Manhattan College’s Holocaust, Genocide and Interfaith Education Center Hosts Scriptural Reading Event

On Oct. 16, Jews, Christians and Muslims will gather to promote understanding and friendship.

Manhattan College’s Holocaust, Genocide and Interfaith Education (HGI) Center will host Scriptural Reasoning: Reflecting Together on Sacred Texts on Oct. 16. The event will bring together small groups of Jews, Christians and Muslims, and people of other faiths to read short passages from their various scriptures.

Originally developed by Cambridge University’s Inter-faith program, Scriptural Reasoning is designed to promote understanding and relationships through the practice of interfaith reading. Participants will discuss the content of chosen texts, the ways in which their traditions work with them, and the ways in which those texts shape their understanding of and engagement with a range of contemporary issues.

“Scriptural Reasoning doesn’t lead to agreement, but we find that it does lead to friendship,” said Mehnaz Afridi, Ph.D., assistant professor of religious studies and director of the HGI Center. “You don’t have to politely agree about everything – you can dive in, and discuss issues at the core of your faith.”

The Oct. 16 event will begin at 4 p.m. in the O’Malley Library, Alumni Room. All are welcome; a passion for scripture is the only requirement to participate.

Founded in 1996, the HGI Center is committed to understanding and respecting differences and similarities between people of all religions, races, ethnicities and nationalities. For more information about the HGI Center’s events, please contact Mehnaz Afridi at mehnaz.afridi@manhattan.edu.