition Hamas lacks as a non-state actor. We also examine the scholarly consensus that jihād is fundamentally a defensive struggle justified only against aggression or persecution.
• Jus in Bello (Conduct in War): The episode provides a detailed look at the principle of distinction, documenting how the Prophet Muhammad and early Caliphs explicitly prohibited the targeting of women, children, the elderly, and clergy. We evaluate how the deliberate killing of civilians and mass hostage-taking on October 7 violate these "inviolable norms," which are grounded in divine command rather than military reciprocity.

The discussion further covers the prohibition of using human shields (tatarrus), the requirement for humane treatment of prisoners, and why major Islamic institutions like Al-Azhar and the signatories of the Amman Message have not endorsed Hamas's conduct. Ultimately, we reflect on how promoting international humanitarian law (IHL) in Muslim-majority contexts can be achieved by reviving these neglected aspects of Islamic tradition.

Analogy for Understanding: Evaluating Hamas through classical fiqh is like judging a player in a modern sports tournament by the original, sacred rulebook of the game. Even if the player claims they are playing for the "true spirit" of the sport, if they ignore the referee’s authority and break foundational rules—such as attacking the spectators—they are no longer playing the game as it was designed, regardless of their stated motivations.

In this episode of the Interfaiths podcast, Professor Iqbal Akhtar is joined by Dr. Juan Cole, the Richard P. Mitchell Collegiate Professor of History at the University of Michigan. Dr. Cole shares the story of his extensive intellectual journey, ranging from his childhood in multi-religious Eritrea to his groundbreaking research on North Indian Shi’ism.

The conversation covers Dr. Cole’s experiences studying Christian-Muslim dialogue in Lebanon during the Civil War, his shift from the phenomenology of religion to history, and his rise as a prominent public intellectual and blogger during the post-9/11 era and the Iraq War. Finally, they discuss the importance of the "enlargement of the self" through cultural study and Dr. Cole's recent scholarly focus on concepts of peace and reconciliation within the Quran.

Show Notes / Key Topics:

• Early influences: Growing up in the Horn of Africa and 1960s spirituality.
• Post-Vatican II Christian-Muslim dialogue in Lebanon.
• Pivoting from Iranian studies to Indian Shi’ite kingdoms due to the 1979 Hostage Crisis.
• The rise of "Informed Comment": Blogging the Iraq War and interpreting Al-Qaeda for the American public.
• Misconceptions about the Middle East and the need for historical literacy.
• Peace movements in Islam and the Quran.

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Anderson, Executive Director of Mosaic Miami (formerly MCCJ), to discuss the evolving landscape of faith and community cohesion in South Florida. From his roots in the Haitian and Bahamian diasporas to leading one of Miami’s oldest human relations organizations, Matt shares his journey from finance to the nonprofit sector. We dive deep into why the "old playbook" of interfaith dialogue no longer works, the challenges facing Miami’s youth, and the critical need for "third spaces" like The Underline and the new Bell Chapel at FIU. We also tackle the hard truths about the economic "Manhattanization" of Miami, the loneliness epidemic, and how we can maintain human connection in an increasingly polarized world. In this conversation, we cover: The Rebrand: Why MCCJ became Mosaic Miami to reflect a diverse new era. Cultural Literacy: Why youth need experiential learning to bridge divides. The Arts as Equalizer: Using film and theater to start difficult conversations. Miami’s Future: Facing gentrification, sea-level rise, and the cost of living. Faith & Mortality: A personal reflection on leadership, parenting, and purpose.

CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction 0:55 - Matt Anderson’s Roots & Journey 04:15 - From MCCJ to Mosaic Miami: The Rebrand 08:30 - "Ripping Up the Playbook": New Interfaith Challenges 12:10 - The Loneliness Epidemic & Youth Mental Health 16:45 - The "Manhattanization" of Miami & Economic Strain 21:30 - The Importance of "Third Spaces" (The Underline, FIU Bell Chapel) 26:00 - Faith, Death, and Finding Purpose 30:15 - Future Vision for Mosaic Miami

Dr. Iqbal Akhtar / Interfaiths Substack: https://interfaiths.substack.com/

ABOUT THE GUEST: Matt Anderson is the Executive Director of Mosaic Miami. A Miami native, he previously worked in commercial real estate and banking before pivoting to lead the organization during the height of the pandemic. He is dedicated to creating safe spaces for dialogue, fighting discrimination, and building a more inclusive South Florida. #MosaicMiami #InterfaithDialogue #Miami #SocialJustice #CommunityBuilding #FIU #IqbalAkhtar #MattAnderson #SouthFlorida

For more information, please visit https://interfaiths.substack.com or https://theeastwestfoundation.org

Welcome back to the channel. In this episode, I am honored to sit down with Tara Orezoli, Director of Development for Strategic Initiatives at the FIU Foundation, to discuss a groundbreaking project for our community: The Trish and Dan Bell Multifaith Chapel at Florida International University.

We explore the vision behind this remarkable 18,000-square-foot facility—the first of its kind at a public university in Florida designed from the ground up specifically as a multifaith space. Tara shares fascinating insights into the building's nature-inspired architecture (including its unique aerial "fish" design), the vital distinction between "interfaith" and "multifaith," and how this "third space" will serve the diverse spiritual needs of students in Miami.

We also discuss the changing spiritual landscape of higher education, the move from tolerance to respect in pluralistic societies, and how Miami’s vibrant multicultural environment shapes the student experience.

In this episode, we cover:

The Vision: The philanthropic legacy of Trish and Dan Bell and their commitment to student well-being.

The Design: How Miami-based architects Gurri Matute designed a neutral, nature-centered space featuring a 3,000 sq. ft. sanctuary with movable furniture and ablution stations.

The Distinction: Understanding the difference between a "multifaith" facility and "interfaith" programming.

The Context: How Miami's religious diversity impacts campus life and the importance of spiritual health in student success.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

1:35 - The Trish and Dan Bell Multifaith Chapel

2:30 - Nature-Inspired Architecture & Design

4:45 - The Philanthropic Vision of the Bells

6:30 - Spirituality and the "Third Space" on Campus

11:00 - Growing Up in a Changing Miami

15:00 - Contact Information & Closing

#FIU #Interfaith #Multifaith #HigherEd #Miami #Spirituality #BellChapel #Pluralism

For more information, please visit https://interfaiths.substack.com or https://theeastwestfoundation.org

In this episode, I sit down with Joe Jacoby, a preeminent leader in the Miami Jewish community and former president of Temple Beth Am, for a profound discussion on history, identity, and the future of interfaith relations.

As a rare Miami native, Joe shares his family’s deep roots in the South (dating back to Pensacola and Mobile) and offers a firsthand perspective on how Miami has evolved from a small town to a global metropolis. We dig deep into the history of antisemitism in Florida—from "Gentiles Only" signs in the past to the complex challenges fueled by social media today.

Crucially, this conversation focuses on the power of connection. We discuss the "portability" of Jewish identity, the core values of welcoming the stranger, and the practical work of building trust between Muslim and Jewish communities. Joe also shares his personal journey of reading the Quran to find common ground and his spiritual reflections from traveling through India.

Topics Discussed:

• A Native Perspective: Growing up in Miami and the history of Jewish migration to the South.
• Confronting Hate: The shift from institutional discrimination to modern social media polarization.
• Interfaith Dialogue: Why building trust requires "walking in someone else's shoes" and finding theological commonalities.
• Community Leadership: The challenges and rewards of leading one of the Southeast’s largest synagogues.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction & Joe’s Background as a Miami Native

2:18 - The History of the Jewish Community in Florida

4:08 - Antisemitism: Historical vs. Modern Day

6:25 - The "Portability" of Jewish Identity

8:20 - Core Values of Judaism & Welcoming the Stranger

10:00 - Polarization, Social Media, and the Need for Education

13:50 - The Spiritual Impact of India

15:35 - Leading Temple Beth Am: Reflections & Challenges

18:00 - Reading the Quran & Building Muslim-Jewish Bridges

19:35 - A Message for the Future

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Temple Beth Am (Miami)
• Jews of Florida by Marcia Zerivitz

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this conversation to help support interfaith dialogue.

#Interfaith #JewishHistory #Miami #TempleBethAm #Antisemitism #CommunityBuilding #Spirituality #Podcast

For more information, please visit https://interfaiths.substack.com or https://theeastwestfoundation.org

In this episode of the Interfaith Miami podcast, host Balakar sits down with Pamela Lear, a prominent figure in the South Florida interfaith movement, to discuss her fascinating journey of identity, resilience, and faith.

Pamela’s story is not that of a typical upbringing. From growing up as an "Air Force brat" living in Japan and Ireland to navigating the complexities of the segregated South in 1970s Memphis, her worldview was shaped by diverse cultures and the stark realities of history. She shares the pivotal moment at age 11—over a meal of shrimp and steak on Yom Kippur—where she had to decide if Judaism was truly her choice, distinct from her parents' assimilated lifestyle.

We also dive deep into the challenges of antisemitism, the nuances of maintaining a 41-year interfaith marriage, and her philosophical outlook on the future. Pamela offers a profound explanation of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), moving beyond simple good deeds to explore its mystical Kabbalistic roots regarding the "shattering of the vessels" and our duty to make the world whole again.

Topics Discussed:

Global Upbringing: Life as a military child in Japan and the lingering effects of colonization observed in Ireland.

The "Shrimp & Steak" Moment: A humorous yet defining story of choosing faith on the holiest day of the year.

Interfaith Dynamics: Navigating 41 years of marriage with a supportive non-Jewish partner.

Antisemitism & Identity: Experiences in the "Bible Belt" and the importance of Holocaust education.

Philosophical Insights: A deep dive into the Kabbalistic meaning of Tikkun Olam and the importance of "holy arguing" in Jewish tradition.

Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Pamela’s Global Background 2:15 - Growing up Jewish in 1970s Memphis 6:25 - The Turning Point: Yom Kippur & The Hibachi Restaurant 8:45 - Navigating an Interfaith Marriage 12:30 - Jewish Identity, Trauma, and The Holocaust 14:15 - A Nuanced Perspective on Israel 16:00 - Modern Antisemitism vs. The "Bubble" 18:50 - What is Tikkun Olam? (Kabbalistic Origins) 24:00 - Hope, Gratitude, and the Next Generation

#Interfaith #JewishIdentity #Miami #TikkunOlam #Podcast #Spirituality #Kabbalah #MilitaryFamily

For more information, please visit https://interfaiths.substack.com or https://theeastwestfoundation.org