Understanding Our Own Faith First

Today's guest post is by Jonathan Mroz, Manager of the Countering Violent Extremism Initiative at the EastWest Institute (EWI) and a former Policy Innovation Fellow.

In a world rich with conflict and division, a reading from the Christian Gospel expounds, "First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you'll see clearly enough to remove the speck from your brother's eye (Luke 6:42)."

When it comes to judging others based on religious or ideological values, we cannot fully comprehend that which we do not own, and this requires acknowledging our own fallibility and the special relationship we have to faith as its owners. In a way, our relationship with faith is akin to the difference between owning and renting a house. The owner of a house is far more likely to care for its roof, its walls, its foundation, plumbing, and electricity. A renter, by default, defers to the owner for many of these affairs.

A common message shared by all theists, however, is that the fallibility of the religious does not adumbrate the fallibility of religion. We all endure the actions and messages of those who subjugate righteousness to self-righteousness. Rather than discuss the extremities of hypocrisy, a closer, deeper look at our own beliefs is needed. Much harder than fully comprehending that which we do not own is grasping the complexity and ornate nuance from which we draw our own strength, purpose, moral clarity, and conviction.

A closer, deeper look at our own beliefs is needed. How much do we really know about our own religion? Many of us go to Church, Mosque, Temple, or Ashram to gain direction and purpose but rarely do we attempt to reconcile the purity of faith with the actions of the faithful in our own communities.

In 2009, my work as Manager of the Countering Violent Extremism Initiative at the EastWest Institute led me to spend nearly 100 hours speaking to religious elders, congregations, and students across the United States not least of which were the dedicated young people at the Interfaith Youth Core. Our goal was to engage civil society and learn from various best practices. In every case, these groups were excited to have the opportunity to face tough questions about their own religions and also developed some profound responses.

One event with a group of American Muslims was particularly compelling. In the wake of 9/11, and in response to recent Modernist and perhaps, neo-Orientalist calls for an Islamic Renaissance - one that would lead to a massive shift in values - one participant stated that Muslims, "do not have to change their faith but understand it in its entirety." This sentiment was echoed in other congregations, where people are seeking a better understanding of their own values before directing attention to the values of others. What I learned from young people and religious leaders was that some fundamental values like feeding our young, overcoming self-interest, remaining detached from opportunism and above all, the preservation of human life should exist and remain at the top of everyone's agenda. But they taught me never to promote a set of ideas that are "universal" outside the confines of basic human needs.

Only through introspection, knowledge sharing, and a consistent desire to learn more about ourselves can we hope to achieve moral clarity and perhaps seek peace. While true ownership of theism lies in whatever religion we embrace, and while deference to whatever divinity we follow is fundamentally good, we all have a responsibility and opportunity to be owners of religiosity. However to fully own our religiosity, whether collectively or individually, we have to be willing to accept that there is still so much we have yet to learn. Humility is the path to grace and we all, including myself, have a long road to travel.

Before rejoining EWI, he worked as an underwriting analyst in the Global Trade and Political Risk division of American International Group. Jonathan was previously a Research Assistant for EWI's Middle East Bridges program. First joining EWI in 2001, Jonathan also provided support to the Programs division for Central Eurasian Leadership as well as the Regional Transfrontier Cooperation Project in Southeastern Europe. Jonathan has written numerous commentaries and was the author of Countering Violent Extremism: Videopower and Cyberspace. He holds an M.A. in Diplomacy and International Relations from the John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy at Seton Hall University specializing in Negotiations and Conflict Resolution as well as the Middle East Region. Jonathan also holds a B.A. in International Relations from Marymount Manhattan College. Jonathan is married and lives in Bronx, NY with his wife Nancy.

The content of this blog reflects the views of its author and does not necessarily reflect the views of either Eboo Patel or the Interfaith Youth Core.

By Eboo Patel  |  May 6, 2009; 11:47 AM ET  | Category:  Interfaith Issues , Personal Religion , Religion & Leadership , Spirituality , The Faith Divide , Theology Save & Share:                 
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