Three very brave women came together after 9/11 and dared to trust enough to share their feelings about faith diversity. “The Faith Club” is for anyone brave enough to listen to others. Written by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver and Priscilla Warner, this was a life-changing experience for each of them.

Ranya is Muslim, Priscilla is Jewish, and Suzanne is Catholic. At first, they set out to write an interfaith children’s book. They agreed to ask each other any questions, without prohibiting anything. It was a painful start. They never dreamed that they would feel the emotions that they felt.

Once they covered the differences, they focused on shared foundations like Moses and Abraham. It was a start. Then they went to each other’s services and family gatherings to learn about the traditions.

In the end, they experienced healing and completed their projects.

It took me longer to read this book because I had to pay close attention and not miss any details. Much of it is a transcript of their taped conversations, followed by each individual’s feelings about the conversation.

I really enjoyed it, but had a few thoughts of my own. I would welcome such friendships, but there are a few scenarios I can think of that would cause a dilemma.

One is that a conservative Protestant would have a different opinion than a Catholic. So if you add Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Buddhists, and Hindus or other religions, it could get tense.

Second, there is the fact that in communist countries you are not allowed to believe in anything. In many settings throughout history, each group has been guilty of harming others at some point. In many countries, Christianity is punishable by death, torture, and imprisonment in labor camps. The Holocaust and genocide is something that we must never allow to happen. In war, what if you couldn’t protect your friends?

The main difference between Protestant Christianity and all other religions is the belief in Jesus and the Savior and the idea of ​​an afterlife in heaven or hell. This is a painful subject for many.

As a Protestant Christian, I don’t think I’ll ever convert to another religion, but I enjoy my friendships with people from other cultures and we respect each other. I thank God I was born after slavery was abolished, women’s rights were given, and civil rights were won. I am lucky to have benefited from all those before me who had to figure things out for the betterment of all.