Meeting a "Unitarian" Druze

On Tuesday afternoon we hiked up to the famous Druze temple at Nebi Shu'eib, a holy site for members of the Druze religion. Sitting close to the Horns of Hattin (two mountain peaks)


the temple is an immense and breathtaking building that serves as the "Mecca" for the faithful Druze. It is the holiest site and place of Pilgrimage for Druze all over the world. We were reminded that this Holy Land has major pilgrimage sites, not only for the Children of Abraham, but for the smaller faiths that have emerged from them, notably for Druze and Bahai.

The Druze religion dates back to the 10th century as an offshoot of the Ismaeli branch of Islam. They believe in the major prophets of the three monotheistic faiths, and also incorporate some aspects of Buddhism into their theology. They call themselves the "People of Unitarianism" because of their fierce commitment to monotheism.

We came to the temple mid-day, after hiking uphill for over an hour. After being greeted by a man who spoke no English, he told us to wait a moment as he found someone for us to talk to. Wayne introduced us as Unitarian pastors from the United States; and with the mention of the word "Unitarian" he nodded as if in recognition. After removing our shoes, we entered the mosque and were told a brief story of the Druze and why this particular site is a place for pilgrims.



The insights and practices of the Druze religion are known only to initiates. The Druze believe that the bones of Jethro, who was Moses' father-in-law, are buried in the rock wall. In front of the rock wall was a tomb/sarcophagus covered in a green cloth, that devotees, pilgrims and prayer-ers can touch. We were invited to pray if we wished, and then our host left us alone in this magnificent temple.

Both of us were amazed to find this unique gem of a building, as well as discovering a faith tradition who also call themselves "Unitarians." We have no doubt, however, that there are such profound differences between our respective faiths that any Druze coming to worship at West Shore would probably not recognize our Unitarianism. Nevertheless, we were deeply moved to have been so graciously welcomed into their "holy of holies," to talk, to visit and to pray.

Location:Mt.Arbel, Israel