More in Common

In 2014 I spent the summer as a chaplain trainee at St. Luke’s hospital in New York City. I lived with my son Kris, my daughter-in-law Rachel, and two grandchildren. St. Luke’s is now part of the greater Mt. Sinai hospital system in New York. 

New York is a very diverse place, and that summer I was exposed to many faith traditions for the first time. I encountered members of Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Jewish populations. One of my chaplain mentors at the hospital was a Muslim, and I got to see his ministry in action firsthand. As chaplains, we were taught to respect and support persons of all faiths and, above all, not to push our own traditions upon others. 

When we first made contact with patients in the hospital who had requested visits, we asked them their religious preferences. One thing that surprised me was the number of folks who would describe themselves as “Jewish, non-practicing.” It took me a while to get my head around that. I learned that it usually means a person identifies as Jewish and may participate in some Jewish traditions, but they do not practice Judaism on a daily basis. 

I have come to realize that we Christians probably have more in common with Muslim folks than we might imagine. I have not read the entire Qur’an, but I know there are chapters about Jesus and Mary. Jesus is also revered in the tradition as a major prophet. Even the common Christian practice of using prayer beads resembles a Muslim prayer bead practice.

I am thankful for my summer in New York City and pray for greater understanding among religious traditions.