Rabbi Fuchs-Kramer talks about the many paths to a heart wisdom

WHAT: A Mars Hill University ethics-across-the-curriculum program led by Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kramer, director of the department of Multifaith Studies and Initiateves at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia. The rabbi will explore the Judaic, Christian, Islamic and Buddhist traditions and how they agree and disagree as they seek to train their adherents in humility, courage, and compassion.

WHERE: Bentley Fellowship Hall at Mars Hill University

WHEN: Tuesday, March 3, 6 p.m.

WHY? Here a few comments from Rabbi Fuchs-Kramer, who spoke to Xpress.

Do you believe these four faith traditions attempt to access similar wisdom and truths? What are the primary elements that prevent people from differing traditions from appreciating one another?

Fuchs-Kramer: I believe two things to be true: First, that each of our faith traditions are unique, with strengths and insights all our own. I value the “dignity of difference.” At the same time, I also believe that because we are all human, we share some longings. It is the place where we are most needy and humble, the place of “not knowing” that brings us closer  together.

I don’t know much about “truth’ or even truths, but I do know that we people of faith are alike in acknowledging how hard it is to live the way we aspire to live, to become the people we want to be. Why is it so hard to be good? What practices can help guide us toward more conscious and compassionate  living? These are questions we all ask; we do well to ask them together.

I hope folks who come to the program will get a chance to think about their own lives in ways that they might not have done before. We will explore some questions that you may have thought about by yourself — or  with people in your own tradition. Discussing them in a multifaith context should yield some new sparks of  light and inspiration. I hope people will come away thinking that Buddhists and Muslims and Jews have something to share that can enliven Christianity — and vice versa, in all directions!

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Jordan Foltz
Exploring the subtle and esoteric aspects of what drives and inspires people to take action— including religion, spirituality, ethics, and aesthetics.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.