I am fascinated by the phenomenon of religion, how it developed over the millennia in various parts of the world; and how followers of the two largest religions – Islam and Christianity – can dig into the treasures of their traditions and invest those resources to build a more peaceful and righteous world.

Imam Ashafa and Pastor James each led rival, warring militias in Nigeria - each intent on protecting their people from the abuses and encroachment of the other. In 1995, a mutual friend brought Imam Ashafa and Pastor James together and told them that they could end much of the violence if they would just get to know one another. So they gave it a shot.

In an attempt to honor the contribution Dr. King has made to the cause of peace, I intend to craft a blog entry each day of this work week highlighting some person or group who is heroically promoting peace in the way of Jesus. Today, I will focus the spotlight on Dr. King himself. 

Peace Catalyst recognized a variety of peacemaking religious leaders Thursday night, during the second annual Peacemakers Summit, hosted by Peace Catalyst. Catered by a local Pakistani restaurant, the event was a celebration of peacemakers faithfully serving their respective communities as artists, academics and community leaders. 

Why Christians should stand up for the religious freedom of Muslims and others. 

What would it look for Evangelicals to create and host the best multi-faith events in the world? What if Evangelicals became known for valuing people of all faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds because we are all made in the image of God?

What do a Jewish Rabbi, a Protestant Pastor and an Evangelical missionary have in common? Not much usually. But in discussions with three such people, I found that they were all “either-or” thinkers. “Both-and thinking” didn’t seem like a practical option for them.

On October 16, 2010, two Somali women were attacked by another woman at a gas station in Tukwila, a town just south of Seattle. These Somali women represent just two of the thousands upon thousands of Somali refugees that have come to make the greater Seattle area their home. Among men, women, children, and young and old from varying tribes, there is one thing that unites them all: Islam.

As I speak with Evangelicals in the Pacific Northwest, I am amazed at how many “experts” and strong opinions there are on the topic of Islam and Muslims in America.  So I ask the next question – “so, do you have any friends that are Muslims?” Unfortunately, most so-called “experts” do not have any Muslim friends, and upon digging deeper it becomes apparent that most Americans' opinions about Muslims have been formed by media and not real people.