What A Pluralistic America Needs from Christians

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael and Phebe present a talk by Eboo Patel, Founder and President of Interfaith America, the leading interfaith organization that works with governments, universities, private companies and civic organizations to make faith a bridge of cooperation, rather than a barrier of division. He draws from Muslim theology to share how to cultivate peace and pluralism by considering viewpoints and resources that are not our own. Following the talk, Michael joins Eboo to learn more about the work of Interfaith America, and to share more about Eboo and Michael’s history of friendship and partnership.

Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!

“I think that Christians, not only need to listen to others, but can benefit from listening to others, and Eboo’s talk is the proof of that.” -Michael [02:09]

“Diversity is holy… that’s why it needs us–the practitioners of peace of pluralism–who seek the welfare of the city, but know that we are called to do it by our faith, because that will last.” -Eboo [23:54]

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Intro

[03:44] About this week’s guest

[04:19] Seek the welfare of the city

[08:38] A Muslim theology of pluralism

[14:42] The Constitution of Medina

[24:35] The fundamental story

[30:44] The work of Interfaith America

[38:07] Outro

REFERENCES

• Interfaith America
• For the Good of the Public Summit
• High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley
• The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization by Peter T. Coleman
• How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks

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