An independent, college preparatory, co-ed, Episcopal Day School serves a community of students in grades 6-12.
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According to student Thomas McMichael: " In World Religions I, we were taught about how Islam, Judaism, and Christianity are all derived from the same source. Often in the class, the profound question arose: 'How can there be any racism if we are all God's people?' I was enlightened on how messages from the Torah, Bible, and Quran are still very relevant in today's times." W orld Religions I, Ethical Monotheism: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam is a foundational course requirement in the Religion, Philosophy and Ethics Department for all Palmer Trinity students. Dr. Danesh Singh, Mr. Andrew Godley, and I enjoy teaching this critical class which ensures our students grasp the profound meaning of living in a country with freedom of religion. Furthermore, religion and culture are often inextricable from one another in the world. In this global village where we live, finding our commonalities, rather than what sets us apart, is essential to living in peace. All three Abrahamic religions believe in One God, and that how you behave matters to God. These religions descend from Abraham and two different women, Sarah and Hagar. Jesus of Nazareth was born and died a Jew. The Virgin Mary is visited by the Archangel Gabriel at the Annunciation. Muslims believe that Muhammad was visited by the same Archangel Gabriel, and received the Holy Quran. In the Book of Exodus, God shares with Moses His identity: "I AM." In the Jewish understanding, God says, "I will be that which I will be." For Christians, Jesus Christ is the "logos" or "word." And the Aramaic word for "God" in the language of Assyrian Christians is ʼĔlāhā, or Alaha. Arabic-speakers of all Abrahamic faiths, including Christians and Jews, use the word "Allah" meaning "God." Jews use the word "El" as one of the seventy names for God. From Hebrew Scripture "The Sh'ma" is the essential statement of belief for Jews. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 "Hear O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone is One. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." From Christian Scripture in Matthew 22: "Jesus answered when asked about the most important law: …the first is, 'Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this. 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other greater commandment than these.'" Jesus connects this law to the parable of the Good Samaritan, which is a cornerstone of ethical monotheism. From the Quran, the love of God is indispensable: "Say: O People of the Scripture! Come to a common word between us and you: that we shall worship none but God, and that we shall ascribe no partner unto God, and that none of us shall take others for lords beside God. And if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are they who have surrendered (unto God)." (Al 'Imran 3:64) "And whoever wishes to be delivered from the fire and to enter Paradise… should treat the people as he wishes to be treated." (Hadith, Sahih Muslim) Thus, Jews, Christians and Muslims all worship the same God; one and united. Specifically, all three religions believe: » Oneness of God, unity of God, God created the Universe. » Life is eternal with God. » God has given humanity revelation. » Humans have a soul. » Human actions and choices make a difference to God. » Each human is responsible for his or her moral life. » Justice is essential to a good life. » All are to welcome the stranger. » Pilgrimages deepen each individual's relationship with the Divine. » Fasting purifies, cleanses and reminds people of what is important: God. » Life dedicated to scripture study: for Jews the Torah and the Tanakh, for Christians, the Holy Scriptures of the Hebrew and Christian Testament and the early Mothers and Fathers of the Church, and for Muslims it is the Holy Quran, the Hadith, or sayings from the Prophet Muhammad. » Holy people are found throughout history. They model holy behavior for people living in the present. » Taking care of the poor, the sick, and the downtrodden is every person's obligation. All in all, these three major faith traditions have more in common than most people understand. We are called to love God and love one another. SHALOM, PEACE, SA-LAM. THE CHILDREN OF Abraham, Sarah and Hagar "Be still and know that I am God." PSALM 46:10 By Chaplain Mary Ellen Cassini palmertrinity.org 18 PERSPECTIVES