In his foreword to this anthology of readings on faith and service, Eboo Patel (Acts of Faith) writes: "Service is not the only bridge between the cosmic and the concrete, but also between Islam and Judaism, Christianity and Buddhism, secular humanism and Hinduism. The diverse community that is humanity is not fated to be divided by the clash of civilizations. We can just as easily be united on the common ground of service. All we have to do is cross the bridge." Editor Adam Davis has organized the readings thematically to answer three central questions: (1) Why do I serve? (2) Whom do I serve? and (3) How do I serve?
The material in Hearing Across the Traditions has been written by Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, and others. The readings are essays, poems, short stories, memoirs, sermons, scripture and philosophical pieces. In an appendix, you will find discussion questions for each of the readings. This valuable resource makes it clear that all the world's religions must forge a link between faith and service, making sure that they don't slight either. The wisdom traditions also need to come up with many more ways of working together in the name of love and compassion.
