Chaplain Teaches Religious Diversity, Understanding

October 31, 2008

Author: Naval Surface Force, Atlantic Public Affairs

Source: Navy Compass

http://navycompass.com/content/view/881/322/

A new series of seminars is rocking the religious boat aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18). The series is designed to teach Sailors about different cultures and ways of looking at the world. This is all in an effort to have Sailors achieve a better understanding of their shipmates and provide them with an introduction to the regional cultures of the world that they serve in.

Lt. Cmdr. Beth Stallinga, the chaplain aboard, is facilitating the series. The “Religions of the World” program itself borrows material from a PBS series called “The Wisdom of Faith,” Huston Smith and Bill Moyers’ examinations of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

The series explores the art, architecture, music and poetry of the different religions. The program defines differences and common themes within the religions. Stallinga looks forward to facilitating every discussion. She cites several reasons for her new focus on promoting religious understanding. One of her strongest motivators stemmed from her seminary experience when she was able to travel to India.

“I was able to live and work and study with Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians — and was exposed to the depth and beauty of their lives. More than anything else, it is our culture first, and then our religion that shape who we are,” said Stallinga. “When we have the chance to learn about others’ cultures and beliefs they stop being something different and strange and start to become something we can begin to understand and even appreciate.”

See also: Interfaith, Military