I Call the Religions

I started out the day very nervous. I really don't know why - it just seemed like it's an odd thing I'm doing.

I mean, think about it. I'm treading on what some people find the most sacred. I'm going to attend (up to) 52 religions in a year, just to see what they're about. Talk to their leaders, try and get an understanding of what makes each of their respective religion tick.

Now I feel like I'm some sort of alien. "Take me to your leader!" Only instead of being asked to be taken to the leader of a country, I'm being asked to be taken to the local leader of a parish. Or - synagogue. Or - something.

So why was I so nervous? Perhaps just the idea of talking to complete strangers. Or, like I said, perhaps the feeling I'll insult someone religious beliefs or something. Obviously I don't mean to - I'm just being curious.

My first call was to the Love First church. The phone rang. And -

It went pretty easily. I spoke to Pastor Jomo, and told him my plan to sit in on a sermon and talk to him after.

"Sure."

I asked if I could record the session and the interview. No problem.

Just like that - I had my first appointment.

I called up the local branch of the Humanists, which I know isn't a religion, it's a secular group. Still - they are a group with a central tenant. Just no "holy" book. Turns out they have a new President of the local branch, a Ms. Westerfield. Very nice lady, and while she's going to see if its all right if I record the meeting, it was a very pleasant discussion.

I kept making phone calls. Most of the other churches - Catholics, Hindus, Baptists - weren't in, so I had to leave messages and went about my business. I eventually got a call back from Father John from the local Catholic church.

Every time, it was "Sure." The only question that seemed to stump them was "If you could recommend one group that explains what your faith believes, what would that be?" That seemed to be the stumper. After all, unless you just say "The Bible" in the case of the Christian religions, what would be appropriate? And besides, so many people can interpret the Bible in so many ways, so how will that work?

So far, they're all going to get back to me later.

What surprised me is how readily people agreed to letting me record the meetings. No problem. Sure - just go on ahead. I expected more resistance or fear, or worry that perhaps I was going to use this experience to mock their faith. But - no.

I don't have faith in divinity. But I have faith in people - and in their basic decency. And so far, this is starting off to an interesting adventure.