Europe Central Area NCD Seminar, Day 2 Afternoon and Evening

This afternoon we had some interfaith activities, starting with a panel discussion. One of the panelists was a professor of comparative studies on religions, one was a 7th Day Adventist pastor, one was a Muslim journalist and writer, and one represented the European Union and International Affairs Office of our church.

They spoke about building relationships, religious tolerance and the state of religion in Europe today and how we can each help others come to Christ.

After the panel discussion, we boarded a bus and drove about an hour to Hofheim and the only Baha’i Temple in Europe. There we were instructed about the Baha’i religion by 2 of their guides.

Then we entered their temple. No talking. The only voices allowed inside the temple are people reading prayers from certain approved texts.

There are 9 doors, and we were all quietly led to the one they wanted us to enter.

The temple is designed as a place to go a meditate.

There was a small book of prayers that could be read out loud there. Each of the guides offered a prayer from the book.

Here’s a bit about this religious group:

It was a very interesting contrast to our LDS temple worship last night. I came away feeling very grateful for the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for doctrines and ordinances and a path that leads us Home.

Interestingly the man who started this religion, lived at the same time as Joseph Smith. The Baha’i consider Jesus Christ one of many prophets who did good in the world. They believe their leader, or Bab, was the last of the great prophets until the Messiah comes.

Next we took the bus to a famous restaurant in nearby called the Waldheim, where they served “XXXL Burgers.”

We had 2 choices for dinner. One was a very delicious and famous Frankfurt dish: Frankfurt Green Sauce is served cold over hard-boiled eggs and boiled potatoes. It is made of seven different kinds of herbs: borage, chervil, cress, parsley, salad burnet, sorrel and chives.

The most famous myth is that green sauce was Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s favourite dish, invented by his mother. Actually, the first green sauce recipe was published in 1860 in a cookbook by Wilhelmine Rührig, but Frankfurt locals love to connect their favourite fare to the renowned author, who was born in Frankfurt.