WHAT READERS HAVE SAID ON AMAZON 

5.0 out of 5 stars Good news for those seeking positive solutions to religious conflicts, May 16, 2012

By Anthony Manousos - See all my reviews

Ruth Broyde Sharone is a beloved interfaith activist/film maker well known here in Los Angeles and around the world for her commitment to building bridges of understanding among those of different faiths. I have shown her classic documentary "God and Allah Need to Talk" at numerous presentations when I have given workshops on the interfaith movement: it beautifully captures how Jews, Muslims and Christians in the LA area came together after 9/11 to celebrate their common legacy as children of God and as the spiritual descendants of Abraham. Ruth Sharone has also been a tireless champion of a Parliament for the World's Religions, a global organization that meets every five years and brings together between 6,000-9,000 religious leaders concerned with promoting peace, justice, spirituality, environmentalism, etc.

A gifted and entertaining storyteller, with a hopeful, yet realistic outlook, Ruth offers insights into this growing interfaith movement, which has not received the media attention it deserves. (Even Amazon does not have a category for books relating to this global movement.) Deeply committed to her Jewish faith, she appreciates and celebrates those of other faiths, including Muslims, with whom she has worked closely over the years. This is a must-read for those interested in peace and spirituality.

5.0 out of 5 stars global adventures in interfaith encounter, May 15, 2012

By joseph Prabhu

This is a book of the first importance. At a time when religion is often associated with intolerance and even violence, Ruth Sharone has written a book demonstrating through her life story how genuine interreligious dialogue can transform practioners and make a positive difference in the world. The book is charmingly written with a freshness, seriousness and wit that make it a real page-turner. The author is a very gifted story-teller, who has tirelessly travelled the world spreading the interfaith message of harmony in the midst of differences, and religious cooperation for the common good

She herself is a committed Jew whose love of Judaism shines through her narrative. And it is precisely this commitment that, in her case, has opened her to the truth and beauty of other faiths. Interfaith dialogue does not homogenize or erase the differences that characterize individual faiths. Rather, as Ms. Sharone demonstrates so beguillingly, it deepens one's own faith and at the same time builds a deep trust in one's partner in dialogue. Spiritual globalization is at least as important as economic or technological globalization, but is not often written about. In showing how interfaith activity can convert barriers into bridges and enclosures into spaces for honest and heartfelt comminication, Ruth Sharone has rendered a great service. This book is a must-read for those curious about contemporary religion in action.

5.0 out of 5 stars, May 14, 2012

By Sande Hart

As an interfaith activist, Ruth's courage and determination to find the Miracles in the Minefields is inspiring, empowering and simply brilliant. Those interested in interfaith reconciliation have never read a book like this, filled with real experiences of someone who puts herself in the middle of any tension, every conflict, and consistently champions for the voice of all to be heard and respected. Now that I have read this book, I have a whole new vision of my work in creating miracles. I flew thru the pages, couldn't put it down.

I also notice that there is no category entitled "INTERFAITH" at Amazon. I think we all need to be like Ruth and speak up!

5.0 out of 5 stars Interfaith Goodness!, May 15, 2012

By Michael Lawrence Morgan (Changchun, China) -

Just bought the book and can't wait to read it. We need an interfaith section here on amazon.com so all spiritual seekers can get together and support unity, spirituality, and cooperation rather than dogma, separation, and onward.

One Goodness for all with many different names!

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating and Critical, May 15, 2012

By  Amaryllis Gardener (Los Angeles, CA USA) -

Ruth Broyde-Sharone has crafted an autobiographical narrative that is both captivating and critical to all who strive to make this world a better place. If you want to know how you can be part of the solution to the religious strife that surrounds us, both internationally and locally--or you just want to be inspired by another person's courage--here's the place to start. "Minefields & Miracles" is the interfaith instruction manual we've all been waiting for.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Global Interfaith Adventure, May 15, 2012

By Doris W. Davis "Doris Davis, Interfaith Minister" (Culver City, CA) -
(REAL NAME)

Ruth Broyde-Sharone's new book, "Minefields and Miracles: Why God and Allah Need to Talk" is a global interfaith adventure from start to finish. It is also an entertaining, gritty and insightful memoir.

Its release points to the need for a new "interfaith" category on bookstore shelves, for this book represents a movement that will only gain momentum in this century. It appeals to people who want to explore beyond the boundaries of their native belief systems and develop a sincere appreciation for other points of view without necessarily abandoning their own. It is Ruth's premise that without this openness and generosity of spirit, humanity's future looks bleak, indeed.

Sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, always bold and courageous, Ruth's adventure, undertaken with energy and enthusiasm over most of her lifetime reminds me of Amelia Earhart's definition of courage as "the price that life exacts for granting peace."

Her book gives many examples of how, by grace and a touch of chutzpah, Ruth, following her unique calling as an interfaith ambassador, was able to turn water into wine, dirt into diamonds and minefields into miracles. One is left with no doubt that she has mastered the art as well as the science of Alchemy as applied to peacemaking. It makes a significant contribution to the healing of the world which, in her spiritual tradition is called tikun olam. --Doris W. Davis

5.0 out of 5 stars Add this word to your categories: Interfaith, May 15, 2012

By Waliya "Waliya Inayat" (Los Angeles) -

Ruth is a great storyteller and a global interfaith worker. Her story reveals so many aspects of interfaith work, for it is more than having talks about our religions. Ruth has rolled up her sleeves and done real work.

Her book is a great read and inspiring for those who are unaware of all the work that is being done in many countries to bring people together, put our spiritual ideals into practice, and hopefully, create a world of peace.

The media does not report on the work of the interfaith community because as the saying goes, "if it doesn't bleed it doesn't lead." We need to be vocal about the yellow journalism that is helping to create a world of distrust and disharmony. A few years ago when the Pope was going to Turkey the banner on CNN read, "Clash of Religions." Well, the Pope had a great visit in Turkey and the story got no coverage; why didn't the banner change to, "Harmony with the religions"???????

Here in Los Angeles a few years ago the Chief of Police announced they were going to begin "mapping Muslims" in LA. The interfaith community stood with the Muslim community and within 2 weeks, the announcement was rescinded and an apology was given to the community. On the East Coast an interfaith group helped close down a gun store which the police knew was a source for many illegal weapons making it onto the street. A hospital that had just gone chapter 11 could no longer afford a chaplain so the local Culver City Area Interfaith Alliance volunteered chaplains from the religious communities represented in their group. reGeneration is educating teachers in non-violent communication in Israel and Gaza so communities are being created where teachers, students, and the families of the students are all gaining skill in having conversations with "the other." This is so we can realize we are all an "other" to someone. When we come together we can realize our common human desires for family, community, peace, and sustenance and appreciate the many ways in which this is expressed.

It would be a great service of Amazon.com to create a new category for interfaith work.

Noor-Malika Chishti
Southern California Committee for the Parliament of World Religions
West Los Angeles Cousins
Founder, Musallah Tauhid, a Muslim/Sufi group that shares sacred space with a church and a Jewish synagogue.

I want to give you a sample of the work being done but I can't post website links; here are some suggestions to look up:

Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions

United Religions Initiative

The Guibord Center: Religion Inside Out

A Time for Peace by the Yuval Ron Ensemble (video from concert with Jewish, Muslim, and Christian musicians, outstanding)

reGeneration (funding schools in Israel and the West Bank based upon Waldorf methodology and teaching non-violent communication and Council Training (a dialog tool

Temple of Understanding

Patheos

Charter for Compassion