Tag Archives: Responsible Religion

Interfaith Matters

Curriculum Design, Evolutionary Spirituality, For Religious Educators, Interfaith Children, Interfaith Education, Jewish-Interfaith, Spiritual Growth for Kids, , , , ,

Lauren Zinn lecturing in Toronto about responsible religion for a global culture.

Dear Parents,

I’m energized from presenting the model of interfaith education, Teaching Responsible Religion for an Interfaith World, that I developed while teaching your children! 🙂, to a welcoming audience at NAIN (North American Interfaith Network) hosted at The University of Toronto, August 11-14, 2013.  If I had any doubts about my devotion to developing a Jewish-Interfaith program, i.e., the Hebrew Play Group through ZinnHouse, they quickly evaporated among interfaith enthusiasts! Continue reading Interfaith Matters →

Responsible Religion for Getting Unstuck

Conversations with Leaders, Curriculum Design, For Religious Educators, Interfaith Education, Interfaith Inspiration, Jewish-Interfaith, Spiritual Growth for Kids, , , , ,

Mixed media painting by Lauren Zinn.Pastor Joe Summers’ hard work and dedication organizing “UnStuck: Reviving the Movement for Social Justice, Human Dignity, and the Environment” at The Michigan Theater on February 16, 2013 was a huge success. With Rev. James Forbes and Cornel West as the keynotes, along with musical performances, and wide support, the program delivered a whole greater than the sum of its parts. I was honored to be among several speakers about religion’s sticking points in unleashing social change. I’m sharing my talk here.
“Stick” with this; it’s  not that long.

I’ve been energized these days about my profession as an Interfaith Minister and my practice (vocation) as an Interfaith Educator.  So when Joe asked me to be part of this event, I agreed.  Because I thought I had a lot to say. But when I sat down to write, I felt “stuck.”  Now I’m going to tell you what I’ve learned about getting “unstuck.”

I grew up in a Conservative Jewish household.  I went to Hebrew School every Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday. My family attended Sabbath Services which meant I was at the synagogue on Saturdays, too. When I joined the Jewish Youth Group, I was there five times each week. I went to Jewish camps in the summer. I lived on a religious kibbutz in Israel briefly in high school. I attended the Hebrew University in Jerusalem for my junior year of college. I thought I would join the Israeli army, marry an Israeli, and live life on a kibbutz.  Would you be surprised if I told you that it didn’t work out that way?

What happened?

Continue reading Responsible Religion for Getting Unstuck →