any would argue that religion and culture are so closely intertwined that the one could not exist without the other. Indeed, culture informs religion and vice versa. Think of the way our language developed: everyone uses the phrase “the Prodigal Son returns”, and the US even has a Good Samaritan law. Our days of the week and months of the year are all based on religious tradition. Surely, religion has seeped into every part of our culture.

In terms of inter-religious interaction, which approach best fosters an inclusive and accepting community by focusing on commonalities rather than differences?

Open and safe spaces of dialogue will always be important to foster a society that is inclusive and just.

How can religious practices influence culture and people?

Religion is expressed in rituals and ethics. Over time, some rituals might be removed from their religious context and become “secular” actions, performed without any religious meaning. Take for example the way in which we greet. Different ways of greeting in different cultures might have had a religious meaning in the past. Rituals without religious meaning become entrenched in culture as secular actions. Religious-inspired ethics also become part of our cultural heritage.

What is the difference between the Old Testament and the Hebrew Bible?

The Old Testament and the Hebrew Bible are often used interchangeably; however, some Christian traditions like Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches include deuterocanonical books which are not in the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrew Bible is called the Tenakh within the Jewish tradition. It is customary to speak of the Old Testament within a Christian tradition.