BRIEFLY IN RELIGION

Muslim film presented by Interfaith Council

The Laguna Beach Interfaith Council will present “The Message,” a film about Mohammed starring Anthony Quinn, followed by a question-and-answer session about Islam, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Laguna Beach, 429 Cypress Drive. The church is one block inland off of North Coast Highway, between Jasmine and Myrtle Streets.

The film is an opportunity to learn about the history and belief of Mohammed and the faith he started, Islam. It shows the viewers the beginnings of Islam in the 6th century C.E.

Some invited Muslim guests will be present at the showing. They will answer questions about the Koran and Muslim traditions. A sampling of Middle Eastern and Turkish food will be provided.

This event is free and open to all members and friends of the community.

To RSVP and for more information contact Daga Krackowizer, Laguna Beach Interfaith Council, (949)715-3879 or (949) 497-4568 (UU Church).

Open Gatherings to meet Jan. 25

Open Gatherings, an informal lecture followed by free-form discussion, returns at 7 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 429 Cypress Drive. The topic is “Re-Imagining Religion.”

“In current parlance, all the meaning has been sucked out of the meaning of the word ‘religion,’” said Rev. Dr. Tari Lennon, discussion leader. “When thoughtful people abandon the discussion, it creates a vacuum “” and the fringe elements and extremists rush in to fill it. We need to move forward as a culture. On the 25th, we’ll talk about breaking with old paradigms and how one can think in fresh ways about religion.”

Open Gatherings is an informal, occasional “un-church” that draws together people from all faiths and non-faiths to explore topics of spirituality, politics, relationships, and personal ethics.

Admission is free; donations are welcome. For more information about any Open Gatherings event, call (949) 370-7040 or visit www.opengatherings.com.