Interfaith review report

• Choose an interviewee who is actively practicing their religion. They are not required to be a scholar but must provide insights into their personal experiences and practices.
• The interviewees religion must differ from your own. For Christians, this includes distinguishing between major branches such as Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox.
• Interviews with individuals from similar religious traditions (e.g., a Christian interviewing another Christian) will incur significant grade penalties.
• Avoid interviewing individuals whose religious identity blends multiple traditions (e.g., Messianic Jews) unless otherwise approved.
• Secular or non-practicing individuals are not suitable interview subjects.

II. Preparing for the Interview

1. Background Research

• Read at least two credible sources about the religion of your interviewee, such as textbooks or library databases. Wikipedia and subjective sources do not fulfill this requirement.
• Suggested resources include textbooks by Sorajjakool et al. (2017) and Realin & Preston (2017) or the AHU R.A. Williams Library’s World Religions Online Infobase.
• Using ChatGPT:
• ChatGPT can help summarize key aspects of the religion or clarify concepts before your interview.
• Do not rely solely on ChatGPT as your research source. Cross-check information with reliable academic texts and databases.
• Example: Ask ChatGPT to generate potential interview questions or provide an overview of practices for comparison purposes.

1. Scheduling and Etiquette

• Schedule the interview in advance and provide the interviewee with an outline of topics to be discussed.
• If meeting at a religious site, clarify any visitor guidelines, including dress code, note-taking permissions, and appropriate behavior.

1. Respectful Engagement

• Approach the interview as a learning experience. Avoid criticism, debate, or proselytization.
• Secure permission if you plan to record the conversation.

III. Conducting the Interview

• The interview must be conducted in person or through video conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet). Telephone or email interviews are not acceptable and will incur penalties.
• Ensure a distraction-free setting to maintain focus and privacy.
• Use open-ended questions to encourage the interviewee to share personal insights and experiences.
• Follow up on interesting points to demonstrate genuine interest.

IV. Core Topics to Cover in the Interview

Include but are not limited to:

1. Religious Affiliation: The branch, denomination, or sect of the interviewees religion.
2. Conversion or Retention: Reasons for adopting or maintaining their faith.
3. Religious Practices: Daily, weekly, and annual rituals, worship, and community activities.
4. Beliefs: Views on God, lifes purpose, and key theological tenets.
5. Generational Practices: Differences in religious practices between generations within their family.
6. Challenges: Experiences of prejudice, barriers to worship, or navigating societal norms.
7. Healthcare Considerations: Religious practices impacting healthcare, including dietary restrictions, preferences for caregivers, and end-of-life care.
8. Civic Life: How faith influences their role as a citizen and professional.

V. Writing the Report

The final report must be at least 1,200 words and adhere to APA format. It should include:

1. Title Page

• Include the title of your report, your name, and course details.

1. Summary of Beliefs and Practices

• Provide a 300400 word summary of the interviewee’s religion. Use at least two credible sources and cite them in APA format.
• Write this section before the interview to demonstrate your preparation.
• Using ChatGPT:
• ChatGPT can assist in drafting this summary by synthesizing key points based on your research.
• Ensure accuracy by validating the information with your approved academic sources.

1. Introduction

• Describe the interviewee (occupation, education, religious background) and the interview setting. Do not include personal contact details.

1. Transcript/Summary of the Interview

• Present the content of the interview in either Q&A or narrative format.
• Follow the order of core topics discussed.

1. Personal Reflection (30% of the grade)

• Minimum 300 words. Reflect on what you learned and how it impacted your understanding of the religion. Compare their beliefs and practices with your own.
• Using ChatGPT:
• Use ChatGPT to brainstorm reflective points or articulate connections between interview insights and your own beliefs.
• Do not copy ChatGPT-generated text directly but use it as inspiration to deepen your reflection.

1. References

• List all sources used for preparation and additional insights in APA format.

1. Appendix (Optional)

• Include any supplementary materials, such as pamphlets or photos (if permitted).

VI. After the Interview

• Summarize your notes promptly while details are fresh.
• Send a thank-you note to your interviewee to express appreciation for their time and insights.