2008 Interfaith Youth Café

Hosted by St. Monica's Catholic Church

Youth from the following congregations attended:

• St. Monica Catholic Church
• Islamic Society of Milwaukee
• Mukwonago United Church of Christ
• Christ Church (Episcopalian )
• First Unitarian Society (Unitarian Universalist)
• Congregation Sinai (Jewish)
• House of Peace (various Christians)

We watched a film called, “What do you Believe? The Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers,” a New Day Film shown on PBS, featuring interviews with six youth teenagers:

• Anthony, Roman Catholic
• Mazouza, Muslim
• Morgan, Pagan
• David, Jewish
• Carina, Buddhist
• Julius, Native American

Some of these young people spoke about their faith with great devotion and commitment. Some were still searching. Some were connected to their religion despite their searching.

After watching the first half of the film, we sat at five tables with mixed groups and had discussions prompted by a set of questions. We repeated the process after the second half of the film.

At the end, all the young people returned to their “home groups” and shared their thoughts with each other… what they learned, what surprised them the most, and any insights they had from the afternoon. Here is a summary of what they said:

• We were surprised to find out that Paganism was an organized religion.
• We learned that you are officially Jewish if your mother is Jewish.
• Everyone doubts. Everyone has doubts about at least some aspect of their religious traditions.
• Many religions have similar values.
• We are not insignificant specks; each of us is somebody.
• Many youth have a strong desire to deepen their faith.

We ended our time together with shared prayer. Each group offered a prayer – either an original prayer or a traditional prayer from their faith group.

Here are the table discussion questions we used at the November café (If you are interested in the discussion questions from past café events, please email Lisa):

Part One                (Anthony, Mazouza, and Morgan)

1. Anthony said, “No one knows how God feels.”

Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?

Anthony also said, “I question my spirituality, but I still want to be Catholic.” Do you think you could question the spirituality of your faith tradition, and still want to be identified by that faith? Why or why not?

2. Mazouza loves Islam. She said, “Without it, I’d be lost. I’ve found my place in my life.”

She likes people to understand that “she’s American and she still follows her religion.” Are you as peaceful with your faith tradition as Mazouza is with Islam? If so, why do you think so? If not, why not?

3. Morgan says she is not sure if there is a “Higher Power.” Do you believe in God (or a “Higher Power”)? Are you certain that God (or that “Higher Power”) exists? If so, what gives you that assurance of faith? If not, what might make you more certain of that faith?

4. Do you think the teenagers in this film are representative of most teenagers in their religious tradition? Why or why not? What do you think is the most important reason for us to listen to different opinions of young people?

Part Two                (David, Carina, Julius)

1. David says he is Jewish, and hopes he will eventually believe in God. He says that certain experiences might encourage a belief in God. David believes he’ll know it if he is touched by God. Have you ever been “touched by God?”

Do you think you need a personal experience of God in order to believe in God? Why or why not?

2. Carina respects monks and nuns because they are completely mindful, peaceful and calm. Because Buddhists believe in ending suffering for everyone, she is most bothered by how selfish people have become. Do you agree that people are much too selfish? Why or why not? How would a more mindful understanding of cause-and-effect change the way teenagers might behave?

3. Julius believes in the Lakota values of generosity, respect, wisdom and courage. Do you think those values are part of most faith traditions? Why or why not? Julius said that if traditions aren’t passed down, they will disappear. Do you feel responsible for passing on the faith values of your religion? Why or why not?

4. Carina said it was hard to live in America because Christianity is so pervasive. Morgan mentioned that it’s hard to be “anything but Christian.” Do you think most Christians are aware of this? Why or why not? What do you think would help all Americans understand the effect of any “majority” point of view on the rest of the country?