Religious Iliteracy
- play show:
Date: 27 August 2008
Can You Pass the Test?
If you think the "Hail Mary" is only a football move, read on... Though America is the most religious nation in the developed world, when it comes to basic religious knowledge, we are amazingly clueless. Stephen Prothero, author of "Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know – and Doesn’t," offers a controversial solution: require world religion classes in all public schools.
Stephen Prothero, chair of the Religion department at Boston University
Honoring the Body: Taharah
Begins At: 22:50
In Judaism, one of the holiest rituals is the washing of the body for burial, called taharah. In this award-winning documentary, producer Rebecca Sheir explores taharah through the eyes of three people who have performed the rite themselves.
Produced by Rebecca Sheir, host and producer at the Alaska Public Radio Network
Honoring the Body: Taharah was the winner of the 2006 Third Coast International Audio Festival Director's Choice Award
Catholicism, The Movie Version
Begins At: 42:02
From the demon-child in "The Exorcist" to the kindly nuns in "The Sound of Music," Hollywood has long used Catholicism as a kind of visual shorthand for faith. Catholicism...well, the movie version at least, has ready-made props: rosary beads, crucifixes and heavy, black and white wardrobes. Add to that its candlelit rituals and sacred mysteries, and you have all the makings of a big-screen spectacle.
Colleen McDannell, Professor of History and Religious Studies at the University of Utah, author of "Catholics in the Movies"
This Week's Interfaith Calendar
September 2 – Ramadan (Muslim)
This day begins the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset each day. It is considered the most sacred month of the Muslim year.
September 3 – Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu)
This is celebrated asthe birthday of Lord Ganesh, the beloved Hindu deity with the head of an elephant. He is known as the Remover of Obstacles, and is often invoked when travelling or starting a new business.
