Interview with Sara Miles

First, do something. Feed, heal, help. Don’t just argue about ideology. Second, pray for your enemies. Don’t pray that they become different, or start doing what you want them to do. Just pray for them. You don’t get to practice Christianity by hanging out with people who are like you and believe what you believe. You have to rub up against strangers, and people who frighten you, and people you think are evil or stupid.

And what recommendations would you make to leftists who find no room for religion?

Again, do something. Feed, heal, help. Don’t just argue about ideology. Second, understand that secular leftists and religious leftists of many faiths have worked together to make political change throughout history. You don’t have to wait to act until everyone agrees on every point of doctrine. Being a leftist isn’t about being pure: it’s about being willing to work with other people for justice, and for human rights across the board.

What do you most want readers to walk away with from Take This Bread?

I hope that readers, whether or not they’re religious, will be able to take away Jesus’ message: Don’t be afraid. That they’ll find ways to act; to feed others, to accept being fed by others; that they’ll be willing to open up to people very different from themselves.

Posted on February 18, 2008 12:00 AM