While no list can capture a full year, these are my top 3. ?Each reminds us that faith is more alive than ever, even as it comes in new and surprising ways — some good, some less so.
Number 3 has got to be the complicated struggle for religious freedom, from violent conflicts in Syria and Egypt, to the cultural struggles here at home. ?What all share is the fact that the struggle for religious freedom is only healthy, when those struggling do so not only for their own religious freedom, but for that of others’ as well.
Number 2 would be the rise of atheist churches. ?We all crave community — the ability to join together at moments of great joy, or deep pain, and to be accompanied by others as we experience either. ?With God or not, our need for each other is powerful, beautiful, and worthy of recognition especially as this new trend takes off.
Top faith story for 2013? ?While it may be obvious, I have to go with Pope Francis. ?His combination of genuine orthodoxy (however disappointing that may be to some) and deep humility about that which he deeply believes, is nothing less than magnificent. ?That, combined with his total commitment to the dignity of all people, and the wisdom that can be found among them, even when they don’t agree with the Church, make Pope Francis a model of wisdom for all people of all faiths. ?While we have not met (yet), I am proud to call him my teacher.
Brad Hirschfield is the co-founder and co-executive editor of The Wisdom Daily. A rabbi, Brad has been featured on ABC’s Nightline UpClose, PBS’s Frontline, Fox News and National Public Radio. He wrote a long-standing column, “For God’s Sake,” for the Washington Post, and has also written for The Huffington Post and Beliefnet.com. He authored the book, You Don?t Have To Be Wrong For Me To Be Right: Finding Faith Without Fanaticism. Brad also serves as President of Clal, The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, a leadership training institute, think tank and resource center in New York City.