Episode 72.
After two-and-a-half years of consistent podcast production, I am taking a short break. To ensure you have something to listen to, I am re-releasing episodes. You are also welcome to look through the back catalogue and listen to other episodes you might have missed. Thanks as always for your interest and support.

Today’s re-release is episode 53, featuring Abdur-Rahman Syed. Abdur-Rahman, a Muslim raised in Karachi Pakistan, he currently lives in three countries, carrying the richness of his interreligious extended family and early experience of adjusting to various cultural environments. Fortified by these formative years and his years in marketing, Abdur-Rahman is creating a book called Prophetic Persuasion. Using words of four prophets from the Abrahamic faiths, he stresses the value of common messages through which people can influence others and establish a moral compass. In conversation, we explore the challenges of bringing such sources into the workplace and how to balance uniqueness of vision and need to find common ground among other things.

A note from my guest, Abdur-Rahman: “Meli and I approached our conversation with caution given the backdrop of the escalating Israel-Palestine war. I fear I was too cautious in distancing myself from the conflict. While some things are complex, others are simple. We must continue to seek dialogue while also speaking for justice and for peace.”


Highlights:

· Prophetic Persuasion elements derived from biblical and Quranic prophets: Moses, Jesus, Joseph, and Mohammed

· Framework: listen, give, connect, imagine, invite, love.

· Enriching lives and providing a moral compass in the business world

· Challenges of discussing faith in the workplace

· Business application of the ‘Listen before you speak’ principle.

· Risk of selectively interpreting scriptures and traditions

· Different interpretations based on proximity to the source

Social Media links for Abdur-Rahman Syed:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdurrahmansyed
Website – www.propheticpersuasion.org

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon


Transcript:


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.

Comments? Questions? Email Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 71.
Kyle is a Master of Theological Studies student at The Gloria L. and Charles I. Clough School of Theology and Ministry of Boston College. He also works at the Betty Ann Greenbaum Miller Center for Interreligious Learning and Leadership at Hebrew College. Originally from Texas, Kyle has long been involved with interfaith engagement. He has also worked as a freelance journalist, in college campus ministry, and in higher education.

In this conversation we talk about the joys and challenges of his interfaith work, which began in high school, as well as his experience in Israel while on a Fulbright scholarship. Kyle’s dedication and passion for his Catholic faith and engaging with people of other faiths comes through loud and clear.

Highlights:
· Studies, interfaith work, faith, and Israel.

· Fulbright program in Israel supported conflict resolution degree.

· Changed worldview after studying in Israel.

· Vatican's theological papers and his beliefs as a Roman Catholic

· Navigating challenges, embracing moments, fostering understanding.

· Political diversity is important for interreligious work.

References:
· Vatican Encyclical Nostra aetate, Pope Paul VI (1965)

· “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 New International Version (NIV)

Social Media links for Kyle:
Religion News Service – Kyle Desrosiers
LinkedIn – Kyle Desrosiers
Interfaith America – Pride in Jerusalem: In Celebration of LGBTQ People of Faith
Interfaith America – Building Community in Quarantine
Stained Glass Travel – Hospitality Transcending Language and Faith

Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon


Transcript:


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.

Comments? Questions? Email Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/

Episode 70.
Najiba is the Muslim chaplain at Tufts University and a life coach. She holds a B.A. in Peace and Justice Studies from Wellesley College and a Masters in Social Work from Boston College. Her passion is to facilitate pathways for people to discover and develop their whole selves - spiritually, psychologically, emotionally, intuitively and more. She believes that we each have our own unique path to forge when it comes to our journey to know ourselves and ultimately to know God. In this episode, we explore the Enneagram system and the connection Najiba sees between the ancient system and Islam.

Highlights:
03:36 Balancing religious beliefs and traditions, seeking guidance.
06:51 Enneagram examines human behavior through 9 patterns.
11:35 Enneagram deepened self-awareness and challenged spiritual persona.
18:41 Authenticity and diversity in behavior and communication.
34:15 Enneagram types have vices and virtues.
37:37 Act with a pure intention, strive toward it.
39:05 Balancing personal intentions and serving others and God.

References:
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator - https://www.themyersbriggs.com/MBTI
The Mussar Institute - https://mussarinstitute.org

Social Media links for Najiba:
Muslim Enneagram podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/muslim-enneagram/id1594718032


Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271


Transcript:


Follow the podcast!
The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.

Comments? Questions? Email Méli at – info@talkingwithgodproject.org

The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/