Beyond Interfaith: New Forum Invites Discussion of Religion and Spirituality among Readers with Diverse Viewpoints

Paul Martin's unique approach to blogging about religion and spirituality takes comments from atheists, evangelicals, Christians and non-Christians in a spirit of mutual respect.

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) June 14, 2007 — "It's a problem," Paul Martin remarks, "when people only talk to people who already think the way they do. It's a problem in politics and it's a problem with religious issues." In Martin's view, conversation among like-minded persons often just reinforces preexisting conceptions — and misconceptions. The result is that people may fail to accurately understand the perspectives of others, much less learn anything that could contribute to the development of their own thinking. Such failure to communicate promotes the polarized and sometimes extremist positions that abound today in religion and politics.

Martin's new blog, http://www.originalfaith.com/blog/index.html, runs counter to this current by providing a respectful atmosphere to encourage discussion among a diverse readership. To date this has included Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Buddhists, atheists and agnostics and people unaffiliated with any organized religion but with an interest in spiritual and religious matters.

Topics often develop from reader interest as expressed in comments. Some of the subjects that have come up for discussion to date:

  • Religion v. spirituality
  • Religious experience
  • Love
  • Miracles
  • Gay marriage
  • Belief and evidence
  • Suffering
  • Spirituality and health

This is not only a thoughtful blog, but often a literary and inspiring one. Consider, for example, A Second Home at http://www.originalfaith.com/blog/2007/03/second-home.html.

About Paul Martin

Paul Maurice Martin, author and counselor, brings a unique set of qualifications and skills to bear on moderating a forum of this kind. He holds two Masters degrees, one in religious studies from the University of Chicago and another in counseling from the University of New Hampshire. For the latest on his upcoming book, Original Faith: Finding the Interfaith Soul of Progressive Religion and Spirituality, check out http://www.originalfaith.com/. Readers do not have to identify themselves, provide an e-mail address or register for access to the site.

Lynne Martin
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Lucid Interface, LLC

Phone: 610.322.0399
Fax: 320.388.0399

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