VOA标准英语2011--Muslim, Jewish, Christian Friends Share Insights With Students

Muslim, Jewish, Christian¹ Friends Share Insights With Students

 

Three longtime colleagues of different faiths have forged bonds of friendship through decades of dialogue in interfaith forums². The three men, who are leaders in the Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities of Los Angeles, recently shared their insights into religion with middle and high school students. The students learned that the men respect their differences and celebrate what they have in common.

They have known each other and worked together for decades - Maher Hathout, spokesman for the Islamic Center of Southern California; Leonard Beerman, the founding rabbi of the Leo Baeck Temple, a Jewish synagogue; and the Reverend George Regas, retired³ rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California.

The students, from Flintridge Preparatory School, asked probing questions about violence inspired by religion. Rabbi Beerman told them that, sadly, evil is a part of religion's legacy⁴, but that faith also plays a positive role in human development.

“It has brought comfort to the afflicted⁵, it's brought courage to the weak, it's brought a sense of spirituality into personal lives,” said Beerman.

The students were interested in religion’s place in the world and in individual life, and its role in the Middle East, said Egyptian-born Maher Hathout.

Three longtime colleagues of Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths, respectively - from left to right, Maher Hathout, Leonard Beerman and George Regas - recently shared their insights into religion with middle and high school students at Flintridge Preparatory School in Los Angeles, October 2011.

"I notice that they are engaging in a very healthy way. They are not watering down issues. They are asking serious questions. But somehow it's coming from a background of openness and a touch of innocence,” said Hathout.

History teacher Michael Roffina said Flintridge Preparatory is a private institution, and teachers here are willing to discuss controversial topics like religion, something that does not happen often at public schools.

“A lot of schools might shy away from this because religion is such a hot-button topic. I also think that some schools would find it much more convenient to just have these three speak,” said Roffina.

But through two days of events, these students probed and interacted with the speakers.

Episcopal clergyman George Regas said he and his colleagues have worked together on interfaith projects for more than 30 years. He said the three share a friendship and a passion for social justice, something at the root of all of their traditions.

"It's not a very common thing that a Jew, a Muslim and a Christian could really be very much tied together over all those decades, and really care for each other and support each other, and differ with each other strongly, but with understanding and compassion,” said Regas.

The students learned something about religion, said 12th grader Vanessa Lieu.

“I think that all religion stems from a basic human conscience, and we can all relate to that,” said Lieu.

The interfaith dialogue delivered an important message, said student Brandt Rohde.

"I think it was, mostly just break down barriers, and everybody needs to work for peace, for acceptance and tolerance⁶ and peace,” said Rohde.

These students say the exchange gave them insight into the bonds of affection that can foster understanding across faiths.

1 Christian   

adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒

参考例句：

• They always addressed each other by their Christian name.他们总是以教名互相称呼。
• His mother is a sincere Christian.他母亲是个虔诚的基督教徒。

2 forums   

讨论会； 座谈会； 广播专题讲话节目； 集会的公共场所( forum的名词复数 )； 论坛，讨论会，专题讨论节目； 法庭

参考例句：

• A few of the forums were being closely monitored by the administrators. 有些论坛被管理员严密监控。
• It can cast a dark cloud over these forums. 它将是的论坛上空布满乌云。

3 retired   

adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的

参考例句：

• The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
• Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。

4 legacy   

n.遗产，遗赠；先人(或过去)留下的东西

参考例句：

• They are the most precious cultural legacy our forefathers left.它们是我们祖先留下来的最宝贵的文化遗产。
• He thinks the legacy is a gift from the Gods.他认为这笔遗产是天赐之物。

5 afflicted   

使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• About 40% of the country's population is afflicted with the disease. 全国40%左右的人口患有这种疾病。
• A terrible restlessness that was like to hunger afflicted Martin Eden. 一阵可怕的、跟饥饿差不多的不安情绪折磨着马丁·伊登。

6 tolerance   

n.宽容；容忍，忍受；耐药力；公差

参考例句：

• Tolerance is one of his strengths.宽容是他的一个优点。
• Human beings have limited tolerance of noise.人类对噪音的忍耐力有限。