Inculcating Appreciative Knowledge
We define appreciative knowledge of other religious traditions as substantive knowledge and positive inclinations. In this lesson we distinguish between appreciative knowledge and religious literacy, and provide ways for students to develop their appreciative knowledge about other religious and ethical traditions. Interfaith cooperation can help today combat the false notion that religious difference inherently leads to violence and tension.
Building Relationships across Difference.
One of the most important and most difficult skills of interfaith leadership is facilitating dialogue. Students are introduced to several skills necessary for successful dialogue facilitation and participation, creating safe spaces for diverse identities, and tools for moving dialogue into action. We will also cover what constitutes a good opening question for interfaith dialogue, and how we can use good questions to build relationships with others of different religious orientations.