Confronting Extremism: Finding Common Ground

When Mary Murray Bosrock decided to write a book about religion the sky was her only limit and she extensively traveled around the globe. She interviewed people from Belfast to Beirut and Minneapolis to Malaysia. Although she inevitably found a common human spirit, it was all too often overshadowed by disagreements and differences. Communications broke down due to each individual’s perceptions.

“I Saw God” is a little story with a big message. This simple tale challenges us to examine not only how we see God–but how we see our fellow humans. If we are going to resolve differences between people or nations, we need mutual understanding and tolerance. “I Saw God” is a tool for dialogue in classrooms, churches, boardrooms and homes.

This book speaks to a number of topics: ecumenism, diversity, spirituality–each person finds a different moral, lesson, or directive. The one given is that I Saw God stimulates discussion and communication.

“`I Saw God’ is a lovely work. It is straightforward and simple but not simplistic. It is a pleasure to read.” -- Patrick Henry, Executive Director, Institute For Ecumenical and Cultural Research at St. John’s University.

“As tragic events play out in the new millennium, `I Saw God’ calls the reader to confront extremism in ourselves and our traditions. This simple story, wonderfully told, awakens us to our self-created differences so that we may once again focus on community and unity.” -- The Reverend Canon Mark Wm. Kelm, Canon Liturgist and Family Pastor, St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral.

Mary Murray Bosrock is the author of the Put Your Best Foot Forward books, an award-winning series on cross-cultural communication and behavior. Her books have been endorsed by former Vice President and Ambassador to Japan Walter Mondale and former Senate Majority leader George Mitchell.

Mary’s travels took her to the Soviet Union as glasnost was unfolding. She was present when the Berlin Wall came down and in Hong Kong when the Hand-Over took place. Mary worked in China during the evolutionary period of the 80’s. She traveled to the Middle East in the pivotal summer of 2002, visiting Beirut and interviewing people of all faiths.

Mary is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Masters of International Business School at the University of St. Mary’s. She also serves on the board of the Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research at Saint John’s University.

By Albert H. Lee
chtoday_editor@chtoday.com