Now more than ever, people are painfully divided politically, religiously, and culturally. And yet, there is a commonality in our faith traditions that can help us turn away from polarization and create a greater sense of community in which our differences are honored. The Peacemaker's Path brings together wisdom from the world's major religious traditions, including Baha'i, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Native American spiritualities, Sikhism, Taoism, and Zoroastrianism, showing that we have much more in common than what divides us. Through daily readings that explore the tenets, teachings, writings, and prayers of these diverse faith traditions, you will gain new insight, understanding, and connection with people from different religious backgrounds. Each day offers a reflection, scripture passages from the world's religions, questions to contemplate, a call to action, and a closing prayer. May we realize the tremendous importance of building bridges of peace in our own lives, our communities, and our world. Loving our friends is easy; loving the "other" will bring shalom.
Jerry Zehr is an ordained minister and has been a leader in interfaith ministries for over thirty years. He has helped create four interfaith organizations, including the Carmel Interfaith Alliance and the Indiana Multifaith Network. Jerry and his wife, Diane, have been married for over thirty-five years. They have two daughters and two grandchildren, and live in Carmel, Indiana.
Dedication Introduction Theme One: Walking the Enlightened Path Day One: Awakening Day Two: Universal Mind Day Three: Respecting Others' Beliefs Day Four: Connecting to Creation Day Five: Faith/Trust Day Six: Wonder Day Seven: Review and Reflection Theme Two: The Power of Prayer Day Eight: The Purpose of Prayer Day Nine: Centering Day Ten: Mindfulness Day Eleven: Gratitude Day Twelve: Connecting to Others Day Thirteen: Patience Day Fourteen: Review and Reflection Theme Three: Loving Yourself Day Fifteen: Created in the Image of God Day Sixteen: Other's Expectations or True to Yourself Day Seventeen: Acceptance or Perfectionism Day Eighteen: Forgiveness or Punishment Day Nineteen: Trust or Worry Day Twenty: Courage or Resistance Day Twenty-One: Review and Reflection Theme Four: Loving Others Day Twenty-Two: Listening Day Twenty-Three: Empathy Day Twenty-Four: Compassion Day Twenty-Five: Generosity Day Twenty-Six: Encouragement Day Twenty-Seven: Forgiveness Day Twenty-Eight: Review and Reflection Theme Five: Actions and Impact Day Twenty-Nine: Desire Day Thirty: Intentionality Day Thirty-One: Interdependence Day Thirty-Two: Character Day Thirty-Three: Perseverance Day Thirty-Four: The Harvest Day Thirty-Five: Review and Reflection Theme Six: Quest for Peace Day Thirty-Six: Peace Within Day Thirty-Seven: Be an Advocate Day Thirty-Eight: Act Justly Day Thirty-Nine: Offer Mercy Day Forty: Initiate Reconciliation Review and Reflection Epilouge Acknowledgments
