What we learned from panelists at the “Understanding Religious
Diversity & Its Impact on the Workplace” program
1. There is a great deal of diversity
and differences in religious prac-
tices even within certain faiths,
particularly Judaism, Buddhism,
and Christianity. Some persons
adhere to a strict literal translation
of the Bible, Torah or Qua’ran,
while others allow for broader
interpretations.
2. Buddhism is a way of life with
Indian origins, although many who
convert to Buddhism are not
Indian. Rather than worship a
deity, Buddhists refer to a “journey
of spirituality,” related to nature,
harmony, happiness, peace and
acceptance. As a Buddhist, an indi-
vidual “owns” his or her happiness.
3. Muslims believe in six articles of
the Islamic faith: one God; the
angels of God; the books of God,
especially the Qur’an; the prophets
of God, especially Muhammad; the
Day of Judgment or the afterlife;
and the supremacy of God’s will.
Islamic fashion reflects faith and
Arab culture of modesty. Muslims
do not support violence, oppres-
sion of women, or notions of world
domination.
4. Hindus believe in multiple paths to
God. Hindus practice deep medita-
tion, adhere to a strict vegetarian
diet, and acknowledge that an
inner voice affects their personal
and business conduct. (The red dot
on foreheads of some Hindus is
simply a symbol of devotion to
marriage and to God.) Some may
find it easier to relate to Hindus
May 27, 2009
through a focus on Indian culture,
due to the intertwined nature of
the culture and faith. It is a myth
that Hindus worship cows, but
cows do represent Mother Earth.
5. Due to cultural norms, Hindus may
not initiate a conversation about
their customs and beliefs, but they
will not be offended and, in fact,
will appreciate being asked. You
may think it is politically correct to
say nothing to avoid saying some-
thing wrong. Most people would
rather have a conversation and learn
about each other. Typically, you’ll
find a lot of common ground.
6. Muslims pray several times during
the day, and men attend religious
services on Fridays. Like Hindus,
Muslims adhere to a diet similar to
a kosher diet. Muslims struggle
about participation in work events
or celebrations, especially with gift
exchanges.
7. Jews believe God is a spiritual being
and was not a human being. The
foundation of Judaism is the Torah,
the first five books of the Bible.
(Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,
Numbers and Deuteronomy.) There
isn’t an afterlife in Judaism so the
focus is on how to be a good per-
son in the here and now. The con-
cept of “Tikkun Olam,” which
means “repairing the world,”
requires each Jewish person to take
action to help others.
8. There are only two major Muslim
holidays, but dates change each
year based on the lunar calendar.
Similarly, certain Jewish and
Christian holidays change dates,
and Jewish holidays always start at
sundown on the previous day.
Recognition of religious holidays
allows for sharing of stories about
traditions. Buddhists don’t cele-
brate religious holidays but recog-
nize cultural occasions.
9. Regardless of the faith, there are
commonalities and central princi-
ples. Differences in faith don’t need
to get in the way of personal inter-
actions at work as long as you treat
everyone with respect, respect each
other’s beliefs and culture, and
don’t believe propaganda without a
“full view.” Relate to the similari-
ties with a colleague, more than
the differences.
From a diversity dialogue at PECO, mod-
erated by Kathy Overturf of Villanova
University and organized by the
Interfaith Center for Greater Philadelphia
and PECO’s employee networking
groups. Speakers included: Tom Ramsey
of Holy Redeemer Episcopal Church in
Bryn Mawr; Quaiser Abdullah, assistant
director of IT for Temple University
College of Education and active with the
Islamic Quba Institute; Wanda Flowers,
Esq. of Sunoco, a member of a lay organi-
zation of Buddhist believers; Suketu Patel
of Astra Zeneca and follower of
Hinduism; and Shelly Barnathan, a local
teacher and member of Beth Am Israel of
Penn Valley.
6.