Interfaiths

Mikael Nilsson’s research challenges the common assumption that Nazi antisemitism was purely secular by highlighting how Adolf Hitler’s worldview was rooted in a distorted Christian theology. It explains that Hitler reimagined Jesus as an Aryan warrior rather than a Jewish figure, weaponising religious symbols to transform genocide into a perceived moral and divine mission. This historical analysis suggests that the Holocaust emerged from a horrifying mutation of established religious thought rather than a simple rejection of faith. Consequently, modern interfaith dialogue must move beyond superficial commonalities to honestly confront how sacred traditions can be manipulated to justify viol...

Duration: 00:15:13

Inter-religious dialogue is the effort by individuals and organisations of different religious affiliations to exchange views on their commonalities and differences, reduce misunderstandings, and cooperate on shared goals such as peace or ecology. The relevance of the academic study of religion (Religionswissenschaft) to this dialogue is multifaceted, acting as both a historical initiator, a critical observer, and a resource provider.

Key aspects of its relevance include:

Historical Foundation: The study of religion and modern inter-religious dialogue share common roots in the 19th-century fascination with "the foreign" and the 1893 World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, which was...

Duration: 00:15:30

This episode examines how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam utilise repeated sacred phrases, often referred to as mantras, to foster a deeper connection with the divine. These monotheistic traditions employ specific names of God or holy verses to align a practitioner’s life with spiritual reality and transform their inner consciousness. The source details how these invocations can be performed as structured seated meditation or as "portable" prayers integrated into daily activities to maintain constant spiritual focus. Modern research explores how these ancient repetitive practices are currently being adapted for psychological health interventions and clinical studies. Ultimately, while the terminology va...

Duration: 00:11:56

In this episode, we undertake a rigorous examination of the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel through the lens of classical Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh). While Hamas invokes religious doctrines such as jihād to justify its military operations, many scholars argue that its tactics represent a political manipulation of religion rather than authentic practice.

Drawing on the research of leading scholars like Ahmed Al-Dawoody, Karima Bennoune, and Nesrine Badawi, we explore two critical dimensions of Islamic war law:

Jus ad Bellum (The Right to Wage War): We discuss why classical jurists traditionally required legitimate political authority (such a...

Duration: 00:12:56

In this episode of the Interfaiths podcast, Professor Iqbal Akhtar is joined by Dr. Juan Cole, the Richard P. Mitchell Collegiate Professor of History at the University of Michigan. Dr. Cole shares the story of his extensive intellectual journey, ranging from his childhood in multi-religious Eritrea to his groundbreaking research on North Indian Shi’ism.

The conversation covers Dr. Cole’s experiences studying Christian-Muslim dialogue in Lebanon during the Civil War, his shift from the phenomenology of religion to history, and his rise as a prominent public intellectual and blogger during the post-9/11 era and the Iraq War...

Duration: 00:43:04

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Anderson, Executive Director of Mosaic Miami (formerly MCCJ), to discuss the evolving landscape of faith and community cohesion in South Florida. From his roots in the Haitian and Bahamian diasporas to leading one of Miami’s oldest human relations organizations, Matt shares his journey from finance to the nonprofit sector. We dive deep into why the "old playbook" of interfaith dialogue no longer works, the challenges facing Miami’s youth, and the critical need for "third spaces" like The Underline and the new Bell Chapel at FIU. We also tackle the hard...

Duration: 00:32:24

Welcome back to the channel. In this episode, I am honored to sit down with Tara Orezoli, Director of Development for Strategic Initiatives at the FIU Foundation, to discuss a groundbreaking project for our community: The Trish and Dan Bell Multifaith Chapel at Florida International University.

We explore the vision behind this remarkable 18,000-square-foot facility—the first of its kind at a public university in Florida designed from the ground up specifically as a multifaith space. Tara shares fascinating insights into the building's nature-inspired architecture (including its unique aerial "fish" design), the vital distinction between "interfaith" and "mu...

Duration: 00:22:59

In this episode, I sit down with Joe Jacoby, a preeminent leader in the Miami Jewish community and former president of Temple Beth Am, for a profound discussion on history, identity, and the future of interfaith relations.

As a rare Miami native, Joe shares his family’s deep roots in the South (dating back to Pensacola and Mobile) and offers a firsthand perspective on how Miami has evolved from a small town to a global metropolis. We dig deep into the history of antisemitism in Florida—from "Gentiles Only" signs in the past to the complex challenges fuel...

Duration: 00:22:34

In this episode of the Interfaith Miami podcast, host Balakar sits down with Pamela Lear, a prominent figure in the South Florida interfaith movement, to discuss her fascinating journey of identity, resilience, and faith.

Pamela’s story is not that of a typical upbringing. From growing up as an "Air Force brat" living in Japan and Ireland to navigating the complexities of the segregated South in 1970s Memphis, her worldview was shaped by diverse cultures and the stark realities of history. She shares the pivotal moment at age 11—over a meal of shrimp and steak on Yom Kipp...

Duration: 00:31:36

In this episode of the Interfaiths Miami Podcast at Florida International University (FIU), Dr. Iqbal Akhtar sits down with Dr. Yasemin Saib—an FIU professor of religion, Muslim theologian, and key member of the Muslim-Jewish Dialogue. Born in Saudi Arabia and educated in strict Wahhabi madrasas for 12 years, Dr. Saib shares her remarkable transformation from a theology rooted in fear to one anchored in Divine Love. She discusses the pivotal moment she discovered the poetry of Rumi, her global travels across 70 countries, and why she believes moving beyond religious "cages" and legalism is essential for spiritual growth. Join us fo...

Duration: 00:24:14

In this episode of the Interfaith Miami podcast, we are honored to sit down with Rabbi Jaime Aklepi of Temple Beth Am, one of South Florida’s most respected faith leaders and a key partner in our Jewish-Muslim dialogue initiatives.

Rabbi Aklepi shares her personal journey from a "somewhat observant" upbringing to becoming the only rabbi in her family—a path shaped by Jewish summer camp, her time at Brandeis University, and the evolving role of women in the rabbinate. We discuss the core tenets of Reform Judaism, with a special focus on Tikkun Olam (repairing the worl...

Duration: 00:31:49

In this episode of the Interfaiths podcast, we are honored to sit down with Professor Jeanette Smith, a dedicated social justice advocate and moral exemplar in the South Florida community. Jeanette takes us through her fascinating journey—from growing up in a small town in Northern Maryland and her adult confirmation in the Catholic Church, to her realization that her values naturally aligned with the Quaker tradition while applying to the American Friends Service Committee.

We dive deep into the tenets of Quakerism, including the concept of the "inner light," the challenging discipline of pacifism, and the im...

Duration: 00:38:25

In this episode of the Interfaiths project, Dr. Iqbal Akhtar welcomes Joanne and Susan, esteemed leaders from Temple Beth Am’s "Unbiased" (Understanding and Educating about Bias) initiative.

Together, they explore the personal and communal dimensions of interfaith work in Miami amidst rising tensions. Joanne and Susan share their deep personal histories—from growing up in a multicultural Miami to navigating complex family identities—and how these experiences fueled their commitment to social justice.

Key topics discussed include:

The Mission of Unbiased: How Temple Beth Am is addressing the rise of antisemitism through education and al...

Duration: 00:24:39

In this episode of the Interfaiths program, host Iqbal Akhtar sits down with Stuart and Diane, a power couple deeply embedded in the Jewish community and the Muslim-Jewish Dialogue group. They share their unique personal histories—Stuart as a pioneer in nuclear medicine born before the founding of Israel, and Diane as a nurse midwife and "Jew by choice" active with Hadassah.

Together, they discuss the "Unbiased Initiative" and the challenges of maintaining interfaith relationships in a post-October 7th world. The conversation explores the role of medicine as a bridge to peace, the necessity of having "tough co...

Duration: 00:34:21

In this episode of Interfaiths, we sit down with Joan Godoy, the CEO of Radical Partners, a social impact accelerator based in Miami. Joan shares her fascinating journey from growing up in Guatemala—influenced by her environmentalist father and feminist grandmother—to becoming a leader in the nonprofit sector.

Joan reflects on her early work with indigenous Mayan communities, where she learned the profound lesson that some cycles must be untied rather than cut. She discusses how these experiences shaped her approach to leadership and her transition from international NGO work in the Netherlands and Chile to soci...

Duration: 00:30:26

In this episode of the Interfaiths podcast, Dr. Iqbal Akhtar sits down with Reverend Candace "Candy" Thomas and Bianca from Christ Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) in Miami. They discuss what it means to be a "small church doing big things" in today's political climate.

The conversation explores:

Personal Journeys: Pastor Candy’s path from social work to ordination at age 50, and Bianca’s powerful story of fleeing communist Romania as a child refugee.Open and Affirming: The theological imperative for LGBTQ+ inclusion and the church’s active role in PFLAG and Pride events.Faith in Act...

Duration: 00:35:34

Join host Prof. Iqbal Akhtar for a conversation with Jenny Pearson about her transition from leading community engagement at the Arsht Center to navigating complex interfaith dynamics at the Jewish Federation.

Jenny opens up about her upbringing in New York and Florida, her drive to push the boundaries of Jewish culture beyond "Fiddler on the Roof," and her instinct to return to Jewish community work post-October 7th. They explore the necessity of crossing the aisle, the nuances of the Jewish diaspora in Miami, and how emotional connection can transcend ideological differences.

Show Notes & Key Takeaways:<...

Duration: 00:30:29

In this episode, Professor Iqbal Akhtar interviews Philip Louisa, a graduate student in Politics, International Relations, and Religious Studies at FIU. Born in Tanzania and raised between the UK and the US, Philip shares his personal transition from a cultural Catholic upbringing to a deep Protestant faith.

The conversation moves from personal spirituality to academic research, focusing on the geopolitical challenges of Christian communities in the Global South. Philip unpacks the complexities of the conflict in Nigeria, arguing that it is not a monolithic religious war but a multi-layered struggle involving ethnicity and economics. The discussion also...

Duration: 00:20:22

In this episode of Interfaiths, Dr. Iqbal Akhtar sits down with Jon Warech, the Executive Director of Hillel at Florida International University. Jon shares his unique personal journey from a career in entertainment journalism and Hollywood back to his roots in North Miami Beach to serve the Jewish community.

Together, they explore the evolving landscape of Jewish student life at a public university. The conversation delves into:

The Role of Hillel: Moving beyond traditional misconceptions to discuss how Hillel acts as a center for education, Israel engagement, and a safe haven against antisemitism.Post-October 7th Realities...

Duration: 00:30:06

In this episode of Interfaiths, we sit down with Jason, an undergraduate student at Florida International University, to explore the diverse textures of modern Jewish identity. Jason shares his unique backstory growing up in Porto, Portugal—a city where he was often the only Jewish person his age—and the culture shock of moving to Miami’s vibrant, highly visible Jewish community.

The conversation delves into the realities of student life post-October 7th, including:

The Diaspora Experience: Contrasting the tight-knit, reviving community of Porto with the expansive Jewish life in South Florida.Campus Climate: A candid discus...

Duration: 00:21:40

In this episode of the Interfaiths Project, Professor Iqbal Akhtar sits down with Haridas, the secretary of the Sacred Vedic Arts Temple in Miami, for a deep dive into the intersection of personal identity, devotion, and religious transition.

Born into a Jewish family in New York, Haridas shares his candid story of navigating corporate anxiety and spiritual emptiness before discovering the transformative power of Kirtan and Bhakti Yoga. He discusses his transition into the monastic life as a Brahmachari in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, explaining the theology behind his vows of renunciation and the significance of his...

Duration: 00:36:30

In this episode of the Interfaiths podcast, we are joined by historian Dr. Ibrahim Al-Marashi for a fascinating journey through a family history that defies modern geopolitical borders. We trace his lineage from his grandfather—a cleric fighting the British in the 1920s Iraqi insurgency who fled to become a spiritual leader for the Khoja community in Zanzibar—to his mother’s hidden Syriac Orthodox Christian roots in Lebanon.

Dr. Al-Marashi discusses the concept of the "Monsoon Winds" as a historical connector between the Middle East, East Africa, and India, challenging the artificial boundaries of area studies. He als...

Duration: 00:33:30

Join Professor Iqbal Akhtar and FIU students Sarah Currea and Serhan Özgül for a powerful conversation about interfaith dialogue in the face of global conflict. In this episode of the FIU Interfaith Podcast, Sarah and Serhan share their personal journeys with religion and their experiences in FIU's Jewish-Muslim Dialogue group. They discuss the challenges of discussing sensitive topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on campus, the impact of social media on religious understanding, and the critical importance of human connection, respect, and open-mindedness in bridging divides.

Key Topics: Student Perspectives on Interfaith Dialogue: Hear firsthand from FIU st...

Duration: 00:43:42

My name is Nabila Yusuf, and I am a 23-year-old master’s student of History at Bayero University Kano, Northern Nigeria. Education has always been my path to freedom, and I have worked hard to support myself fully, without external financial or family assistance. Despite the obstacles, I have remained committed to building a future in which my research and advocacy can give African women and youth a stronger voice on the global stage.

I am now preparing to take the next step in my academic journey by applying to Florida International University (FIU) to study Religious St...

Duration: 00:55:55

Welcome to the premiere episode of the Interfaiths podcast with Dr. Iqbal Akhtar. In this episode, we are honored to host Dr. Mohammad Homayounvash, Director of the Jaffer Institute for Interfaith Dialogue and Education at Miami Dade College.

Together, they discuss the critical shift from "hardcore" international security studies to a more holistic approach that includes civilizational and religious identity. Dr. Homayounvash shares his unique perspective on growing up in Iran, his academic journey, and how the "Miami Model" of interfaith relations is fostering intercultural literacy in South Florida.

Key Topics Discussed:

From...

Duration: 00:32:12