Toward a True Kinship of Faiths

Globalization need not lead to a clash of civilizations. In fact, it can lead to greater understanding among people of varying cultures and religions. That is the thesis of this latest book from the Dalai Lama. At their hearts, all of the world's great religions share an emphasis on compassion. This commonality can be a starting point for sincere interfaith dialogue. The book is not a polemic--it's a spiritual odyssey. So it's part dialectic and part autobiography. With respect to this latter point, it's slightly jarring at first to hear actor Richard Gere reading the words of the Dalai Lama. But those who are familiar with Gere's personal life know that he's a committed Buddhist. Not surprisingly, he offers a capable reading, adding emotion to what could have been flat recitation. R.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine