Jain Spirit 2004 06 No 19

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 58

56 YOUTH
What faith have you been born into?
What do you understand this to mean?
What would you say are the most important values you live your life by?
How much of that has come from your given faith? What else has an effect on how you live your life and what is important to you?
In what way do other faiths interact with your life? Do you make an active decision to experience this interaction?
Do you feel that this presence of other faiths has had a positive effect on you life?
Jain Education International 2010 03
25 year old Monica Perdoni is a London born Italian and now lives in Brighton, UK.
Roman Catholicism
Strict adherence to Catholicism, which means obedience to papal teachings. No room for differing or alternative beliefs.
Treat others with compassion and respect, as you yourself would wish to be treated. Everyone is equal... Be true to yourself and to others. What goes around comes around....
Not a lot has come from faith. Although born into Catholicism, my dad is an atheist. Though I was Christened, communions and the other rituals so central to this faith were not part of my family life. I still had a deep fascination for religion however and dragged my brothers to Sunday school and took an A- Level in Christian theology too.
In my twenties I have become involved in Buddhist teachings through practicing meditation and especially because of a friend who practices Buddhism of nichiren daishonin. I also have read Taoist and Islamic texts. I know throughout my lifetime I will explore other faiths too, be it through reading or people.
Definitely. Growing up in an area where many cultures and creeds were all around me showed me there was no need to be afraid of the other. Therefore I have always embraced differences and so have nurtured an open heart and mind.
20 year old
Christianne Beck is English, was born in Singapore and now lives in Brighton, UK.
Protestant Christianity
I suppose it means going to church every Sunday, praying before meals, attending Christian weddings and celebrating Christmas in the traditional way.
To have fun but to understand regularity and proportion, like to have a job and study but also have my spare time and enjoy it. Also, I believe in putting other people before myself especially family and friends. I just try my best to keep everyone happy!
Jesus put everyone before himself but this isn't why I feel this way. In my view this is the right way for me to be. I see a lot of pain and destruction in the world and instead of contributing to it, I would prefer to do my bit by helping people and to rebel against selfishness and greed. Also a lot of how I live my life has been inspired by what I've seen in my family.
I have friends who belong to certain religions but I do not think this makes them any different to me. I do get curious about different faiths and get people to share their beliefs and views. I find the idea of interfaith activity as a part of life fascinating.
Yes, it's taught me to understand that there are people who believe in different Gods. Their ideas come from a place pretty much the opposite to mine but they can still get along regardless! Everyone is the same inside. When it comes to faith I don't think enough people realise this. Everyone can and does have their own view but can still appreciate others.
www.jainelibrary.o