2010 - Young People of Faith in a Secular Society

How do we live as young people of faith in a secular society? This was the question a group of Muslim and Christian young people wrestled with on 7th February 2010. They met at The Youth Encounter Centre in Birmingham for an afternoon of discussions, creative Artwork ideas and pizzas.

At the start of the afternoon we found images that reflected ideas and common themes that we find in a secular society. We then identified 10 Values that we felt were prevelant in society. Some of these it was decided were contrary to the teachings of Christianity and Islam and others were compatible with the teachings of the faiths.

How does our faith equip us to live in this society?

To help us understand this two young people spoke of significant moments in their lives. One girl talked about being at the Christian festival Soul Survivor where she felt God speak to her and challenge her to take her faith much more seriously. She talked about how, since then her life has been chaged in a number of ways. Another girl talked about a trip to Mecca for Umrah. She talked about the peace she found there and her deeper understanding if her faith, she also talked about how it has changed her since.

What does our faith teach us?

The young people looked at teachings from christianity and Islam to learn more about how they can live in a secular society. The Muslim Young People looked at an Eid Sermon delivered by Imam Dr Musharraf Hussain. The Christians looked at Galations 5:14-26 and 1 Peter 1:13-22. They then explained to each other what they had learnt which prompted lots of discussion and questions.

During the afternoon the young people had a chance to write down any questions they had for a Christian or a Muslim. At the end of the afternoon (whilst eating pizza) we read out the questions and gave people a chance to give a SHORT answer. The questions included:
Does your God forgive sins?
How do you pray?
What do Christian believe about The Trinity?
What do Muslim believe about Jesus?
How do you keep your (beautiful) headscarves on?
What do you believe happens after death?

I felt that my Sunday was well spent. Yes it was different to how I expected it to be but in a good way. In enjoyed being able to talk about my beliefs and morals in an environment that was accepting and chilled. It was a good Sunday.

Downloads

Guidelines for dialogue