I didn’t always have a thing for religion. In fact, prior to 2011, my anti-theism was so intense that I wanted it wiped out permanently. But then, in October of 2010, I realized that with the help of teachings by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, that the only way to end religious strife was to explore the world of faith from the inside out.
So I buried my anger and pride and planned an entire year, fully immersed in one religion per month. The initiative was called Project Conversion. I gave myself fully to the teachings, rituals, cultures, and beliefs of 12 faiths and philosophies. Little did I know just how much my world would change.
January – Hinduism
Christianity was the only faith I’d known prior to Project Conversion so Hinduism, with its vibrant imagery, ancient theology, various philosophies, and depictions of the divine was like a nose dive into freezing water. Once the initial shock subsided, I fell in love with this highly expressive and adaptable faith system which whole-heartedly embraces all spiritual pursuits as one.
February – Baha’l
The Baha’i Faith was my first real experience with a larger religious community. Baha’is from all over the world flocked to the blog and participated in my journey and truly welcomed me to the faith. Their view on “progressive revelation,” the idea that all religions are revelations specific to a time and place which emanate from the same source reminded me of Hinduism and inspired my interfaith outlook going forward.
March – Zarathushti
A faith with fire as its supreme symbol is a given in my book. Though difficult to connect with due to current cultural restraints, the Zarathushti (Zoroastrian) faith resonated deeply because of its universal code of ethics which transcend religious affiliation (Good thoughts, words, and deeds). Its influence on the Abrahamic faiths opened an entire reality to the faith I once held dear.
April – Judaism
I’m pretty sure that I might become a Jew just for the food. The Jewish tradition is rich in culture and spiritual exploration, two aspects that greatly intensify the experience of any month in the line-up. Watching my kids engage in Pesach (Passover) with stories and food locked in just how important Project Conversion was for my family.
May – Buddhism
The lack of focus on the divine was a challenge at first, however chilling with Theravadan monks and the cultivation of the mind via meditation compensated well. Buddhism in many ways reinforced a simpler, more concise form of Hinduism and taught me the importance of quieting the mind and limiting the noise of life.
