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/

Episode 69.
Terrlyn was already my guest on the first episode of the year, number 58, and has returned for this Bonus episode. As such, we will focus on a topic rather than her personal faith path. In this case, we will talk more deeply about her work on dismantling racism, how that relates to DEIB – diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – as well as the relationship between social justice action and awareness of difference. If you have not already listened to her earlier episode, I encourage you to do so, though today’s discussion stands on its own. A link to that earlier episode is in the show notes. To learn more about Terrlyn’s work and her two books, Dismantling Racism: Healing Separation from the Inside Out and Sacred Intelligence: The Essence of Sacred, Selfish & Shared Relationships, check out her social media links, which are listed below.


Highlights:
· DEIB and her focus on racism.
· Intersectionality and acknowledging uniqueness.
· Race (and religion) as proxies for bridging differences.
· Systems of oppression and regional differences.
· Using gender-inclusive language in worship.
· Questioning the assumptions of privilege and the importance of languaging.
· Being a follower of the radical Jesus and advocacy for the marginalized.

References:
Dismantling Racism – Rev. Dr. Terrlyn Curry Avery (ep. 58)
Peggy McIntosh, “Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack”

Social Media links for Terrlyn:
Sacred Intelligence – www.sacredintelligence.com
Dismantle Racism Movement – www.dismantleracismmovement.com
TEDx Speaker: Wounded by Religion
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/terrlyncurryavery
Instagram – revdrtlc
Twitter – RevDrTLC
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-terrlyn-l-curry-avery/

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: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/15161177


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/