Sitting in the Shade of Another Tree is a new book that features authors who are committed to interfaith engagement. Each was tasked with writing an essay on the attributes of a religion not their own. The book includes 16 chapters. Here we discuss this effort with the editor and 3 of the contributors.
Keith Giles is the best-selling author of the best-selling “Jesus Un“ book series and the Sola Trilogy which includes “Sola Mysterium“ and “Sola Deus." He has appeared on CNN with Anderson Cooper, USA Today, BuzzFeed, and John Fugelsang's “Tell Me Everything." Keith is also co-owner of Quoir Publishing and co-hosts 3 podcasts:“Heretic Happy Hour, Apostates Anonymous, and 2nd Cup with Keith. He and his wife currently reside in El Paso, Texas.
Heather Hamiliton is the Bestselling Author of“Returning to Eden: A Field Guide for the Spiritual Journey. She“received her B.A. in Journalism from Georgia State University and spent many years doing video production before discovering her love of writing. After filming and editing stories with people from all over the world (celebrities, orphans, religious leaders, royal family members, political figures, and everyday people) Heather recognized the common threads and themes intertwining all humans across religions, cultures, classes, and demographics. She is passionate about fostering human connection through storytelling, writing, art, and exchanging ideas. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and three children. You can find her work at www.ReturningtoEden.com.
Safi Kaskas is a scholar, entrepreneur, and advocate for peace and reconciliation. He has over 40 years of experience in strategic planning, leadership, and business ethics, having founded Strategic Edge Management Consultants. He has co-founded East West University in Chicago and served as President of the Board of Directors for over 2 decades, in addition to his business pursuits, Dr. Kaskas is passionate about the Abrahamic religions and has lectured throughout the US and the Middle East on topics related to Islam, interfaith, and reconciliation between Evangelicals, Jews, and American Muslims. He is a Senior Researcher in Islam and Multifaith Reconciliation with George Mason University's Center for World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution, where he continues to learn and share his knowledge. He is also the founder and President of the International Quran Research Association. Dr. Kaskas is also known for his easy-to-understand English Quran translation published in January 2015, and The Quran with References to the Bible in January 2019.
Brandon Andress is a speaker, blogger, and frequent guest on various podcasts. He lives in Columbus, Indiana and is a graduate of Hanover College in Psychology with an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.
