At the close of the book, did you feel that Ranya, Priscilla and Suzanne had a deeper belief in their own faith? Were you surprised at some of the changes in them personally throughout this journey?
Throughout the book as each of the women shared their personal faith journey, defended their faith, and invited each other to participate in some aspect of their faith practices, it seemed as though they each grew in their respective faiths.
I think you're right Kim, it seemed like Priscilla gained the most. But I was glad that Ranya began talking to people about the Muslim faith. It was sad when she talked about her daughter's drawing that it was okay to be Muslim when no one else was.
Ranya seemed to have such a clear understanding of who she is. She appeared very grounded. I was glad that she was able to connect with others who shared her beliefs.
I loved Suzanne's story about needing something more concrete to prove God exists, then she dreams about the opal (like the story) and then her mother tells her that's the only jewelry her father ever gave her.
Ranya found Muslim leaders who shared her feelings and began participating in workshops. She said "Our fellow Americans must understand that we, Muslim Americans, share their ideals, their values, their democracy, their God, their streets and neighborhoods."
I think Suzanne, in particular, grew in her appreciation of aspects of the other faith practices. There were several times in the book where Suzanne's attitudes and actions shed light on the fact that, as Christians, we are in a majority and as a result perhaps we tend to overlook or dismiss those around us who have different faith practices.
Lately it seems that many Americans believe that freedom of religion is only applicable to those who hold the same beliefs. I think that the relationship between these women showed a new found respect of each other's religions.
I was intrigued with the "Closing of the Gates" as part of the Yom Kipper service and then later in the book seeing the impact that had on Pricilla with respect to her mother's declining health.
These three women had a lot in common - well educated New Yorkers with husbands and children. While their religions differed they liked and respected each other and enjoyed being together. However, as they became more involved in the Faith Club and saw the common parts of their three faiths, they realized that their family heritage in the faiths in which their were raised made these faiths more meaningful and comforting.
Do you think faith clubs like theirs would be a good idea in our community? The formation of faith clubs is recommended at the end of the book and suggestions made.
I think this quote from Priscilla is especially profound, "I believe that God is the goodness that exists inside each and every human being, every animal, every flower, and every miracle of God's creation. I believe that God is a force that binds us together, showing up in the moments when people make unexpected, magical connections with one another. God challenges us, I believe, to become our best selves, even in the toughest of times, when beauty and goodness seem to be mysteriously elusive, overshadowed by excruciating pain and evil."
I think a Faith Club would be a wonderful experience, but it would have to be equally weighted with different faiths. I think it would be hard to have 5 Christians, and only one of each other faith.
I think that's what made the book interesting, don't you Connie? They each learned more about their own faith to talk with the others and in that journey, they were able to find their place as well.
For each of these women it seemed that finding her faith was a conscious decision on her part. Suzanne's doubts about God seemed to be eradicated by her dream of a opal necklace. As I recall, Priscilla, who had the most difficult trouble believing, was inspired on an airplane trip and seeing her mother through her death. For them coming to faith was a conscious decision on each of their parts and not greatly based on the teachings of the Bible and their faiths.
19 comments:
Throughout the book as each of the women shared their personal faith journey, defended their faith, and invited each other to participate in some aspect of their faith practices, it seemed as though they each grew in their respective faiths.
It seemed to me that Pricilla experienced the most growth within her faith
I think you're right Kim, it seemed like Priscilla gained the most. But I was glad that Ranya began talking to people about the Muslim faith. It was sad when she talked about her daughter's drawing that it was okay to be Muslim when no one else was.
Ranya seemed to have such a clear understanding of who she is. She appeared very grounded. I was glad that she was able to connect with others who shared her beliefs.
While Priscilla came to the realization she believed in God, Ranya found herself and her role as an American Muslim.
I loved Suzanne's story about needing something more concrete to prove God exists, then she dreams about the opal (like the story) and then her mother tells her that's the only jewelry her father ever gave her.
Ranya found Muslim leaders who shared her feelings and began participating in workshops. She said "Our fellow Americans must understand that we, Muslim Americans, share their ideals, their values, their democracy, their God, their streets and neighborhoods."
I think Suzanne, in particular, grew in her appreciation of aspects of the other faith practices. There were several times in the book where Suzanne's attitudes and actions shed light on the fact that, as Christians, we are in a majority and as a result perhaps we tend to overlook or dismiss those around us who have different faith practices.
Lately it seems that many Americans believe that freedom of religion is only applicable to those who hold the same beliefs. I think that the relationship between these women showed a new found respect of each other's religions.
I was intrigued with the "Closing of the Gates" as part of the Yom Kipper service and then later in the book seeing the impact that had on Pricilla with respect to her mother's declining health.
These three women had a lot in common - well educated New Yorkers with husbands and children. While their religions differed they liked and respected each other and enjoyed being together. However, as they became more involved in the Faith Club and saw the common parts of their three faiths, they realized that their family heritage in the faiths in which their were raised made these faiths more meaningful and comforting.
Do you think faith clubs like theirs would be a good idea in our community? The formation of faith clubs is recommended at the end of the book and suggestions made.
I think this quote from Priscilla is especially profound, "I believe that God is the goodness that exists inside each and every human being, every animal, every flower, and every miracle of God's creation. I believe that God is a force that binds us together, showing up in the moments when people make unexpected, magical connections with one another. God challenges us, I believe, to become our best selves, even in the toughest of times, when beauty and goodness seem to be mysteriously elusive, overshadowed by excruciating pain and evil."
I think a Faith Club would be a wonderful experience, but it would have to be equally weighted with different faiths. I think it would be hard to have 5 Christians, and only one of each other faith.
I would welcome the opportunity to be part of a faith club
I think that's what made the book interesting, don't you Connie? They each learned more about their own faith to talk with the others and in that journey, they were able to find their place as well.
Thanks for joining us tonight! Hope everyone enjoyed the book!
For each of these women it seemed that finding her faith was a conscious decision on her part. Suzanne's doubts about God seemed to be eradicated by her dream of a opal necklace. As I recall, Priscilla, who had the most difficult trouble believing, was
inspired on an airplane trip and seeing her mother through her death. For them coming to faith was a conscious decision on each of their parts and not greatly based on the teachings of the Bible and their faiths.
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