How Learning from Those of Other Faiths Helped Me Better Live My Own

By Emma Benson

Learning about other religions has not only opened my eyes but also helped increase my own faith and inspired in me a deeper devotion to my religion.

It was a hot and humid June day in Brooklyn, New York, USA. I was touring a Hasidic Jewish community with several other Brigham Young University communications students. Despite the weather, the man giving us the tour was covered from head to toe in dark clothing—from his black top hat to his dark suit to his formal shoes. As we walked around the neighborhood, we passed other members of the community, all similarly dressed. We then traveled to the wig shop, where we learned that Hasidic Jewish women wear wigs and long dresses.

I could only imagine how hot and uncomfortable that all would be, especially during a humid New York summer. And yet this was their lives—every single day. They dressed like this as part of their religion to show their devotion to God.

In a way, I could understand their commitment. We had those among us who had been endowed in the temple and were wearing the temple garment beneath their clothing. We all had made covenants with God through baptism and did things regularly that showed our devotion to God and to our beliefs. But it was interesting to see devotion shown in a different way than I was used to.

And it made me really think about how much I could learn from other people’s religious practices—and how that could help me be more intentional in how I worship and show my devotion to God.

Drawing Inspiration from Preparation

We entered our tour guide’s home and saw his family’s kosher kitchen, consisting of two ovens, two stovetops, and two sinks. This was to keep the meat and dairy separate while cooking, since the two food groups are not allowed to touch.

One Friday night, we joined a Jewish family for Shabbat dinner, held to signify the beginning of their Sabbath, which is Saturday. I observed as they offered traditional Jewish prayers and then took part in a multicourse meal, including wine, which we declined. Some of those present found it fascinating that we, as members of the Church, had our own health code to follow and didn’t drink alcohol, coffee, or tea.

After our experience at that Shabbat dinner, I reflected on some other things that showed the dedication and devotion of our Jewish friends to their religion. I thought about what a sacrifice it would be to give up my Friday nights. But I was also inspired by their preparation for the Sabbath. What if I spent more time on Saturdays preparing for the Sabbath? How could I put more thought and effort into my Sabbath-day observance?

Examples of Devotion and Dedication

I had many other experiences during my time in New York where I was inspired by the devotion and dedication of people of other faiths. Their examples made me reflect on my dedication to my own religion.

I talked to a Sikh man who, despite being the victim of hate crimes in the aftermath of 9/11 because of his appearance, stayed true to his beliefs. I visited a mosque and witnessed several Muslim worshippers taking time out of the middle of their day to come participate in prayers. I walked into a stunning cathedral and better understood how everyone, including builders and architects, can consecrate their time and talents to God.

And I began to ask myself, How fervently would I defend my own faith? How often did I take time out of my day to worship and express thanks to Heavenly Father? What talents could I consecrate for the blessing of others?

I have often reflected on that hot and humid day in New York. I was so inspired by our Jewish tour guide’s devotion to live his religion not only on the Sabbath but every single day. That experience, and others, has allowed me to contemplate how I can better show God my devotion to Him and His gospel through my everyday actions.

Through observing people of other faiths, I’ve learned how to be more prayerful, how to better honor the covenants I’ve made with God, how to defend my faith more valiantly, and how to respect those who believe differently from me. We all have more in common than we might think.