In to the melting pot…

…In to the fire?

Ven. Susthama was invited to a debate on BBC Radio Leicester, on her blog Beyond the Clouds she talks about her experiences, and asks some valuable questions:

So how do we produce a harmony and is it possible with so many different beliefs, customs, and even laws? In Judaism, the Jewish community stick close together, they follow a common rule of life and in a way this creates a boundary between them and other communities. They are different, they are the chosen people and they (if they are very religious and strictly so) will follow a way of life that is prescribed. Islam, well, the Sharia law, which was briefly mentioned tonight is not without penalty to those who do not follow the muslim way of life. Muslims certainly have it much easier in Christian countries, than Christians have it in Muslim countries. One thing is for sure, the Sharia law is not very tolerant.
BBC debate with Radio Leicester.

In the UK, especially in the cities there is often a diverse mix of people and communities In Leicester there have been many waves of immigration, and these cultural groups tend to stick together, often creating a sense of home away from home. When you have travelled many miles, and are far away from home - staying close to someone from your own country sounds appealing.

I’m reminded of the English communities in Europe, a cultural home away for ex-pats.

The question of how these get along is often raised, and Leicester is often upheld as a shining example of where this happens - hence the debate.

My question is what type of harmony are you looking for, what might this look like?

Perhaps we can have a multitude of communities, each rubbing up against the other, celebrating each others festivals, and having conversations about our difference as well as our similarities…for so called moderate or liberal groups this might seem easy – but not for all.

I suspect the answer lies in compromise, in being open to try out different ideas and ideals, and in the work of many people. Of course there will be sticking points…

I’m often acutely aware of my own biases and attachments, if other people have half as many as me there are going to be problems. But maybe that’s okay.