Rabbi Steven Engel, Rev. Bryan Fulwider and Imam Muhammad Musri–also known as “The Three Wise Guys,” recorded a show, Friends Talking Faith, in the Carlton Union Building at Stetson University, Wednesday, April 9. This was the group’s first show to be recorded at a university venue. The three clergy members sat down as friends to discuss with students, faculty, and members of the public, What are Millennials Thinking About Religion in the 21st Century.

The first of two shows recorded at Stetson University, aired Tuesday, May 13, and can be heard online at http://twgradio.com/podcast/s5e7-stetsonu1/.

The show features: Rabbi Steven Engel, who serves as Rabbi of Congregation of Reform Judaism, a Reform synagogue affiliated with the Union for Reform Judiasm; Reverend Bryan G. Fulwider, president and CEO of the nonprofit organization Building US, who served as an ordained minister of a local church for over 30 years in both the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ; and Imam Muhammad Musri, founder and president of Islam Inc., and also president and Senior Imam of the Islamic Society of Central Florida.

The Three Wise Guys led the discussion with the Stetson students questioning inclusion vs. exclusion and right vs. wrong. They explored whether or not religion is stuck in the past and if God is the authority of all. Interacting with Stetson students, as well as having the students themselves select the program theme, was a new experience for the three clergy.

“I’m excited about Stetson’s institutional commitment to renewed, growing interfaith education and experiences” said Stetson Chaplain Michael Fronk ’74, who, as a follower of the radio show for two years, helped organize the recording event held at the university. “The coordination of this event has been a full collaborative effort between the Chaplain’s Office, Stetson’s Cross Cultural Center, Yolany Gonell, director for Diversity and Inclusion, and Lindsey Graves, assistant director of Interfaith Initiatives at Stetson.”

The first show was focused on younger people, specifically ages 18 to 29, who are thought to be less religious than previous generations. “Fewer young adults belong to any particular faith community compared to older people today,” according to the Pew Research Center. “Also they’re less likely to be religiously affiliated than their parents and grandparents were, when younger. Fully one-fourth of the millennial generation are unaffiliated with any particular faith group. And more young people say that religion ‘isn’t very important in their lives’ compared to the elder generation.”

With guidance from Margaret Placentra Johnston’s gold winning novel Faith Beyond Belief: Stories of Good People Who Left Their Church Behind, the clergy revealed and stated that an understanding of spiritual development stages can provide a much needed structure to spirituality and can orient people to personal responsibility and deeper personal integrity.

The focus of the show was on inclusion vs. exclusion, in which each clergy spoke about their respective religion’s core values. The commonality, they stated, was that Christianity, Islam, and Judaism relate in purpose. Musri explained to the students that these three religions advocate peace, love and harmony, much like all monotheistic religions. Political religious values are very “loud” in society, he said, and distract from the true religious core. Engel discussed that people in all religions have the stereotype that people need to “fit in a box” to be included. But Fulwider argued that “every religious group has people that exclude people, but real faith is to include.”

“The event was lots of fun and very educational,” said Stetson sophomore Jason R. Cruz. “The radio hosts were hilarious and very open with their discussions, and each presented very reasoned positions and were able to disagree without arguing. I didn’t ask any questions, but I learned a lot, particularly from Imam and Rabbi, whose religions are not often presented by adherents. Overall, I thought it was a great experience and would love more events of its kind.”

In agreement or not, the Three Wise Guys heed and recognize one another’s religious values and their significance. Their discourse with one another is patient and supportive, which allows their show to be easy listening. Their respectful nature with one another furthers their show’s purpose; to discuss their religions, challenge them, and listen. Engel admits that being a part of the Three Wise Guys has “enhanced” his faith due to their discussion, and he encourages students to respectfully challenge and question one another in order to learn.

“God is not for one group,” Musri said, answering a student’s question. “God is for all.” In all three of their religions, this rings true. Just like our university’s understanding of values and their significance, inclusion is a value vital to these three religions. Throughout the recorded show, it was clear these men were challenged in respectful dialogue directed by Stetson students.

The second show recorded at Stetson will air at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 20 on WMFE 90.7 FM.  Listen in for more of “Faith & Society: Continuing the Conversation with Millennials.”

Want more? Friends Talking Faith airs on WMFE 90.7 FM in Orlando every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

The photos are from The Three Wise Guys Facebook page.

By Grace Aguda