For much of the year so far I’ve been chipping away on a fascinating project with the government’s Office of Ethnic Affairs. In the pursuit of community-focused insights I’ve guided group discussions with various religious and ethnic groups – including Filipino, Muslim, Hindu, Chinese, Mexican and Colombian. The topic of exploration has been diversity in attitudes and approaches to death, dying and the afterlife – both in the New Zealand context and in countries of origin. Themes have included the lead up to death, body preparation, funeral rituals, customs of remembrance, attitudes to afterlife and surrounding superstitions. Much of the investigation was centered on the uncovering of personal stories which reflect community practice that will contribute to an exhibition and public programmes at the Museum of Wellington later next year.

.Reference resource: Click Here.

Madonna at the Glee Club? Not exactly. Neither the singer nor the saint shows up on tonight’s episode, one our critic Robert Bianco pegs as a “pleasure-packed hour” full of the singer’s tunes.

But spiritual ideas, and spoofs on religious, ethnic and racial identity are common threads in the Fox hit show. Judith Weisenfeld notes in an essay for University of Southern California’s site on Media and Religion that it’s been honored by Catholics in Media Associates for its fundamentally “beautiful and kind heart.”

.Reference resource: Click Here.

Regardless of which religion you belong to Muslim, Christian, Jewish, etc. you will discover that there are many ways you can connect with others who share your religion and are interested in perusing a relationship with you. You will find that this is an excellent way to begin dating, especially since it means that you already have something in common with your date.

Having one similar interest will help to create a solid conversation that is understood by both you and your date. Once you have broken the ice, you should be able to feel more at ease with one another, so you can begin exploring new topics that are of interest to the both of you.

Another advantage that you have when dating another person from your religion is that you can:

Attend Celebrations/Ceremonies Together – Since you share the same or similar religious background as your date, you may be interested in attending prayer services or other religious outings, and share in the traditions together.

Become a Member of Any Clubs or Groups – if your religious community has any activities or meetings, it might be a good idea for you and your date to attend and become involved in something that may not only bring you closer physically, but also spiritually.

On the other side of the coin, dating someone who is of a different religious background as you can also be quite the adventure. Although highly frowned upon in the past, more than ever, especially in the Western culture, people of different religions are dating and even marrying. Naturally, not everyone agrees with these proceedings, but when it comes to love, the only opinions that should matter is yours and your partner’s.

Therefore, regardless of whom you date, and what religion they follow, you can still keep up with the value and traditions that matter to you. If you and your date were meant to be, he or she will recognize what is important to you, as you should them. After all, although religions differ in beliefs and many other traditions, they all teach the importance and value of love.