by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver and Priscilla Warner
New York:  Free Press, 2006, Pages 309

Reviewed by Dr. Susan K. Hedahl

             The authors of this work had originally hoped to write an inter-religious book for children about their respective faiths.  In the Preface they admit once they started talking things threatened to come undone because "We realized that before we could talk about what united us we had to confront what divided us in matters of faith, God and religion.  We had to reveal our own worst fears, prejudices, and stereotypes." (1)

             This work opens with Ranya's reaction to news of "9/11."  The entire work reads in journal form - alternating among the three women's experiences, reactions to conversations with one another and their reassessments of their own faith life and faith communities.  The women meet over foods they enjoy, invite one another to their religious services and slowly began to tell one another the truth - the real truths - about what prompts their fears and their hopes.  Some of the personal reactions are painful, on occasion even angry, as the women attempt to sort out what they believe and how that might either confuse, provoke or enlighten the other two.

 Each women also is forced to face the unsettled issues and tragedies in her own life ranging from parents' failing health; addressing what they don't like about their own faith communities; and struggling to weigh personal religious perceptions against the histories and demands of their own faith rituals. 

             One could quote endlessly from this book.  It is written in such a way that it would make excellent introductory reading for religious groups who wish to raise questions for the other two members of the Abrahamic faith community.  These are not trained theologians writing, but educated women who have had to live out of and respond to the very basic teachings, ambiguities and insights of their own religious affiliation.  There is a refreshing authenticity that emerges from the challenges these women offer one another.

            Unique features of the book include detailed instructions on how to start a faith club.  The reader can visit their web site  www.thefaithclub.com   There is also a helpful list of several pages of basic questions to discuss under such categories as "Examine Your Religion; Put Your Stereotypes on the Table; Define Your God; Explore Prayer and Holy Text; Think About Religion on the World Stage" (296--299), including helpful bibliography.

            Whatever scholars may write on inter-religious dialogue, this work is sure to garner a wide reading among those who attend mosque, synagogue church - or struggle with why they do not.  This book is one of simplicity, beauty, honesty and ultimately about faith and hope.  Every

religious institutions' library would benefit by having a copy of this work around.  And it raises the most interesting question of all:  What would happen if we started a  "Faith Club?"