Section III--The God Conference and God as the Parent of Humankind

In the first sessions, Dr. Frank Kaufmann, the organizer of Section III, posited that the interfaith work of Dr. and Mrs Moon is not epiphenomenal to their religious work and vision, but rather ineluctably extends Divine Principle teaching, its ontology and soteriology. DP teachings affirm oneness of the world’ religions everywhere, especially in the doctrines of restoration and returning resurrection.

Dr. Charles Selengut shared the differing approaches of two rabbis seminal to modern Jewish thought and practice, Rabbi Shammai who focused on the laws and their application in great detail, and Rabbi Hillel who focused on love and mercy. The two were able to harmonize despite their differences, enriching Judaism as a result. Dr. Selengut found the same level of love and harmony in the massive history of Unification interfaith efforts.

Dr. Jason Wasden shared the perceptions and precepts of his faith tradition, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, very broadly, including its understanding that God is both Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother. We know the name of Heavenly Father, Elohim, but do not know the name of Heavenly Mother. Dr. Drissa Kone as commentator raised the question of how to foster religious dialogue between religions that have different starting points, and fundamental disagreements about the purpose of religion and human salvation.

The presenters joined together as a panel to entertain questions from an engaged audience, ranging from the method of engendering dialogue between sworn enemies, to the importance of face to face encounter with the Living God. In sessions 3 and 4, Professors Cheryl Lau, Joseph D. Terwilliger, and Hanoch Ben Pazi presented, followed by a panel for Q&A moderated by Frank Kaufmann. Dr. Lau spoke on Unification teachings pertaining to the providential rise of Pacific Rim Culture. Dr. Terwilliger spoke on Korean racial genetics and dynamics impacting the pursuit of Korean unification. And Dr. Ben Pazi spoke on the impact of modern tech on ethical society, and spiritual growth development. Closing Plenary and IAAP Resolution