Applying Our Knowledge: Inter-Religious Study for Purposeful Action   

By Joshua M. Z. Stanton

A group of rabbis is sitting on the roof of a house. As is typical for them, they are debating with one another, showing off their wit and trying to find a definitive answer to a challenging problem. Yet the substance of their debate is intriguing. The question on hand is how to evaluate the relative merits of study of holy texts and practical action. One rabbi argues for action, suggesting that without action, study is meaningless. Another espouses study, since unguided action can be counterproductive. But after a bit of contemplation, they all come to an accord: study is most important, ‘for study leads to just action.’

This rabbinic discussion provides a valuable lesson for inter-religious work. On the one hand, many non-governmental organizations advocate inter-religious dialogue and action for the common good. On the other, academic institutes study inter-religious dynamics because of the inherent value of doing so. But the true strength of the inter-religious movement lies in the use of study to inform and coordinate the action of organizations from all sectors. Only by linking scholarly, non-profit, and governmental efforts will the movement gain the vitality it needs to resolve inter-religious challenges and conflicts around the world.

Nearly one year ago, I decided that it was time for me to help bridge academe and activism, study and action. The field of inter-religious studies had several valuable peer-reviewed publications. Yet the majority of them focused on theory, rather than practical concerns. For research to inform the inter-religious work of non-profit, religious, and lay leaders, it needed to have immediate applications and provide new insight. But how could a 22 year-old rabbinical student like myself actually bridge study and action without much experience in either realm? The answer that soon became clear was that I couldn’t—at least not alone.

I began seeking out partners and advisors in the easiest way I knew how—by sending out scores of e-mails describing the start of the new project to academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and individuals whom I thought might provide support. The name of the prospective publication varied somewhat in my e-mails, from the Journal of Interfaith Leadership to the Journal of Seminary Leadership, and finally settling on the Journal of Inter-Religious Dialogue, but the basic concept remained the same. And despite the variety of titles, people responded excitedly to the new endeavor to foment discussion and inform action with study. There was an untapped market of leaders seeking scholarly research to inform their inter-religious action and scholars seeking examples of inter-religious work to inform their studies.

One of my first e-mails went to Eboo Patel, Executive Director of the Interfaith Youth Core. I had met Dr. Patel while serving as a Fellow of the Interfaith Youth Core as an undergraduate. Like nearly everyone who has heard him speak, I was swayed by his sincerity and dedication. Though I was somewhat nervous about reaching out to someone so prominent, after proofreading my e-mail several times, I sent it along, hoping for the best. A couple of days later, I received a reply so encouraging and down to earth that I couldn’t help but smile. “Brother Josh,” it began, “Very, very smart idea.” He then gave a detailed description of the field of academic publishing and suggested that I focus my efforts on building an online forum, which would be less expensive to maintain and engage a broader audience than a printed publication. The journal had started its first major dialogue and continues on to the present. It quickly became clear that so long as I had good questions to ask, one of the savviest people in the field would be ready with keen answers.

Shortly thereafter, another important dialogue began between peer and peer. In hopes of enlisting some of the top seminary students in the effort to create a new publication, I sent an email to the Chairs of the Student Senate at Union Theological Seminary. One of its chairs, Stephanie Hughes, quickly responded with enthusiasm and a desire to help lead the new endeavor. “I am busy, but this project of yours has had my mind whirring eagerly since I first heard of it. I think the time is absolutely right for such an undertaking, and I think that my skills and experiences will be a nice complement to yours.” After coming up with some general principles to guide our collaboration, which we sought to define by openness, respect, and a willingness to ask difficult questions, Stephanie and I began formulating a set of objectives for the publication as a whole. How could we maintain academic credibility while engaging professionals who did not necessarily have an advanced degree? How could we lead the journal and make decisions on behalf of our future staff while remaining true to our broader aim of promoting dialogue and a plurality of ideas?

Through the discussion of these questions and the implementation of their answers, the Journal of Inter-Religious Dialogue went from an idea to a popular resource for academics and leaders over the course of less than a year. With a staff of twelve students, professors, and clergy, we currently are in the process of editing our second peer-reviewed issue. We have a readership in the thousands and are preparing to co-sponsor our first book as an organization.

Much as the rabbis would have advised from their rooftop perch, the internal operations of the journal seem to center around study. To inform our action, Stephanie and I convened a Board of Scholars and Practitioners from among leading professors and non-profit leaders, including Eboo Patel. As both a select team of peer reviewers and advisors to the staff, the Board has quickly become a body of mentors and teachers. Always ready with advice and suggestions, Stephanie and I regularly confer with them. Our youth has afforded us vigor and the ability to admit our lack of expertise. By learning from people far more knowledgeable than ourselves, Stephanie and I gain the strength and insight necessary to facilitate inter-religious study for purposeful action.

Note about the first paragraph: This parable is recorded in the Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Kiddushin 40b.

Joshua Stanton is a Founding Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Inter-Religious Dialogue^TMLessons of a Lifetime^TM, a nursing home-based project designed to improve intergenerational relations. A graduate of Amherst College, he is the recipient of numerous leadership awards, including a place within the Fellows Alliance of the Interfaith Youth Core.

This essay was submitted to Tikkun's Under 25 Writing Contest in the summer of 2009. The other essays can be found here or hit the back button if you got here from the Writing Contest intro page.