Episode 21.
Emi spoke with heart about his complex background – growing up Roman Catholic by Dominican immigrants, converting to Islam at Boston University, speaking Spanish as a first language, and his racial and cultural identity as both Hispanic and Black. All of this makes Emi the unique human he is. Having explored various religions and lived in different places, he is able to understand what it is like to be in another place. Moreover, he is guided by the Qur’anic verse: “I made you different so that you may get to know one another”. Each person’s complexity, uniqueness, the religion, culture and experiences is what we present to the world.
Highlights:
· His religious and cultural identity is complex and not an easy question to answer.
· Being raised in Roman Catholicism remains in him, it’s values and iconography.
· Speaking Spanish, English and some Arabic allows him to see the commonalities and differences across religions and cultures.
· Observing is not about praying five times a day for him. It is being kind, generous, grateful,
· How different communities can know each other is an important question for him.
Quotes:
“We're all meant to be something, but we're all finding out what that something is, and it doesn't just stop at your faith.”
“I think that something I still bring with me [from Roman Catholicism] is a lot of strength, a lot of courage, compassion, kindness and empathy.”
“I've been a Catholic and I've been a Muslim and I haven't been either of those things as well.”
“My current practice is that when I wake up, I I'm just thankful that I wake up.”
“Beyond just talking with God or praying, I think your daily life is your practice. I think what you do. Every moment that you live is how you embody what it is that you believe in.”
Social Media links for Emi:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/oelmis-fermin/
Social Media links for Méli:
Email – info@talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
Transcript:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/11352725-21-emi-fermin-i-m-meant-to-be-a-muslim/edit
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The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.
Comments questions? Email Meli at:
info@talkingwithgodproject.org.
The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project.
