How did the book's format in the three-way discussion contribute to the overall feel of the book? Is there one character you felt like you identified more with?
I think I identified with each of the characters in a different way. In some ways, I think Suzanne is too overconfident in her belief that Christianity is the correct religion, although she was disenfranchised with the rigidity of the Catholic faith.
I am really enjoying the book. I think the format allows the reader to become part of their discussion and at the same time have insights into their individual thoughts. I identify more closely with Suzanne, however, I have a number of Jewish friends and there have been occasions when I have been the only Christian in the room and I can identify with some of the feelings Pricilla expressed.
I think the way the book is written allows us to recognize that we all interpret what others say a little differently and sometimes not how they meant it. I think that was true in the "crucifixion" argument.
I think Suzanne's examination of the Catholic faith may be a little more honest than her reflections of Christianity (at least to the point I've read so far). Having read a number of different books that show how the Jewish people have been subjected to horrible persecution, I can understand Priscilla's anger toward Suzanne.
I find Ranya's perspective on her faith to be very interesting. She identifies herself as Muslim yet has no connection or background of experience with the Muslim faith
I'm hoping we have more from Ranya in the upcoming chapters. I feel like she's very quiet and we're missing her input and the other women haven't included her. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be refugees, leaving your country and faith and trying to make a new life in a different country.
Yes, Ranya seems to be the most fascinating of the 3. I admired how she accepted the invitation to attend Easter services with Suzanne - not just a typical Sunday service, but Easter!
Ranya's experience as a Muslim, but not a "religious" muslim; Suzanne's "apparent" insensitivity to the Jews in the crucifixion story and Priscilla's anger about it ... our religious identification is so ingrained, it's part of our history (ancient as well as familial) ... it really is a miracle that these three women could sit down and proceed with their discussion/project. Could any of us be completely open to another and not be offended?
I think you're right Pat. to have meaningful conversations with one another, we often offend and are offended because of the way we have been brought up and our family traditions and history. Even our word choices offend without realizing the history of the word.
I thought it was interesting that Priscilla then became fascinated with Jesus -- that he stood for all that was good about Christianity. Isn't it a shame that that can't be said about some Christian religions?
Kind of like "can't see the forest for the trees" ... as they commit to explaining their beliefs to each other they all take a look at their own but with new eyes.
I appreciate their views because they weren't all regularly practicing their faith and they all seemed to be looking for a greater connection to God and to a faith community. I think 9/11 made many people feel that way.
17 comments:
I think I identified with each of the characters in a different way. In some ways, I think Suzanne is too overconfident in her belief that Christianity is the correct religion, although she was disenfranchised with the rigidity of the Catholic faith.
I am really enjoying the book. I think the format allows the reader to become part of their discussion and at the same time have insights into their individual thoughts. I identify more closely with Suzanne, however, I have a number of Jewish friends and there have been occasions when I have been the only Christian in the room and I can identify with some of the feelings Pricilla expressed.
Yes, I found myself wincing a bit at some of Suzanne's statements.
I think the way the book is written allows us to recognize that we all interpret what others say a little differently and sometimes not how they meant it. I think that was true in the "crucifixion" argument.
I think Suzanne's examination of the Catholic faith may be a little more honest than her reflections of Christianity (at least to the point I've read so far). Having read a number of different books that show how the Jewish people have been subjected to horrible persecution, I can understand Priscilla's anger toward Suzanne.
I find Ranya's perspective on her faith to be very interesting. She identifies herself as Muslim yet has no connection or background of experience with the Muslim faith
I'm hoping we have more from Ranya in the upcoming chapters. I feel like she's very quiet and we're missing her input and the other women haven't included her. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be refugees, leaving your country and faith and trying to make a new life in a different country.
Yes, Ranya seems to be the most fascinating of the 3.
I admired how she accepted the invitation to attend Easter services with Suzanne - not just a typical Sunday service, but Easter!
I thought it was a little strange to invite Ranya to an Easter service.
Ranya's experience as a Muslim, but not a "religious" muslim; Suzanne's "apparent" insensitivity to the Jews in the crucifixion story and Priscilla's anger about it ... our religious identification is so ingrained, it's part of our history (ancient as well as familial) ... it really is a miracle that these three women could sit down and proceed with their discussion/project. Could any of us be completely open to another and not be offended?
Well said, Patricia.
I think you're right Pat. to have meaningful conversations with one another, we often offend and are offended because of the way we have been brought up and our family traditions and history. Even our word choices offend without realizing the history of the word.
I thought it was interesting that Priscilla then became fascinated with Jesus -- that he stood for all that was good about Christianity. Isn't it a shame that that can't be said about some Christian religions?
It seems as though they are growing in their own respective faiths as well as individuals as they become more aware of and accepting of other faiths
Kind of like "can't see the forest for the trees" ... as they commit to explaining their beliefs to each other they all take a look at their own but with new eyes.
I appreciate their views because they weren't all regularly practicing their faith and they all seemed to be looking for a greater connection to God and to a faith community. I think 9/11 made many people feel that way.
Thank you all for joining the discussion tonight! I'm looking forward to reading the next portion of the book.
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