2010-2011 TOPICS
October 6
"Crusades, Jihad, & Holy War"
What do our faith traditions teach about war and peace?
November 3
"Sacred Texts"
What texts are sacred to us, and how do we approach them?
December 1
"Holy Eating and Drinking"
What are the practices of our faith traditions, and what is their importance?
January 5
"God and the Big Bang"
What do religion and science have to say to one another, especially in relation to creation?
February 2
"Roles of Men and Women"
Are there distinctions in practice today? Why?
March 2
"God's Unity"
Three monotheistic faith traditions describe God's unity in different ways
April 6
"Holy Calendars"
How does the calendar reflect our faith traditions?
May 4
"The Afterlife"
What do our faith traditions teach about life after death?
Three Abrahamic Faith Traditions
What do we have in common? How do we differ? How can we live in community with one another? In a world growing smaller, in a nation becoming more and more multireligious, in a community becoming more diverse, it is important to understand our neighbors, their values and their traditions. This year at Temple 8eth Shalom, four leaders of local faith communities have committed to a series of eight forums ",lith the following goals. 1. To demonstrate visible respect for one another 2. To emphasize our commonalities 3. To celebrate and learn from our differences People of all faith traditions and of no faith tradition are welcome to attend, to listen and to ask questions.
Panel Participants, 2010-2011
Rabbi Ed Stafman came to Congregation 8eth Shalom in 2008. Prior to 8 years of rabbinic study and ordination, he was a trial lawyer in Tallahassee, FL, for 27 years. He also holds a masters degree in religion and has completed the coursework for a PhD in Religion of Western Antiquity.
Dr. Ruhul Amin is Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Montana State University, where he has taught for over 20 years. He is president of the Islamic Center of Bozeman and faculty advisor for the Muslim Student Association at MSU. He is a native of Bangladesh.
The Rev. Jody McDevitt has been copastor of First Presbyterian Church (PC (USA)) since 1997. She earned both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry degree at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, and has been ordained since 1988.
The Rev. Leo Proxell has been pastor of Holy Rosary Catholic Church for 9 years. He was ordained in 1973 and has served parishes in western Montana from Thompson Falls to Conrad. He also taught theology at Carroll College for 9 years.