Acts of Faith by Eboo Patel Pluralism Book Review

In a world where people are exalting their religions and trying to get everyone else to convert to their way of thinking, it is refreshing to know that there are people that are focused on appreciating the plurality of different religions.

One such person, Eboo Patel, has found a way to help people get to know and accept other religions while doing community service.

Acts of Faith is an autobiography by Eboo Patel, who founded the Interfaith Youth Core, a Chicago-based international nonprofit association. Patel is a Muslim, but the book isn't just about Islam. He lives in the United States and starts out not being religious and trying to develop his identity. His friends are diverse and have many different religions.

The Interfaith Youth Core is about finding the common ground amongst the various religions, and applying them. Patel found that when teenagers and young adults are make their own decisions about politics and world events, and otherwise trying to find their way, many times they are led to terrorist and gang activities, because that is where they find acceptance. By creating the Youth Core, he gives young people an outlet to do community service together with people of other faiths, and provides them a forum to talk about their faith. This actually helps them understand more about their faith and makes them become more grounded in their beliefs. It also helps them understand about other faiths and other peoples and shows them the commonalities in humanity.

I highly recommend reading this book. Pluralism is a concept that I hope really catches fire. It isn't just about letting someone of a different religion exist in your city, but to get to know them, and working together with them on common grounds.

Pluralism is not a default position, an autopilot mode. Pluralism is an intentional commitment that is imprinted through action. It requires deliberate engagement with difference, outspoken loyalty to others, and proactive protection in the breach. You have to choose to step off the faith line onto the side of pluralism, and then you have to make your voice heard. To follow Robert Frost, it is easy to see the death of pluralism in the fire of a suicide bombing. But the ice of silence will kill it just as well.

This is one of two books I got form the library, and was motivated to read them both cover to cover without getting that "I've got to review this book" feeling. It was very refreshing.