religious conflict

Is there any truth to the anti-semitic conspiracy theories that Kanye and your weird uncle have been muttering for years? Probably not, but let's take a look at the seed that grew into such an ugly tree. Israel hasn't enjoyed its current form for very long, but there was a not-so-secret plan in place long before the Allied Forces established the nation of Israel after the Holocaust. Join us as we examine the accusation of fascism within one of the groups that suffered the most under its heel.

We take a look at Baron Walter Rothschild, the Russian emigration to the Ottoman Empire, the current conflict and the measures to preserve peace, and everything in between.

The Protocols of the Elders of Zion has done an incredible amount of harm to the Jewish Community, and the Anti-Defamation League has done lots of work to counter the decades of trouble caused by the hoax and the countless loud voices who repeat that nonsense. Anti-Semitism has no place in a civilized society.

Zionism is a movement not isolated to Judaism--in fact, while many Jewish people are not Zionists, many Christians are.

In addition to a survey of the history of Eretz-Israel, we critically examine the claim of fascism, comparing reality to Umberto Eco's 1995 checklist of fascist red flags.

The conflict in Gaza and the West Bank are only recent developments, and Hamas is a powerful group causing troubles in already contentious situations. Israel is having a hard time looking like the good guy, too, so it's important to know the history here.

All this and more....

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In this riveting discussion Muhammed Elsanousi helps us understand how colonialism has built a legacy of mistrust between Muslims and Christians, and how through persistent dialogue and mutual understanding this can be overcome. 

Their latest research is found here: https://www.peacemakersnetwork.org/research/

Dr. Jill DeTemple is Chair of Religious Studies, Professor of Religious Studies, and, by courtesy, Professor of Anthropology. Her research focuses on religiously sponsored development in Latin America and on the uses of dialogue for teaching in higher education.  She is currently working on two projects.  The first is a book that examines the risks of social capital approaches to development, especially when they are based in religious and gendered identities, due to release with the University of Notre Dame Press in March, 2020.  The second is an edited volume that introduces Reflective Structured Dialogue and attendant approaches to dialogic classrooms in postsecondary contexts.

Scott A. Shay is a leading businessman, thought leader, and author of several widely read books on profound issues facing the Jewish community. Scott is the co-founder and Chairman ofSignature Bank, well known as one of the best banks in New York for private business owners.

Scott earned a BA in Economics and a Masters in Management from Northwestern University, a valuable experience due to the commitment of his professors to high academic standards and the ideals of the university’s motto.

Scott is a distinguished leader in the Jewish community and an avid student of religion and its application to the world outside of the synagogue, church, or mosque. These interests are reflected in Conspiracy U, as well as his previous two books, In Good Faith: Questioning Religion and Atheism and Getting Our Groove Back: How to Energize American Jewry. https://www.scottshay.com/ingoodfaith. 

“THERE IS A NEW CONSCIOUSNESS THAT IS DRAWING US INTO A WORLDWIDE SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY. MY DESIRE IS THAT MY WRITINGS WILL BRING ENCOURAGEMENT, THOUGHTFUL REFLECTION, AND HOPE. LET US BECOME PEACEMAKERS AND
CREATE SHALOM FOR OUR WORLD.”

This episode builds on peacemaking in the work place by our previous guest, Dr. Robyn Short. https://interfaith-encounters.simplecast.com/episodes/robyn-short-religious-conflict-in-the-workplace. Rev. Zehr tells us about his book of 40 interfaith devotions that will expand the spiritual life of all those seeking peace. https://jerryzehr.com/resources-books/

Jerry Zehr is an ordained minister and has served as a pastor and leader in Interfaith ministries for over 30 years. He has helped to create four interfaith organizations, including the Carmel Interfaith Alliance and the Indiana Multifaith Network. Jerry and his wife Diane have been married for over 37 years with two daughters and two grandchildren.

Jerry leads workshops, retreats, and speaks at events on different aspects of  Walking the Enlightened Path, Developing Inner Peace, Learning to Forgive, and  Building Understandings of  Different Faith Traditions.

Before Jerry went into the ministry, he was an professional actor performing in over 50 musicals and dramas. His novel “Blurring the Lines ” tells of his experience in the entertainment business in Los Angeles, California. The theme running through the book is “What Are You Willing to Sell Your Soul For?”

Following on our interview with Rabbi Jack Bemporad, https://interfaith-encounters.simplecast.com/episodes/rabbi-jack-bemporad, Ms. Shukla offers a distinctly different, and Hindu understanding of the sources of religious conflict and how personal transformation is in many ways the key to resolving them. For more of Ms Shukla's work go to: https://www.hinduamerican.org/thats-so-hindu-podcast.

This is a statement from the HAF about their work:
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is an educational and advocacy organization established in 2003.
HAF focuses on educating the public about Hindus and Hinduism and advocating for policies and practices that ensure the well-being of all people and the planet. We work directly with educators and journalists to ensure accurate understanding of Hindus and Hinduism. We also work with policymakers and key stakeholders to champion issues of concern to Hindu Americans, including defending civil and human rights and protecting all living beings. Inspired by our guiding principles and Hindu teachings, HAF promotes dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism. HAF is a non-partisan, non-profit tax-exempt public charity pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)3.

Our Mission

Promoting dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism in order to ensure the well-being of Hindus and for all people and the planet to thrive.

Our Guiding Principles
HAF is politically agnostic and non-partisan, meaning we are informed, but do not favor and cannot endorse any one political party or any candidates. We will work with all individuals and institutions committed to and constructively engaged in promoting dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism. HAF is not affiliated with any religious or political organizations or entities. HAF seeks to serve Hindu Americans across all sampradaya (Hindu religious traditions) regardless of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, age and/or disability. Our positions are based on a relentless pursuit of facts; deep consideration of Hindu principles and American values, such as freedom, equality, and justice; and the input of subject matter experts. If we like a policy, we’ll say so, and rigorously substantiate our position. HAF positions will always be based on our guiding principles. And we will always advocate for what we believe is rooted in Hindu Dharma, and serves the well-being of Hindus and the greater good of all. Satya. Be truthful. We pride ourselves in offering programming and information with accuracy, integrity, and honesty. Ahimsa. Be non-harming. We aspire to work and communicate fairly and respectfully.