Interfaith Voices - 2008

Religion Redux: The Top Stories of 2008

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:25:38 -0500

A Year in Religion Reporting

2008 was a big year for religion news. Pope Benedict XVI visited the United States, the Democrats “got religion,” gay couples in California won – then lost – the right to marry. And who could forget Rev. Jeremiah Wright, president-elect Barack Obama’s former pastor?
Two religion journalists reflect back on a year of religion news, and give us a forecast for 2009.

Kevin Eckstrom, Editor of Religion News Service

Barbara Bradley Hagerty, Religion Correspondent for National Public Radio

Why Forgive?

Begins at 22:48

Today we explore one of the most challenging of all religious teachings: forgiveness. We begin with the story of psychologist Everett Worthington, who chose to forgive his mother’s murderer.
We also hear from Martin Doblmeier, director of a PBS documentary called The Power of Forgiveness, and Kenneth Briggs, author of a companion book by the same name.

Dr. Everett Worthington, Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University

Martin Doblmeier, director of The Power of Forgiveness

Kenneth Briggs, former religion editor for the New York Times, author of The Power of Forgiveness

From the Front Lines of Non-Belief

Begins at 43:01

Master Sargeant Kathleen Johnson is the founder of a support network for soldiers who don’t believe in God. She explains why there are, in fact, atheists in foxholes.

Master Sgt. Kathleen Johnson, founder of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers

Hug an Evangelical

Begins at 49:09

Nicholas Kristof wonders why tolerance-preaching liberals seem to have a blind spot about Christian evangelicals.

Nicholas Kristof, columnist for the New York Times

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

Dec. 29 - Al-Hijira (Muslim)

On this Muslim New Year, Muslims celebrate and remember the Prophet Mohammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. There, he started the first Islamic state.

Jan. 1 - Oshogatsu (Shinto)

The Japanese New Year is one of Japan's biggest festivals. People celebrate by visiting shrines and sending each other New Years' postcards.

Understanding Sharia Law

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:55:10 -0500

Why Sharia?

In the West, sharia law is often linked with harsh punishments like amputations and stonings. But millions of Muslims worldwide say they want the legal code to govern their lives, and Islamic parties win elections with sharia as part of their platforms. So if it’s so bad, why do people want it? Harvard rabble-rouser Noah Feldman offers his take, in this rebroadcast from April.

Noah Feldman, author of The Fall and Rise of the Islamic State

Kids and Religion

Begins at 22:30

When we talk about faith, there is one group of believers that is often overlooked: kids. Richard Paul introduces us to three 12-year-olds: Kate, an evangelical Christian, Wahab, a Muslim, and Gavi, an Orthodox Jew. They give us a child's eye view of their religion, their God, and what it means to welcome other traditions.

"My God," produced by Richard Paul

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

Nov. 28 - Ascension of Abdu'l-Baha (Baha'i)

Abdu'l-Bahá succeeded his faither, Bahá'u'lláh, as the leader of the Ba'hai faith and the interpreter of its teachings. He died in Haifa, Israel on this day in 1921.

Nov. 30 - First Sunday of Advent (Christian)

For Christians in the West, Advent is a time of quiet, joyful reflection, and a sacred waiting period in anticipation of the birth of Jesus.

Rainn Wilson, a Baha'i in Hollywood

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:04:48 -0500

Nerdy, Bright and Baha'i

Actor Rainn Wilson is best known for playing loners, oddballs and weirdos. Exhibit A: Dwight Schrute, the abrasive nerd-in-residence on NBC’s “The Office.” Dwight’s interests include beet farming, science fiction movies and violent weaponry of all kinds. In real life, Rainn is a devout Baha'i, and this week he lets us in on how he balances his 'Office' life with his faith life.

Rainn Wilson, star of The Office and The Rocker

Defying Rome, Finding Peace

Begins at 22:50

A few weeks ago, a Catholic priest named Rev. Roy Bourgeois (pictured) received a startling message from the Vatican: be prepared to be excommunicated. The reason? In August, the 36-year-veteran of the Maryknoll Order preached at the ordination of a woman priest. In a long, personal letter to the Vatican, Rev. Bourgeois refused to repent for his role in the ordination, knowing it could mean the end of his career.

Rev. Roy Bourgeois, founder of the School of the Americas Watch

Religion and the Rights of Women

Begins at 36:06

Gender inequality is an aching problem in the world’s developing countries. A new UN study is trying to figure out how to can fix that—and finds that religious sensitivity is a good place to start.

Azza Karam, Senior Culture Adviser for the United Nations Population Fund

Rehab For 'Jihadists'

Begins at 43:01

Saudi Arabia is the world’s biggest exporter of militant extremists, sometimes called "jihadists." In fact, 15 of the 19 September 11th hijackers were Saudi. Now, the Saudi government is trying to reverse that trend with a new kind of rehab program, which is kind of like a halfway house for would-be troublemakers.

Katherine Zoepf, author of the New York Times article “Deprogramming Jihadists”

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

Nov. 24 - Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Sikh)

The ninth guru of Sikhism was known as a defender of religious freedom, and was executed in 1675 for refusing to convert to Islam.

Nov. 27 - Thanksgiving (Interfaith)

Although officially recognized as a secular holiday, this festival is popularly known to have been first celebrated in 1621. At the first Thanksgiving feast, Christian Pilgrims and Native Americans of Massachusetts gave thanks to God at an "interfaith banquet" for a bountiful harvest.

Interview with an (Ex)Vampire Writer

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:45:53 -0500

Anne Rice, 'Called Out of Darkness'

You probably know Anne Rice as a Gothic novelist who trades in witches, blood and all things horror. But you might not know that 10 years ago she renounced her dark past, coming to see cult classics like Interview with the Vampire and The Witching Hour as describing her own quest for God. In 2005 she began writing novels about the life of Christ, trying to bring the Gospels—not vampires—into living color. Now Anne Rice has written a new memoir, describing her surprising journey from Catholicism, to Atheism and back again.

Anne Rice, author of Called Out of Darkness: A Spiritual Confession

Rashida Tlaib, Serving Allah and Country

Begins at 22:30

Racial barriers weren't the only walls toppled on Election Day. It was also a watershed moment for Muslim women, who won several elections across the nation. One of them is Detroit's Rashida Tlaib, the first American Muslim woman to ever be elected to a state legislature.

Rashida Tlaib, State Representative-elect, Michigan 12th District

Re-Branding the Religious Right

Begins at 33:01

November 4th was not a good day for conservatives, and Republicans are scrambling to figure out where to go from here. Conservative commentator Rod Dreher says the party needs a makeover – and so does the Religious Right.

Rod Dreher, author of Beliefnet's Crunchy Con blog

The New Face of Howard Divinity

Begins at 43:12

As the historic Howard Divinity School's first permanent dean in five years, Rev. Alton B. Pollard III faces some big challenges: dropping enrollment, tiny financial aid packages, and a curriculum that's starting to look old and musty. Now he hopes to help Howard repackage what it means to go into ministry.

Rev. Alton B. Pollard III, dean of Howard Divinity School in Washington, DC

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

Nov. 15-Shichi-go-san (Shinto)

On this day, Japanese families with young children ages seven, five
and three celebrate a Shinto rite of passage called Shichi-go-san. Parents take their tots to a local shrine, where they pray to the gods for a healthy life and an easy passage into middle
childhood.

Nov. 15- Nativity Fast Begins (Orthodox Christian)

Forty days before Christmas, Orthodox Christians begin fasting from alcohol, olive oil, and animal products for three days a week. Wine, oil, and fish with backbones are OK on the weekends.

The Apocalypse That Didn't Come

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 12:20:01 -0500

Religion in an Underground Bunker

What happens when you think the world is coming to an end....and it doesn't? On March 15th, 1990, 750 members of a fringe religious sect braced themselves for the end of the world by nuclear holocaust. When midnight struck... nothing happened. In the aftermath, they were forced to re-examine everything they knew about their leader, Elizabeth Claire Prophet (pictured.)

Erin Prophet, author of Prophet’s Daughter: My Life with Elizabeth Clare Prophet Inside the Church Universal and Triumphant

Obama: Closing the "God Gap"

Begins at 22:54

2008 may be remembered as a year when the Republican Party could no longer take religious believers for granted. Millions of mainline Protestants, Evangelicals and Catholics who have avoided the Democratic party pulled the lever for Barack Obama. Steven Waldman tells us why.

Steven Waldman, editor-in-chief of Beliefnet

Faith and the Fog of War

Begins at 31:11

On Veteran's Day, Nov. 11, we remember the men and women serving in our military . Mike Leard brings us the stories of soldiers and chaplains at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Produced by Mike Leard

Mary Baker Eddy and the Christian Science Monitor

Begins at 38:04

The Christian Science Monitor announced last week that it's dropping the daily print edition of its paper, making it the first major news source to move exclusively online. The Church of Christ, Scientist's founder, Mary Baker Eddy, started the secular paper 100 years ago with the goal "to injure no man, but to bless all mankind." We find out what that means for the paper today.

John Yemma, editor of the Christian Science Monitor

Guru Nanak, Founder of Sikhism

Begins at 43:44

Guru Nanak taught that everyone can have direct access to God—without rituals, priests and other formalities. On Nov. 13, Sikhs around the world celebrate his birthday by reading their holy scripture from start to finish. Nanak Singh Manku tells us why this 15th century guru still matters to modern Sikhs.

Nanak Singh Manku, architect of the National Gurdwara in Washington, DC

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

Nov. 12- Birth of Baha'u'llah (Ba'hai)

This leader of one of the youngest world religions was born in Tehran in 1817, and would later declare himself a messenger of God.

Nov. 13- Birth of Guru Nanak (Sikh)

The founder of Sikhism was born in modern day Pakistan in 1469.

Election Un-Ethics

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:13:58 -0400

Fuzzy Ethics 2008

Attack ads. Rivers of money flowing into candidates’ war chests. Charges of registration fraud and voter suppression. Sound bites flung around like ammo. All this funny business may be hurting our nation’s politics – and its soul.

Rev. Bob Edgar, president of Common Cause, former member of Congress from Pennsylvania

“Free Thinking” About Politics

Begins at 22:40

If there’s one group of voters happy to see religion brushed aside this election, it’s the non-theists: seculars, atheists, agnostics and humanists. Many hope that reason and rationality will someday prevail in American politics…but for secular voters, it could be a very long wait.

Jennifer Bardi, editor of The Humanist magazine

Green Faith

Begins at 34:07

In 2001, activist Mike Tidwell decided he was going to totally transform his bungalow into a low-energy paradise. Nine months and $7,500 later, he says most of his home’s energy now comes from either wind power, the sun, or corn. Laura Kwerel finds out why he’s more than just a guy trying to live in the house of the future. Plus, the new Green Bible, HarperOne’s Good Book for environmentalists.

Mike Tidwell, director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network

Mark Tauber, senior Vice-President at Harper One, publisher of The Green Bible

Yiddish and Hebrew: The Languages of Judaism

Begins at 43:20

In his new novel, Peter Manseau tells the story of a young Catholic man who translates the Yiddish memoirs of an elderly Russian Jew. In the process, he learns why the Yiddish language is distinctively sacred, mystical and Jewish.

Peter Manseau, author of Songs for the Butcher’s Daughter, founder of the Killing the Buddha.com

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

Oct. 31- Samhain (Pagan)

Samhain is celebrated by followers of paganism and earth-based religions. In Europe it was Christianized and renamed "All Hallow's Eve," or Halloween.

Nov 1-All Saint's Day (Christian)

Christians have observed this feast day in honor of all their faith's saints and martyrs since the 8th or 9th century.

Nov. 2- Coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I
(Rastafari)

Haile Selassie was the Emperor of Ethiopia, and Rastas believe he was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ.

Religion at the Ballot Box

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:15:37 -0400

Voting With a Conscience

This week, we sit down with two religious thinkers to talk about the issues that matter to people of faith. They grapple with the moral questions raised by everything from abortion to war to environmentalism – and remind us that no one party or candidate will claim this year's "values voters."

Dr. Melissa Harris-Lacewell, Associate Professor of Politics and African American Studies at Princeton University

Dr. Richard Land, Vice President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention

Pro-Life and Pro-Obama

Begins at 22:43

Can a good Catholic vote for a candidate who
supports abortion rights? A few bishops say no. But now, a handful of prominent anti-abortion Catholics, like Douglas Kmiec, have endorsed Barack Obama--not in spite of his abortion platform, but because of it.

Colleen Carroll Campbell, fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center

Douglas Kmiec, professor of constitutional law, Pepperdine University

The Jewish Vote

Begins at 38:46

In a few days, we’ll find out if Barack Obama’s shtick passes muster with America’s Jewish voters. Rebecca Sheir explores the hopes and concerns of the Jewish residents in Brookline (or “Baruch-line”), Massachusetts.

Produced by Rebecca Sheir

Who’s Afraid of Being Muslim?

Begins at 43:15

Muslims have long been placed outside of the American story … cast as the foreigner, the stranger, and yes, the terrorist. And that's made a lot of them crave something non-Muslims can take for granted: a normal,
mainstream seat at the political table.

Shahed Amanullah, editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

October 28 - Diwali/Deepavali (Hindu)

Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is dedicated to the Goddess Kali in Bengal and to Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, in the rest of India.

October 28 - Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikh)

This "day of the prisoner's release" commemorates the return of the sixth Guru to the holy city of Amritsar. Since he was released on Diwali, the "Festival of Lights," Sikhs illuminate the city.

October 28 - Milvian Bridge Day (Christian)

According to Christian tradition, the Roman Emperor Constantine had a vision of the cross during the Battle at the Milvian Bridge. This led to the rise of Christianity as the official religion in the Roman Empire.

Shalom Auslander: Incurably, Miserably Religious

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:20:40 -0400

Bargaining with God

Shalom Auslander has got a bone to pick with God. Raised an Orthodox Jew, he reflects on what he learned about the Big Man Upstairs – an angry god who writes rules, punishes you for eating a cheeseburger, and walks around drunk in His underwear.

Shalom Auslander, author of Foreskin’s Lament

How the Financial Meltdown Hurts the Poor

Begins at 22:49

Wall Street in turmoil, banks with no money and one whopper of a bailout. The economic crisis dominates the headlines, but the talk centers mostly on the woes of the rich and powerful.
What about the world’s poor, the folks who have trouble finding food or shelter in good times? What will happen to them now?

Rev. James Martin, Jesuit priest, Associate Editor of America Magazine

Made Perfectly, and Disabled

Begins at 36:16

For people of faith living with disability, an equal place in church doesn’t mean just wheelchair ramps. They struggle with their fellow believers’ inability to understand them, and with their own trouble understanding why God made them the way they are. But instead of asking, "Why me?" many say, "Why not me?"

Laura Lee Wright, Team Leader for Access Ministry at Northland Church, Orlando, Fla.

What’s in a Name?

Begins at 45:01

This summer, the Vatican decided there was one word too sacred for Catholics to utter during services: Yahweh. It’s an ancient name for the Almighty, and to speak it during biblical times carried the risk of death by stoning.

Dr. Robert Miller, Professor of Old Testament Studies, Catholic University of America

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

October 20 – Birth of the Bab (Baha’i)

Referred to as the “Herald of the Baha’i Faith,” the Bab was a prophet who was a forerunner to Baha’ullah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith.

October 21 – Simchat Torah (Jewish)

Simchat Torah means "Rejoicing in the Torah." This holiday marks the completion of the annual cycle of Torah readings.

"Four Gods" at the Voting Booth

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 11:56:10 -0400

How God Predicts Our Politics

This election season, pollsters have been trying to get a grip on the Catholic vote, the Jewish vote, and the Evangelical vote – but maybe they’ve been asking the wrong questions. A study by Baylor University suggests that it’s not your religion that determines how you vote, so much as the way you imagine God’s “personality.” Is your God warm and fuzzy or down right angry?

Dr. Christopher Bader, assistant professor of sociology at Baylor University

Einstein's God

Begins At: 22:42

Most people have assumed that Albert Einstein, the enigmatic genius of modern science, was an atheist. But according to Einstein biographer Walter Isaacson, Einstein was something of a man of faith—a faith stemming from his awe at the great order of the cosmos. For Einstein, the face of God was revealed in the smallest details of the universe, like the curve of a cosine and the absoluteness of a prime number. As he wrote in the summer of 1930,

"The most beautiful emotion we can experience is the mysterious… To sense that, behind anything that can be experienced, there is something that our minds cannot grasp, whose beauty and sublimity teaches us only indirectly: this is religiousness."

Walter Isaacson, author of "Einstein: His Life and Universe"

Quaker Singer-Songwriter Carrie Newcomer

Begins At: 33:31

With her deep, earthy voice and gift for lyrical songwriting, it's no wonder Carrie Newcomer has been called folk music's "Prairie Mystic." Newcomer is also a practicing Quaker, and her new album finds her exploring the spirituality and grace of everyday life. This week, she joins us for a live, in-studio performance.

Carrie Newcomer, featuring new music from "The Geography of Light"

Commentary: Message From a Heretic

Begins At: 47:06

Cecily Hilleary admits she isn’t the strictest Muslim. She’ll eat the occasional pork chop, fill up her wine glass, and pray...when she remembers to. Then again, before she converted to Islam, back in the late 1980s, she wasn’t the strictest Catholic, either.

Cecily Hilleary, freelance television and radio producer based in Potomac, Md.

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

October 14 – Sukkot (Jewish)

This joyful, seven day festival commemorates the 40 years that Jews spent wandering the desert after their exodus from Egypt. Jews relive that time by building temporary structures, called sukkahs, in which they eat, pray and entertain guests.

Dreaming in the World's Religions

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 13:35:23 -0400

The Wondering Brain

Think back to the most vivid dream you’ve ever had. Was it scary, wonderful, or just plain weird? Did you try to figure out what it meant for your everyday life? As dreaming, thinking creatures, we have always asked ourselves these questions, and we have long looked to religion to provide the answers. One of the most profound religious visions of all time was recorded in the 6th century, when Taoist philosopher Zhuangzi dreamt he was a butterfly... or did the butterfly dream he was Zhuangzi?

Kelly Bulkeley, author of Dreaming in the World’s Religions: A Comparative History

Rev. Barry Black, Chaplain to Senators

Begins at 22:42

It’s been a tumultuous couple of weeks in the House and Senate. And if there’s one person on Capitol Hill keeping his cool, it’s Rev. Barry Black. As the Senate Chaplain, it’s his job to stay out of the partisan fray. He sits down with senators from both sides of the aisle, providing spiritual and ethical counseling to people who really need it.

Rev. Barry Black, 62nd Chaplain to the United States Senate, author of From the Hood to the Hill: A Story of Overcoming

No One Sees God

Begins at 35:45

Even Mother Teresa couldn’t avoid the sinking feeling that God is not really there. Whether we're atheists or believers, Michael Novak says we've all experienced a "dark night of the soul." And if we can at least agree on that, he says, we can find
common ground.

Michael Novak, author of No One Sees God: The Dark Night of Atheists and Believers, scholar at the American Enterprise Institute

Postcard: Holy Martyrs of Vietnam

Begins at 45:58

This week we visit the oldest Vietnamese Catholic parish in America, on a quiet street in Arlington, Virginia. Laura Kwerel brings us this audio postcard.

Produced by Laura Kwerel

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

October 9 - Dusserha/ Vijayadashami (Hindu)

In varying traditions across Nepal and India, nine days of celebration culminate in one last festival honoring the Mother Goddess, and the triumph of good over evil.

October 9 - Yom Kippur (Jewish)

Many Jews consider Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, as the most significant date on the calendar. They come together in fasting and prayer to repent the sins of the past year.

Just Say No to "Religious Tolerance"?

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:11:34 -0400

Setting a Higher Bar

"Religious tolerance" may sound nice, but that doesn't cut it for Gustav Niebuhr. Mere "tolerance" of other faiths feels begrudging, he says, and we can do better. The good news is, people do--every day. Niebuhr tells us the stories you won't find in police reports or press releases, stories of ordinary people searching for common ground.

Gustav Niebuhr, author of "Beyond Tolerance: Searching for Interfaith Understanding in America"

The Capital Sins of Wall Street

Begins at 22:42

Greed, ignorance and just plain incompetence have created the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Laura Berry says Wall Street could learn a thing or two about investment ethics from Islam's first businessman: the prophet Mohammed.

Laura Berry, Executive Director of the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility

Judaism Without God

Begins at 35:01

When Rosh Hashanah begins on September 30th, Jews of all stripes will head to their synogogues. It's a chance to celebrate the Jewish New Year and remember the day when God created humans...or not. For humanist Jews, God may or may not exist. And they say that the high holy days are sacred either way.

Rabbi Arthur Blecher (pictured), rabbi at Beth Chai Congregation

Marji Ross, Beth Chai member

A Hindu-Christian Catastrophe

Begins at 41:13

In a remote corner of Eastern India, extremist Hindus are killing Indian Christians, enraged by the murder of a Hindu leader. The rebel Hindu group has torched churches, homes and orphanages, leaving more than 5,000 people homeless. That may seem surprising – because Hindus and Christians have peacefully co-existed in that country for nearly 2,000 years. Dr. Vasudha Narayanan explains why conversions to Christianity have fanned the flames.

Dr. Vasudha Narayanan, Founder of the Center for the Study of Hindu Traditions at the University of Florida

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

Sept. 29 – Navaratri (Hindu)

Hindus celebrate the autumn harvest and the triumph of good over evil.

Sept. 30 – Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)

On this Jewish New Year, Jews reflect on the year's mistakes and make resolutions for a better year to come.

Oct. 1 – Eid-Ul-Fitr (Muslim)

Ramadan wraps up today, and Muslims celebrate the end of their month-long fast with a feast.

Margot Adler, Redefining the "Witch Word"

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:25:36 -0400

Witches, Goddesses and Public Radio

Margot Adler stands out in two worlds that we, admittedly, find pretty interesting-- public radio and paganism. Radio junkies know her as an NPR reporter and master storyteller. And pagans consider her a preeminent scholar of earth-based religion. The former Jewish-atheist joins us to talk about the changing perception of the "witch word" and why if you look far enough back, all of us come from a Pagan heritage.

Margot Adler, Pagan Earth Religionist, NPR correspondent, and author of Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today

Sarah Palin’s Churches, Past…

Begins at 22:55

For more than 20 years, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin attended the Wasilla Assembly of God, a Pentecostal church where the Bible is inerrant, worshippers speak in tongues, and God is present and active in the world. Palin left the church back in 2002, but many say it has continued to shape her worldview.

J. Lee Grady, an ordained Pentecostal minister and editor of Charisma Magazine

…And Present

Begins at 28:24

Gov. Palin's new congregation is the Wasilla Bible Church, a non-denominational evangelical church. Sociologist Scott Thumma says that like the Assemblies of God, her new brand of worship stresses the absolute truth of the Bible and the real existence of Heaven and Hell.

Dr. Scott Thumma, professor of the Sociology of Religion at the Hartford Institute for Religion Research

Campaigning From the Pulpit

Begins at 37:46

Later this month, a group of pastors will illegally endorse political candidates from their pulpits– hoping to spark a legal battle about the separation of church and state. Their goal is to overturn a 54-year-old tax law, which forbids churches and other tax-exempt organizations from opining on their favorite candidates.

The law-breaking preachers say that it's the job of the pastor – not the IRS – to determine the content of their sermons. Opponents say that without the law, churches will become another sparring ring for political mud-slinging.

Erik Stanley, senior legal counsel, the Alliance Defense Fund

Rob Boston, senior policy analyst, Americans United for Separation of Church and State

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

September 22 – Autumn Equinox/Mabon (Pagan/Wiccan)

This harvest festival is a time to give thanks for the fruits of the earth. Also called Harvest Home.

September 22 – Ohigon (Buddhist)

A Buddhist celebration of the fall equinox.

A Tale of Two Conventions

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:06:33 -0400

Rev. Jim Wallis, Bridging the God Gap

Both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions were ripe with God talk this year. Rev. Jim Wallis spoke at both conventions, and he reports back on how the parties played the faith card. He argues that religious leaders on both sides need to hold their parties to higher moral standards – not just be the parties’ “cheerleaders.”

Rev. Jim Wallis, founder and president of Sojourners, author of “The Great Awakening: Reviving Faith and Politics in a Post-Religious Right America”

Faith at the RNC

Begins at 22:50

Religion was tough to find at the Republican Nation Convention, where there was only one official prayer service, held at a local Presbyterian church. But with Sarah Palin's courtship of religious conservatives and a platform statement aimed at right-to-life issues, faith was a huge factor just below the surface. Tanya Synder was at the convention, and brings us this report.

Produced by Tanya Snyder

Depicting Mohammed

Begins at 31:47

A new novel about the prophet Mohammed's favorite wife has been the subject of debate since Random House shelved it this spring, out of fear that the book might "incite acts of violence by a small radical segment." At issue is a PG-13 description of the sexual relationship between the Muslim prophet and his young wife.

While fictional accounts of Western religious figures are somewhat common, (think The DaVinci Code) depictions of the prophet Mohammed are rare. That's because in Islam, it's forbidden to create visual representations of the Prophet — even if the intentions are good.

Dr. Yvonne Haddad, professor of the History of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations at Georgetown University

Albania's Unsung Heroes

Begins at 40:31

For thousands of Jews fleeing the Nazi occupation of their home countries, Albania became a safe haven. Albanian families, mostly Muslim, treated the Jewish refugees as guests in their homes, often giving them traditional clothing and even Muslim names to help them blend in. This hospitality was driven in part by a code of honor called “Besa.”

A new photography exhibit, “Besa: Muslims Who Saved Jews During WWII,” honors these Albanians and tells their little-known story of heroism.

"God's House,"a film about the project, will be released in 2009. Watch the trailer here

Norman Gershman, photographer

Johanna Neumann, Holocaust survivor whose family was taken in by Albanians. She now works at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

September 12th – Onam (Hindu)

This colorful harvest festival is celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala, and features the racing of the massive Vallumkali, or Snake Boats. Onam is observed in honor of King Bali, a benevolent demon revered as Kerala's legendary former ruler.

September 14 - Feast of the Cross (Christian)

This day commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, in the year 325. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem now stands over the site where the cross was purportedly found.

Jeff Sharlet on 'The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power'

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 14:23:20 -0400

Blood Runs Thick in 'The Family'

A little-known Christian network that takes leadership cues from Hitler and Mao may seem like the stuff of conspiracy theories, but our guest Jeff Sharlet (pictured) insists that The Family's political clout is real. Best known for sponsoring the annual high-profile National Prayer Breakfast, this secretive group has impacted public policy since it sponsored anti-New Deal legislation in the 1930s – and gives all the credit to God.

Jeff Sharlet, author of "The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power"

Marching in the Light of God(s)

Begins at 22:50

Every fall since 9/11, hundreds of Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews and others have gathered in Washington, DC and New York to remember the tragic events of that Tuesday in September. It's called the 9/11 Unity Walk, and its peaceful march from one house of worship to another is a powerful witness to respect among religions.

This year's walk will take place on Sunday, September 14th. Details here.

Rev. Mpho Tutu, organizer of the 9/11 Unity Walk, daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Obama's Faith-Based Initiative

Begins at 34:36

The faith-based initiative program strives to address society's most unshakable problems, like homelessness and addiction, by contracting with religious groups to provide social services. Senator Barack Obama has vowed to expand the program, though with more safeguards to protect the church-state divide. Now the Obama version has won support from a most unlikey source: John Dilulio, the onetime head of the office.

John Dilulio, first director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives under President George W. Bush

Rob Boston, Senior Policy Analyst at Americans United for Separation of Church and State

Finding Some "Om" at the DNC

Begins at 44:37

For anyone looking for a little peace and quiet at the Democratic National Convention, there was Meditate '08, an interfaith meditation space just a half hour's walk from the political frenzy. On every day of the convention, faith leaders led participants through yoga twists and relaxing "Oms" meant to cultivate inner harmony in the midst of clamor. Maureen was there, microphone in hand, and brings us
this report.

Don Morreale, coordinator of Meditate08 and teacher at the Insight Meditation Community in Denver

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

September 8 – Feast of the Birth of Mary/Nativity of the Theotokos (Christian)

On this day, Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches remember the birth of Mary, mother of Jesus.

September 11 – Ethiopian New Year (Rastafari)

This spring festival celebrates the beginning of the new year in Ethiopia and comes at the end of a long rainy season. On this day, the story goes, the famous Ethiopian Queen of Sheba returned from her visit with King Solomon in Jerusalem.

Religious Iliteracy

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:55:52 -0400

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

Take the Religious Literacy Quiz now!

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.

Interfaith Voices - 2008

Religion Redux: The Top Stories of 2008

A Year in Religion Reporting

Why Forgive?

From the Front Lines of Non-Belief

Hug an Evangelical

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

Dec. 29 - Al-Hijira (Muslim)

Jan. 1 - Oshogatsu (Shinto)

Understanding Sharia Law

Why Sharia?

Kids and Religion

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

Nov. 28 - Ascension of Abdu'l-Baha (Baha'i)

Nov. 30 - First Sunday of Advent (Christian)

Rainn Wilson, a Baha'i in Hollywood

Nerdy, Bright and Baha'i

Defying Rome, Finding Peace

Religion and the Rights of Women

Rehab For 'Jihadists'

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

Nov. 24 - Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur (Sikh)

Nov. 27 - Thanksgiving (Interfaith)

Interview with an (Ex)Vampire Writer

Anne Rice, 'Called Out of Darkness'

Rashida Tlaib, Serving Allah and Country

Re-Branding the Religious Right

The New Face of Howard Divinity

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

Nov. 15-Shichi-go-san (Shinto)

Nov. 15- Nativity Fast Begins (Orthodox Christian)

The Apocalypse That Didn't Come

Religion in an Underground Bunker

Obama: Closing the "God Gap"

Faith and the Fog of War

Mary Baker Eddy and the Christian Science Monitor

Guru Nanak, Founder of Sikhism

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

Nov. 12- Birth of Baha'u'llah (Ba'hai)

Nov. 13- Birth of Guru Nanak (Sikh)

Election Un-Ethics

Fuzzy Ethics 2008

“Free Thinking” About Politics

Green Faith

Yiddish and Hebrew: The Languages of Judaism

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

Oct. 31- Samhain (Pagan)

Nov 1-All Saint's Day (Christian)

Nov. 2- Coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I (Rastafari)

Religion at the Ballot Box

Voting With a Conscience

Pro-Life and Pro-Obama

The Jewish Vote

Who’s Afraid of Being Muslim?

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

October 28 - Diwali/Deepavali (Hindu)

October 28 - Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikh)

October 28 - Milvian Bridge Day (Christian)

Shalom Auslander: Incurably, Miserably Religious

Bargaining with God

How the Financial Meltdown Hurts the Poor

Made Perfectly, and Disabled

What’s in a Name?

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

October 20 – Birth of the Bab (Baha’i)

October 21 – Simchat Torah (Jewish)

"Four Gods" at the Voting Booth

How God Predicts Our Politics

Einstein's God

Quaker Singer-Songwriter Carrie Newcomer

Commentary: Message From a Heretic

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

October 14 – Sukkot (Jewish)

Dreaming in the World's Religions

The Wondering Brain

Rev. Barry Black, Chaplain to Senators

No One Sees God

Postcard: Holy Martyrs of Vietnam

This Week's Interfaith Calendar

October 9 - Dusserha/ Vijayadashami (Hindu)

Nov. 2- Coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I
(Rastafari)