Today at sundown marks the beginning of Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.  If you’re not familiar with the Jewish calendar and holidays, ten days ago was Rosh Hashanah (see my last Pulse), which began the ten Days of Awe, during which the people of God were to spend time in soul searching and repentance in order to prepare for this most holy day.
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There are approximately 1.61 billion Muslims in the world today.
I believe that there are many good and beautiful things in the religion of Islam.
I believe that there are a lot of good people who are Muslim.
I also believe that Muslims are wrong in their belief that Jesus was just a man and not God incarnate, and that Muhammed is the last and greatest prophet.

(Intolerance Alert!!!  Intolerance Alert!!!)
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Two weeks ago I raised what I considered an intriguing question:  If everyone were to put their heads together and contribute their ideas, perceptions, and experiences, could humankind come up with a vision of reality and answers to the big questions that are better than any of the existing religions?  Could humans, through open and creative conversation, refinement, and experimentation, move humanity past wars, power struggles, and injustice to achieve a utopia on earth? 
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Consider this intriguing question:  If everyone were to put their heads together and contribute their ideas, perceptions, and experiences, could humankind come up with a vision of reality and answers to the big questions that are better than any of the existing religions?  Could humans, through open and creative conversation, refinement, and experimentation, move humanity past wars, power struggles, and injustice to achieve a utopia on earth?  And if the answer is no, is there anything that could be gained from such an experiment?

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Last week I quoted Rabbi Schmuley Boteach, who said something on Larry King Live a few years back which I believe accurately describes the climate of religious tolerance in which we live today:

“I am absolutely against any religion that says that one faith is superior to another. I don ‘t see how that is anything different than spiritual racism. It ’s a way of saying that we are closer to God than you, and that ’s what leads to hatred.”

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“I am absolutely against any religion that says that one faith is superior to another.  I don’t see how that is anything different than spiritual racism.  It’s a way of saying that we are closer to God than you, and that’s what leads to hatred.” 

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What would you say to a crowd of teenagers if you were given five minutes to explain what Christianity is all about?  If you were one of nine panelists representing different world religions, how would you make the Christian story stand out in its beauty and truth?

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