IN THEORY:

On a recent Sunday in L.A.’s Boyle Heights, which in decades past was a large Jewish enclave that has more recently become home to Latinos, the Mexican- American-Jewish family marked the 61st anniversary of Israeli statehood at “Fiesta Shalom.” How important is it for people to know not only their heritage but the roots of their religion, and how does your church or temple encourage its faithful to do so?

Our church is made up of wonderful people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. We have accepted and loved one another for years and are grateful for such blessed diversity, but our primary focus has always been on the person of Jesus Christ and the amazing unity we find in Him.

A core belief of our church is that the Bible is inspired directly by God, and that it is inerrant and authoritative in everything it addresses. It teaches us about the very deepest roots of our ethnic heritage and our faith. It reminds us that we all share a common heritage as descendants of Adam and Eve. It reminds us that God loved people of every nation so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, who bore the sins of the whole world for us on the cross.

Scripture tells us that “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus . . . there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26, 28).

In our church’s meetings we are constantly reminded of the deepest roots of our historic, orthodox Christianity — God saves us by grace through faith in His Son Jesus; the Bible is His unchanging word to us; we are called to love others and help them become Jesus’ disciples.

PASTOR JON BARTA

Valley Baptist Church in Burbank

In my view, knowledge of our religious roots is crucial to the proper observance of rituals — and more importantly, it is a central ingredient when educating our youth to appreciate spiritual values.

Continuity depends upon our ability to maintain and strengthen our shared commitments, and principles, and then pass them on to our children. This is only possible when we have a deep appreciation of our spiritual birth thousands of years ago. In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon states: “A generation goes and a generation comes, but the Earth endures forever.” We must acknowledge that we represent only a tiny part of a vast, ongoing history. Our responsibility is to serve as a link in this historical chain by recognizing the greatness of those who came before us, and then passing that legacy on to those who follow.

Solomon warns that if “there is no remembrance of former generations, then neither will the later ones have any remembrance among those that will come after them.” So if we expect our accomplishments today to be meaningful to the next generation, we must educate our children to appreciate our ancestors. The examination of our religious roots is central to Judaic study.

Since a familiarity with history is a key component of a spiritual education, I teach at least one course every year on the history of the Jewish people. Furthermore, I require that all children studying for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah take lessons on Jewish roots and origins in the hope that they will gain inspiration from the stories of exceptional people like the Biblical heroes.

Our rich heritage can be a source of pride and strength that motivates us to fulfill our obligations to other generations.

RABBI SIMCHA BACKMAN

Chabad Jewish Center of Glendale and the Foothill Communities

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a relatively short, modern history, having been restored in 1830 in upstate New York. That history is rich in faith and sacrifice, with the pioneer trek to Utah and the surrounding states, including California, perhaps being the most well-known event.

Based on faith and courage, those pioneers braved poverty, persecution, starvation, the elements and death to migrate to the West for their beliefs. These sacrifices are remembered in many ways within the Mormon Church, as are other important historical events. Even so, the traditions and roots of the church are expanding.

A current misconception about the Mormon Church is that it is a Utah church or an American church. This is not the case. There are more church members living outside the United States than in, and a majority of our members speak a language other than English. With a diverse, worldwide body of church members, new traditions and roots are being established, and they are celebrated both locally and worldwide by the church.

Recently, the church produced a film highlighting church traditions that have developed in a variety of countries. In addition, the electronic media have aided in bringing the church together in many ways.

The central core of our tradition and roots is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, including those found in the Bible. We believe in the life, atoning sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe that through faith in Him and His grace, mankind can be saved. As part of this tradition, we send missionaries throughout the world to proclaim this message.

Each religious denomination has its own traditions and roots, and we believe that such traditions and roots should be understood and respected. Although we may not always agree with one another, we need to remember that there is much good taught among the various religious denominations.

BISHOP FRED L. CARPENTER

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Roots provide foundation and sustenance. Just as literal roots support a plant and nourish the produce, so connecting with one’s spiritual history provides support and meaning.

While people’s cultural backgrounds and national origins are of interest to those that share them, they are less important than those that gave rise to their spiritual identity. Religion transcends all, and that’s why diverse people can worship together with a closeness that families often lack.

Christians share a legacy of mission from the time of Jesus Christ through every year up to their particular congregation today. To understand ourselves and our purpose, we must understand scripture, and that we recognize that it was produced in a particular cultural milieu, an ancient Jewish one. Jesus was a Jew, and the Bible from which He quoted comprised the Old Testament.

Some are surprised to discover the feast of Hanukkah mentioned in the New Testament (John 10:22), and that our Communion services typify the Last (Passover) Supper. Our church calendar reminds us of 2,000 years of salvation as the Messiah’s message has been promulgated by notable saints internationally. And through all this, we know that Jesus didn’t come to save the Jews only, but to save through them, and to bring all people together for God’s kingdom.

I respect the Latino-Jewish heritage celebration, but I’m also reminded of that sign nailed to the cross, mocking Christ’s kingship, written in Latin and Hebrew (John 19:20). Christ’s own culture rejected Him, and culture is still an excuse. That sign was also written in Greek (the English of the time) because everyone is guilty of sin, and everyone can be declared righteous by that same sacrificial death.

Jesus atoned for humanity’s shared culture of rebellion. Whatever your background, put His holy culture first, and be saved.

THE REV. BRYAN GRIEM

Montrose Community Church

Religious science is a compilation, correlation, integration of the major religions of the world with a strong Christian bias. Ernest Holmes, the founder, described religious science as a philosophy, a faith, a way of life. His intention was for individuals to study the life-affirming principles of science of mind, along with the tenants of their own religion.

Our congregation’s composition includes individuals from several religions including Jewish, Catholic and various Protestant denominations, along with those who are longtime religious scientists. Several of our members went to a Jewish center a few years ago and spoke with the rabbi, and we’ve hosted an Ecumenical group and a Unity and Diversity World Council.

Our purpose statement includes a phrase, “We welcome a diversity of people, activities and ideas.” We honor others’ spiritual paths because in so doing, we are in align- ment with the commonality of love expressed and taught in world religions.

THE REV. BEVERLY CRAIG

Center for Spiritual Living in La Crescenta