Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians, Jews, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet once a month to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a certain topic. Facilitated by a study leader, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s own scriptures, as well as the development of strong bonds across faith communities.

               Scriptural Reasoning – Introduction                Reading Material: Encountering God – 2

This Month’s Study Leader

Margaret A. Johnson, Ph.D. is a sociologist, author, international speaker, and business owner. She manages the day-to-day operations of Transfirex Translation Services, Inc., a global language translation company. She volunteers as an interfaith activist in several capacities throughout the greater Washington, DC area to develop strong communities and advocate for peace and understanding among all people. She has moderated and given talks on several panels in the DC area on Islam, peace-building, and diversity issues. She co-authored with Ori Z. Soltes, Preventing Violence and Achieving World Peace from Peter Lang Publishing, New York, NY.

For over a decade, Margaret worked as a researcher and academician at the University of Texas at Austin and Oklahoma State University. Her early career focused on change in nonprofit organizations, small business development, women and minority entrepreneurship, and microcredit programs. As part of her consulting work, she managed the W-BizInsight online survey panel to provide bi-annual metrics on the business confidence of women business owners. She wrote and produced reports for Walmart, American Express, Key Bank, and Women in Public Policy.