CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM The works of faith that author Bonnie Kuchler studied to compile "One Heart" included the writings of Lao Tze and Confucious, along with the Torah, Bible and Koran.

Sacred Texts

Author identifies a shared core of
beliefs among the world’s religions

As a young girl, Bonnie Louise Kuchler had daily conversations with God. She read the Bible cover to cover almost every year and went with her family to church about four times a week.

"One Heart: Universal Wisdom from the World's Scriptures" Edited by Bonnie Louise Kuchler (Marlowe & Co., 246 pages, $14.95)

"I swallowed whatever came from the pulpit without much chewing," she said. "If they said it, it must be true. Our church was a charismatic church, although we called ourselves nondenominational. What we meant was that we did not associate with other denominations. It came straight from the pulpit that we were God's chosen people of the 20th century. Everyone else was pretty much damned."

"I began asking questions at age 11, when my father remarried," she said. "My new stepmother was, God forbid, Mormon.

"Spending time with her and seeing her dedication to God and her compassion for everything else turned a key in the deadbolt that locked my mind."

After her awakening, Kuchler recalled feeling like a hypocrite. The support, friendship and extended family were what kept her attending church, but she no longer believed there was one "right" religion.

It was only when her daughter hit her teen years that she allowed herself to voice her feelings. "She and I sort of rebelled together," Kuchler said. Leaving the church seven years ago was one of the toughest decisions Kuchler ever faced, but it allowed her to begin her own quest for faith.

"Last year, I started reading sacred texts from the many living religions. As I read, familiar, beautiful passages jumped out at me. I began highlighting every passage that paralleled verses in my well-read Bible," Kuchler said.

That is how her latest book, "One Heart: Universal Wisdom from the Word's Scriptures," was born. "I wanted people to see that there is a core of shared beliefs among them."

She found 65 core principles shared by seven major religions, like "don't harm others," "be honest," "don't let anger take over" and "choose your companions wisely." The 65 principles shared by Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Taoism became the basis of her book.

Book signings With Bonnie Kuchler, author of "One Heart": Sept. 25: Borders Express at Mililani Town Center, noon to 1 p.m.; and Pearlridge Phase 1, 2 to 3 p.m. Sept. 26: Barnes & Noble, 3 to 4 p.m. Oct. 23: Borders, Ward, noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 6: Borders Waikele, noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 7: Borders Express, Kahala Mall, noon to 1 p.m.

The new book of proverbs marks a change from her earlier warm and fuzzy quote books -- "Just Moms," Just Dads," "Just Kids" and "Just Sweethearts" -- illustrated with cuddly animals.

For months, Kuchler read various sacred texts, sometimes eight hours a day. "I also read several comparative anthologies that filled in some gaps for me. It would take a lifetime to read all the sacred texts," she said. She wanted to demonstrate that religions are not as different as many people assume.

Kuchler believes all of society needs to move in the direction of religious tolerance if we are to survive as a cohesive nation in years to come because of the growth of multicultural communities.

"Compassion --the Golden Rule -- is the cornerstone of every religion," said Kuchler, who strongly believes that anyone who judges the faith of others cannot be a true follower of their own faith.

"If people adhered to the values presented in 'One Heart,' we would live in an idyllic society. People would think with compassion rather than greed, humility rather than pride, they would be honest, self-controlled, faithful.

"They might even be happy. Wouldn't that be something?"