Welcome to the ISIS Interfaith blog, the creation of a group of souls whose greatest wish is to encourage, uplift and inspire spiritual seekers everywhere.
ISIS is the acronym for the International Seminary for Interfaith Studies http://isis-edu.org/, founded and directed by Reverend Deborah Steen Ross. Her husband Rabbi Roger Ross heads the Board of Directors as the CEO. ISIS students and faculty will share our personal and collective journeys here. We will initiate discussions and invite contributions from fellow seekers. We will make this blog a place where minds and hearts can be opened to spiritual exploration and practitioners from all faith traditions can deepen their understanding of the Divine. Through devotional readings, guided meditations, book reviews, essays and poetry, we will share the fruits of our rich and varied religious backgrounds and spiritual practices.
The father of Interfaith, Rabbi Joseph H. Gelberman (of blessed memory) taught us “Never Instead Of…Always in Addition To.” At ISIS, we hold all traditions to be sacred and share a deep respect for those who remain rooted in one faith while growing spiritually through the study of the world's many belief systems. The Interfaith journey is a path to awareness of the interconnectedness of all humanity; our ministry is shaped and informed when we tap into that Oneness.
Many religious people fear exposure to other beliefs and philosophies; still others lack the educational opportunity to learn about or experience other faiths. We believe that faith grows stronger and more authentic through exposure to the Interfaith journey. We feel indescribably blessed to be walking this path together and we want to reach out through our writing to share the blessings. If we can bring even one person to experience the wholeness and connection that come from releasing fear and expanding the notion of God to a being who embraces all creation and all humanity regardless of religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, or class, then we will achieve our goal for this blog.
Thank you for reading us, and please watch this space for all future posts! Namaste, Blessed Ones.
-Michelle Garrison Hough, M.A., J.D. (ISIS Class 2013)
