Reflecting on my internship this summer, I’m reminded of Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey. The story of Odysseus and the Trojan War is an ancient story I know well. It was one of the first stories I read that introduced me to the fickle gods and goddesses of Greek and, later, Roman mythology. The Odyssey documents the ten years following the end of the Trojan War and focuses on the tribulations of Odysseus and the soldiers from Ithaca as they travel home. Keeping with mythological tradition, the journey home is a long one with many twists, turns and some divine intervention.

In no way is my journey home even beginning. In fact, it feels as though I am just leaving, boarding my penteconter and setting sail to windy Troy. Chicago is not my home, no matter how much I wish it were, but the Interfaith Youth Core granted me the peace of mind, heart and spirit that one finds at home. As my time comes to an end, I will head back to Nebraska, my real home, equipped with the sword and shield of the religious pluralist mission and methodology; tools I did not have before my internship.

Pluralism, at least before my internship, seemed to be an impenetrable fortress, much like the impregnable walls of Troy. I attempted to accomplish the daunting task of planting the seeds of religious understanding and cooperation, but to no avail. As much as I spoke of the creation of a global community by way of religious cooperation, my audience was of stone heart and deaf ear. Now, after my time spent with the Outreach Education and Training team of IFYC, I have found the language and the manner in which to approach my audience in a new way. OET and the IFYC, like the goddess Athena, have granted me the Trojan Horse. Now I just have to figure out how to use it.

In many ways the battle is just beginning. My training is complete and it’s time to take the field. The faith line has been set, religious pluralists versus religious totalitarians. I can only hope the battle will not rage on for ten long years, like the war in Homer’s epic poem.

As my journey find me back in Hastings, I fear the temptation to fall back into my old ways: resenting the Christian faith and religion. I hear it like a siren’s song, and it would be so easy to sail closer to the call, but I know the jagged rocks that await me there. My mission, my goal is too important to fall prey to habit and comfort. I also fear the schism of religion on my campus. Like Scylla and Charybdis it waits. I will surely find myself between rock and a hard place (this phrase has its roots in the story of Scylla and Charybdis) of the factionalized Christians. Instead of carrying my banner of religious cooperation proudly back to my campus, I will set aside my flag and pick up a bandage in its place. There is a lot of healing to be done in order for cooperation to take place.

While I realize there will be challenges, in the back of my mind my home is beckoning. Not Nebraska. Not Chicago. But pluralism. It’s funny to think of an idea, a movement as home, but I cannot fathom living in a place without cooperation. I want to bring my children into a less divisive world, a more accepting world, a loving and caring world. I want my grandchildren to live in a global community where religions work together to solve the ailments of the world, while still maintaining their unique identities. In my mind, working toward religious pluralism is the brightest avenue to approach this utopian dream. The battle may be long, the journey home even longer, but once we reach that glorious moment it will all be worth it. When we can embrace each other as believers, not of one faith, but of many all of the tumult and strife will be forgotten.

I want to thank the staff at the Interfaith Youth Core, the Outreach Education and Training trainers and my fellow interns for helping to shape my future. Without you all I would still be at a loss, unable to meet my goal. You all have formed the lantern drenching the once-dark path in radiant light. I have learned so much from each of you and I will not soon forget the lessons you all have taught. Thank you.