Cogent and Fallacious Reasoning #3

    Learning the keys for building mutually respectful and meaningful dialogue.

The other day at work a coworker told me about receiving an email that was totally offensive to her and she asked me if I had any suggestions on how to respond. It just so happened that I had read an article over the weekend that I found from one of the sights listed on our class blog that addressed the issue of talking to people in ways that lead to understanding and tolerance. The article was titled In a world of sectarian violence, what can be done? Originally, I was attracted to this article because it reminded me of our first day of class and the conversation we had about the things well-meaning people say in the name of religion.  As I walked out of class that day I wonder if there were people I had offended without knowing it. I also thought, I think I will just keep my thoughts to myself from now on. Reading this article helped me to realize that I am not alone in my trepidation, unintentionally saying something that offends someone is a real phenomenon that is causing division. 

This article talked about sectarian conflicts and the mind-boggling complexity that accompanies it. It talks about learning to combat hate and violence through respect and understanding. The authors talk about learning how to talk with people of different cultural and religious beliefs in ways that build bridges and creates understanding.

This article introduced me to a movement that I have not heard of called Face to Faith. Face to Faith is an organization that takes presentations into public and private schools to teach students key core concepts of respectful dialogue. This program helps students develop communication skills for meaningful and respectful discussions on faith and beliefs.

After the students are taught these skills, they are then given the opportunity to network with students around the world via videoconference.  This gives the student the opportunity to articulate their own values as well as encounter the beliefs and values of other, face to face.

After reading this article I wanted to learn more so I explored their website. After reading this article I think Face to Faith is a cogent proposal to introduce to schools.  The goal of this organization is to “not only educate young people about religions and cultures, but to inspire them to work together for the common good”.  They promote that an open-minded approach to others can lead to tolerant, stable societies.      

https://www.facetofaithonline.org/     http://tonyblairfaithfoundation.org/