Amanda Greene’s recent article explores the yearlong religious experiment of 29 year old Andrew Bowen, a man who sought to attain faith in humanity rather than divinity through his quest. During 2011 he practiced a new religion each month, in effect becoming
- Hindu in January,
- Baha’i in February,
- Zoroastrian in March,
- Jewish in April,
- Buddhist in May,
- Agnostic in June,
- Mormon in July,
- Muslim in August,
- Sikh in September,
- Wiccan in October,
- Jain in November, and
- Catholic in December.
So What?
Project Conversion, Bowen’s name for his experience, began after a challenging and unexpected loss when his wife’s tubal ligation failed allowing her to become pregnant, but then requiring an abortion. Interestingly while Andrew’s response was one of becoming attentive to and fully present within many religions for a month at a time, Heather was baptized and became involved in a local Baptist Church.
Andrew’s year of exploration was so intense he quit his job to focus on the religious experiences. For the first half of each month he worked with a mentor to read and learn more about the religion. During the second half of the month he visited with adherents of the religion in their gatherings and sought to live out the religion.
While few are likely to quit their jobs and focus their lives on the quest to better understand other religions, many seek deeper understanding and appreciation.
- What life experiences have been most helpful in improving your religious literary? your respect for many of the world’s great religions?
- What are some of the ways your local Christian congregation provides opportunities for you to better understand other religions? If these offerings are limited, how might you partner with another religious body to craft a shared learning opportunity?