Striving to Live Faithfully: A Muslim-Christian Conversation

Please share in our community by listening to the May Ecumenical Dialogue hosted at Holy Wisdom Monastery. The conversation brings together the Rev. Jay Rock and Imam Ronald Shaheed for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities Christians and Muslims face in relation to each other and to the world we all share.

Ronald Shaheed is the Imam of Masjid Sultan Muhammad and director of education at the Clara Mohammed School in Milwaukee. He works closely with Imam W.D. Mohammed in fostering interfaith dialogue and engagement in the United States and internationally. He is a knowledgeable and personable interpreter of Islam.

Jay T. Rock is coordinator of interfaith relations for the Presbyterian Church. He served as director for interfaith relations at the National Council of Churches of Christ from 1987 to 2003. With an academic background in the history of religious, he has also served as a congregational pastor and community organizer.

A "Little Rule for Beginners"

While living in Italy during the 6th century, Benedict of Nursia wrote a guide for community life, which he called a “little rule for beginners.” The Rule quickly became the foundation for monastic communities across Europe, giving direction for ordinary people wanting to live extraordinarily well.

Eager disciples came to Benedict’s small cave, seeking guidance in their search for God. Benedict and his followers founded monasteries for both women and men throughout Europe, which served as places of hope and hospitality and as a witness to God’s love during dark period of history. At Monte Cassino, Benedict wrote his monastic rule, drawing on many years of experience and wisdom toward the end of his life.

Today, the Rule of Benedict continues to serve as a guide for those who seek God individually and in community.

Perspective on Justice

Christ calls us to embrace the world and its people, regardless of differences. The Rule of Benedict expresses this call through its focus on providing hospitality and care for all people. By creating an environment of respect for each person and sharing resources with those in need, we can promote an awareness of justice and equality in our own community and around the world.

Perspective on Simplicity

Simplicity is integral to Benedictine spirituality. The Rule of Benedict calls us to devote our hearts to God; this single-heartedness can be challenging in busy, everyday life. Seeking to simplify our lives clears room in the heart and mind for reception of the Spirit, allowing us to turn to God and one another in love.

Perspective on Hospitality

The Rule of Benedict calls us to open our hearts continuously to others (RB 53). Acceptance of new people and new ideas allows us to deepen our knowledge of God and each other. This tradition of hospitality offers rich opportunities for the renewal of relationships in the new year.

Perspective on Peace

Peace comes primarily from within a person – more than from the external environment. It comes from the attitudes we bring to life. During times of stress, we can change our thoughts by focusing on a word or an experience that brings us peace. Benedictine peace comes from seeking peace. Benedict writes in the Rule: seek after peace and pursue it.

Perspective on The Rule

While developed in the 6th century, The Rule of Benedict remains an up-to-date invitation to open your heart to God. The Rule summons us to recognize the dignity of labor, the challenge of responsibility and the proper use of resources. It provides a framework to seek balance and find an everyday path to God. It offers accessible means to explore the value of a life lived seeking and serving God, "...preferring nothing to the love of Christ."