Intersections: Recent Episodes
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Each spring for hundreds (or thousands) of years, the three great Abrahamic monotheistic faiths observe significant holidays in their traditions. In Judaism, it is the festival of Passover; in Christianity, it is Easter, and in Islam, it is Ramadan (though the exact dates for Ramadan change each year). In the spring, these faiths remember foundational stories in their traditions which are told over and over again each year. These are more than simple tales; they are grand spiritual narratives that they believe connect them to a larger purpose and a supreme destiny. Four spiritual leaders from one community in California reflect on these timeless stories of the season: Jewish Rabbi Eli Cohen, Muslim leader Ihab Saud, and Christian pastors Richard Gotthardt and Andy Lewis share these ancient stories and how these narratives shape their lives and values today.
Skillful communicators can have a way of identifying underlying contemporary challenges while articulating a compelling vision for a world that could be. Anne Snyder uses language to speak into the issues of our time through a focused social, cultural and spiritual lens. Her work combines poignant social criticism with a transcendent hope that embraces a future of justice, beauty, and redemption. Anne discusses the work she does and the values and beliefs that inform her writing. She is Editor-in-Chief of Comment Magazine, author of The Fabric of Character: A Wise Giver’s Guide to Renewing our Social and Moral Landscape, and a senior fellow with the Trinity Forum.
A variety of indicators point out that many people are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety from work, political polarization, and worries about the future. This ongoing pressure impacts people's daily lives and can result in deepening despair and discouragement. Is it possible to regularly recalibrate our busy lives so we can find a depth and richness to make positive contributions to others? Janice McWilliams, writer, speaker, and therapist, discusses her beliefs and the importance of integrating practices that can renew our emotional and spiritual lives.
Abel Mkulama has been addressing climate change since he was growing up in Malawi. He is a graduate of the Coastal Science and Policy program at the University of California at Santa Cruz, where he worked on projects to prevent deforestation. He is a Program Associate at the Center for Effective Global Action at the University of California at Berkeley where he works on sustainability and climate change issues. Abel discusses his projects supporting developing countries and the beliefs that undergird his work.
In all different cultures around the world, humans are passionate about their spiritual beliefs. It seems that we have a propensity to be religious–to have some kind of spiritual perspective and distinct religious practices that inform and shape how we live our lives. Laurie Schlaepfer, a professor of world religions, discusses the common questions that all religions answer.
Dr. Falk has been an accomplished biologist for over 40 years and has been a researcher, university instructor and author. His unique approach as a biologist caused some controversy at the religious academic institution where he taught. Dr. Falk discusses his work, how he reconciles his spiritual beliefs with science, the controversy that almost resulted in losing his position, and his ethical concerns about current genetic research.
Local journalism is facing an existential crisis: A variety of forces are pressing in on small-town newspapers that may soon make them obsolete. As a journalist at the Santa Cruz Sentinel for over 4 decades, Don discusses his experiences, concerns and beliefs about the challenges currently facing local publications around the country.
Much of the recent public discussions about religion often focuses exclusively on political power and right-wing social movements. However, these conversations often overlook voices of faith who articulate a different vision than is often portrayed in the media. Barney Wiget is a retired pastor and author whose latest book, "What on Earth," explores the social implications of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount--probably the most famous and well-studied discourse in history. In our conversation we discuss Jesus' ethics in the sermon and how they can, and do, speak to the unique time we are in in our country.
Children are among the most vulnerable of society. They are completely dependent on caring adults. How can adults help young people deal with medical emergencies, natural disasters, and the horrors of war? Katie Nees, a certified Child Life Specialist who has worked in a pediatric emergency room and supported child victims of natural and man-made disasters, discusses how spirituality gives her the strength and perspective to help children process and grow through these life-altering events.
The medium of film can transport us to imagined places, as well as deepen our awareness and understanding of the world in which we find ourselves. Turning a documentary lens to complex historical figures and events requires an ability to navigate tensions between underlying values and beliefs in a particular historical moment. In the second episode of Intersections, Martin Doblmeier, a social documentarian who has made films for public television for decades, reflects on his work highlighting human values and the people and events that have shaped our lives.
What is the relationship between the human senses and the creative process? This inaugural episode of Intersections features a conversation with songwriter and performer Ken Medema, who, unable to see from birth, creates songs and stories that speak to the human experience. From his work as a music therapist with troubled teens to crafting songs supporting political revolution in central America, Ken discusses his improvisational style and his process of creating visionary songs that draw from an unseen inner passion. Listen to this inaugural episode of Intersections
Alliee DeArmond has been a columnist for the Santa Cruz Sentinel focusing on the faith community for many years. In her monthly "In the Spirit" column, Alliee writes about her unique stories and perspectives around the topics of faith, spirituality, life and religion. In this conversation, Alliee shares about her writing process, her faith journey, and what it has been like to cover the local faith community for decades .
TOPIC: Writing about the Local Faith Community GUEST: * ALLIEE DEARMOND (SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL COLUMNIST")
Across the country, one of the distinct demographic groups that has been hesitant to get vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus are Evangelical Christians. Why are Christians so resistant to getting vaccinated? Is there anything being done by fellow Evangelicals to provide them with valuable information and encourage them to get vaccinated? Join this discussion with one of the co-founders of an organization that is helping people of faith understand that getting vaccinated is a practical application of their rich faith tradition.
TOPIC: Christians Resisting the Vaccine GUEST: * KRIS CARTER (CO-FOUNDER "CHRISTIANS & THE VACCINE")
Every day, children and families cross our southern border and request asylum as they flee countries with violence, political instability and poverty. How do people of faith respond to this crisis along the border and in our local communities? In this program, we meet two individuals who live out their faith by showing care and concern for these refugees, both along the border and in our community.
TOPIC: CARING FOR REFUGEES GUESTS: * RANDY POZOS (WELCOMING NETWORK)
- CINDY SCHAPIRO (CHILDREN'S DISASTER SERVICES VOLUNTEER)
Spring 2021 marks one year into the Covid pandemic. As we mark a full year into this global crisis, how have religious people kept the faith during the past year and how are they celebrating their spring holidays? A Jewish rabbi, Evangelical pastor, and a lay Islamic leader discuss their spring traditions and how the pandemic has impacted their congregations.
TOPIC: ONE YEAR OF COVID: CELEBRATING THE SPRING RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS GUESTS: * RABBI ELI COHEN (CHADEISH YAMEINU JEWISH RENEWAL COMMUNITY)
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IHAB SAUD (SANTA CRUZ ISLAMIC CENTER)
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PASTOR ANDY LEWIS (FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH)
Dan and Lyn Wagner faced a challenge that few parents ever imagine--the sudden loss of both of their children in a tragic car accident caused by a woman under the influence of drugs. Through this tremendous loss, the Wagner's faith was deeply challenged. Yet, their spiritual life and practice helped sustain them, and gave them the ability to develop a forgiving relationship with the person whose actions led to the loss of their daughters.
TOPIC: LOSS, GRIEF & FORGIVENESS GUESTS: * DAN & LYN WAGNER
On January 6, 2021, there was an unprecedented assault on our nation's capitol. Some of the people involved in the violence were evangelical Christians and believed that their actions were a genuine expression of their faith and love for their country. This blending of faith and patriotism has come to be known as "Christian Nationalism." Listen as two local evangelical pastors with very different perspectives discuss the January 6 Insurrection and their approach to the "Christian Nationalist" movement.
TOPIC: CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM & THE JANUARY 6 INSURRECTION GUESTS: * PASTOR SCOTT NEWMAN (SANTA CRUZ BIBLE CHURCH) * PASTOR BRANDON LEWIS (CONVERGENCE CHURCH)
In this edition of Faith Matters, we broadcast a unique dialogue hosted by the Santa Cruz and Watsonville Public Library. The four-part Shelter in Place series brought together Santa Cruz County leaders of diverse faith traditions, perspectives, and practices to help the community Shelter in Place during the pandemic. This conversation focused on understanding the religious roots of the January 6, 2020 insurrection. Some of the participants in this discussion have been previous guests on Faith Matters. (You can listen to all of the conversations in the series at: https://www.santacruzpl.org/news/post/1050/)
TOPIC: REFLECTING ON THE RELIGIOUS ROOTS OF THE CURRENT INSURRECTION GUESTS: * REVEREND BEVERLY BROOK (PEACE UNITED CHURCH)
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REVEREND DEBORAH JOHNSON (INNER LIGHT CHURCH)
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PASTOR BOBBY MARCHESSAULT (MISSIO DEI COMMUNITY)
- RABBI PAULA MARCUS (TEMPLE BETH EL JEWISH COMMUNITY)
2020 has been a year unlike any in recent memory, or perhaps in American history. As a nation, and in our area, we have been stretched beyond all measure--including a devastating pandemic, racial unrest, a bitter political season, and wildfires that have ravaged communities. With the winter holidays this year, how are people of faith celebrating their religious traditions this year? How are they finding hope and inspiration from their religious stories and traditions? A local Jewish rabbi and a Christian pastor discuss the holidays of Hanukkah and Christmas and how they and their congregations are celebrating at the end of a tumultuous year.
TOPIC: CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS IN 2020 GUESTS: * RABBI YOCHANAN FRIEDMAN (CHABAD BY THE SEA) * PASTOR ANDY LEWIS (FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH)
In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 election has been the most divisive election in recent memory. Political parties are jockeying for position while claiming that victory for the other party will mean catastrophe in our nation. What has this tumultuous election season been like for spiritual communities? Four religious leaders discuss how this election has impacted their faith communities and how their spiritual traditions provide rich encouragement and guidance during this time.
TOPIC: FAITH & THE 2020 ELECTION GUESTS: * PASTOR BEVERLY BROOK (PEACE UNITED CHURCH) * RABBI PAULA MARCUS (TEMPLE BETHEL) * BRUCE BURNETT (WATSONVILLE ISLAMIC CENTER) * PASTOR SCOTT NEWMAN (SANTA CRUZ BIBLE CHURCH)
The Christian faith in America, while making many positive contributions throughout our history, has also mirrored the racism and social injustice present throughout the development of our country. White and Black Christians gathered separately in distinct communities that promoted discrimination and mistrust, and reflected the racial tensions present in the larger American society. In this edition of Faith Matters, two local African-American pastors and one White pastor discuss current racial issues, the challenges within their religious tradition, and how each of them are applying their faith to help their congregations promote racial justice and reconciliation in their communities today.
TOPIC: CHRISTIANITY & RACIAL RECONCILIATION GUESTS: * PASTOR STEVE LATTIMORE (SANTA CRUZ PROGRESSIVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, SANTA CRUZ) * PASTOR ARLIS SMITH (NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH, SALINAS) * PASTOR RENE SCHLAEPFER (TWIN LAKES CHURCH, APOTOS)
Our second conversation in our Politics & Faith series highlights how two Evangelical Christians, politically active in the current election season, draw different political and moral convictions from their common sacred texts. Listen to a civil conversation between these two individuals who share a deep faith, but see the issues currently facing our nation in vastly different terms.
TOPIC: FAITH & POLITICS, PART 2 GUESTS: * KRIS HURST (CONGREGATIONAL LEADER CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN SUPPORTING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY) * BARNEY WIGET (FORMER EVANGELICAL PASTOR CURRENTLY ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA ADDRESSING POLITICAL ISSUES)
Not only is our country experiencing a pandemic that has claimed the lives of almost 200,000 people, we now have a looming national election. With our nation deeply divided along ideological and political lines, religious communities have experienced sharp divisions as well. This is especially true in the White Evangelical Christian Church, a core constituency of the Republican Party and the current President. Two White Evangelicals who are politically active in the current election season discuss how their faith impacts their political views and brings them to different conclusions.
TOPIC: POLITICS & FAITH GUESTS: * ADAM TUOSTO (COMMUNITY TELEVISION HOST AND LOCAL POLITICAL ACTIVIST) * BARNEY WIGET (FORMER EVANGELICAL PASTOR CURRENTLY ACTIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA ADDRESSING POLITICAL ISSUES)
In the middle of the Covid pandemic and nationwide protests against racism, our community now faces another unprecedented crisis--raging wildfires that are devastating our region. Communities in our area are being evacuated as firefighters battle the blaze that stretches in the Santa Cruz Mountains from Pescadero to Boulder Creek. Faith leaders are struggling to respond to this unparalleled disaster by caring for their congregations even as they themselves are sometimes forced to evacuate. Two local Christian pastors with churches in, or adjacent to, the evacuated areas share about how they and their congregations are dealing with these tragic events.
TOPIC: FAITH IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIRE GUESTS: * PASTOR ADAM MILLER (BOULDER CREEK COMMUNITY CHURCH, BOULDER CREEK) * PASTOR MATT VALENCIA (REGENERATION CHURCH, SCOTTS VALLEY)
During the pandemic, our nation has been gripped by protests---from groups that are resisting the wearing of masks and shutdown of businesses, to individuals and organizations standing against racism and police brutality. Religious leaders have come down on different sides of these issues as well. In particular, the Christian community has been deeply divided. Pastors and Christian leaders have taken different positions---sometimes supporting law and order, while other times resisting shutdowns or calling for the dismantling of systemic racism. Listen to this conversation with 2 Christian pastors who share about the unique challenges their congregations are facing and how they put their faith into action during these troubled times.
TOPIC: FAITH & ACTION GUESTS: * PASTOR STEVE LATTIMORE (SANTA CRUZ PROGRESSIVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH) * PASTOR ARLIS SMITH (NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH, SALINAS)
The public murder of George Floyd by a White police officer in Minneapolis has sparked a nationwide discussion about race, ethnicity, and social justice. Religious groups are responding to this issue in vastly different ways. InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is a religious organization that works with students at colleges and universities around the country. Listen to a discussion with the National Director of Diversity for InterVarsity who discusses how her organization is addressing the issues of systemic racism, equity, and social justice.
TOPIC: RACISM, COLLEGE STUDENTS, & CHRISTIANITY GUEST: * Sarah Akutagawa (InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Director of Diversity)
In the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, the cruel murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis has sparked protests, violence, and discussions about policing and systemic racism across the country. Santa Cruz has experienced a variety of protests and calls for police to do a better job promoting justice and equity in our society. Santa Cruz Police Chief Andy Mills discusses his work as police chief, the faith that sustains him, and the hope he has for meaningful change in policing.
TOPIC: FAITH & THE POLICE CHIEF GUEST: * CHIEF ANDY MILLS (SANTA CRUZ POLICE DEPARTMENT)
Our nation has a strong tradition of providing religious chaplains in a variety of public and private institutions and agencies. As part of the special Faith Matters series titled Faith in the Time of Corona, two local police chaplains discuss the work they regularly do in our community and how they are helping address the Covid-19 crisis.
TOPIC: POLICE CHAPLAINS GUESTS: * FRED WILSON (SCOTTS VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT) * KATHI HOWARD (CAPITOLA POLICE DEPARTMENT / SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT)
There are a variety of churches and faith-based organizations throughout Santa Cruz County that are providing needed relief and support during the Covid-19 crisis. As part of the special Faith Matters series titled Faith in the Time of Corona, three leaders from two different Christian congregations share about the work they are doing to live out their faith by serving their communities.
TOPIC: CHURCHES MAKING A DIFFERENCE GUESTS: * CAPTAIN MARCOS MARQUEZ (SALVATION ARMY) * CAPTAIN ANGEL MARQUEZ (SALVATION ARMY) * PASTOR PAUL SPURLOCK (TWIN LAKES CHURCH)
There are a variety of faith-based organizations that tirelessly work to put faith into action to help the hurting and needy throughout Santa Cruz County. As part of the special Faith Matters series titled Faith in the Time of Corona, this program highlights the Association of Faith Communities (AFC) which has united spiritual congregations in helping the unhoused and most vulnerable in our area. During the Covid-19 pandemic, AFC is expanding its efforts to serve those who do not have a home in which to "Shelter-in-Place."
TOPIC: ASSOCIATION OF FAITH COMMUNITIES GUESTS: * DEBBIE BATES (PROGRAM MANAGER) * JACOB JOSEPHS (PROGRAM MANAGER)
Our community, and our world, is currently facing an unprecedented crisis in the COVID-19 pandemic. While we are all impacted by this international emergency, people from different faith traditions are dealing with this challenge in different ways. As the first program in a special Faith Matters series titled Faith in the Time of Corona, three local faith leaders discuss ways they are dealing with this unique situation and how they are helping their spiritual communities navigate this difficult season.
TOPIC: FAITH IN THE TIME OF CORONA GUESTS: * FATHER PAUL MCDONNELL (CATHOLIC) * RABBI RICHARD LITVAK (JEWISH REFORM) * PASTOR JESSE WEST (PROTESTANT EVANGELICAL)
Learn how a new, unique local cafe is an expression of deep faith and spirituality. Catholic priest Paul McDonnell and coffee shop manager Ann-Marie Spencer discuss the opening of the new faith-based cafe Shrine Coffee adjacent to the Oblates of Saint Joseph Catholic Church on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz.
TOPIC: FAITH-BASED CAFES GUESTS: * FATHER PAUL MCDONNELL * ANN-MARIE SPENCER
An astrologer, a follower of Greek Orthodox Christianity, and a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints discuss what their traditions teach about the future and the area of human fate and destiny . TOPIC: DESTINY & FATE GUESTS: * HENRY SELTZER (ASTROLOGY) * MAX WALKER (GREEK ORTHODOX) * JESSE TURNER (CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS)
Are each of our lives pre-determined or do our choices affect our future and destiny? How do our decisions affect our destiny? And can prayer to a Divine Being really change the future? Listen as our guests discuss this topic and share their perspectives about this critical issue underlying each of our lives.
An astrologer, a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a member of a local Greek Orthodox church, discuss what it means for them to live a spiritual life.
TOPIC: THE SPIRITUAL LIFE GUESTS: * HENRY SELTZER (ASTROLOGY) * MAX WALKER (GREEK ORTHODOX) * JESSE TURNER (CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS)
The world's spiritual traditions recognize that life is composed of more than just the physical, material world and that a truly meaningful life is essentially a "spiritual life." What does it mean to live a "spiritual life?" Join our three faith representatives as they discuss what a "spiritual life" means in each of their traditions.
An astrologer, Greek Orthodox priest, and a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints discuss the story that each of their spiritual traditions tell. TOPIC: STORY GUESTS: * HENRY SELTZER (ASTROLOGY) * FATHER MILUTIN GANJIC (GREEK ORTHODOX) * JESSE TURNER (CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS)
Every story has a setting, characters, conflict, and resolution. What makes a great story is how these elements weave together to build up, slowly lead to a final conflict, and eventually resolve with a satisfying resolution. In the same way, each faith tradition holds to a world view that involves each of us in a grand cosmic story, including the setting of our existence, the presence of human problems and challenges, and a final resolution of life’s brokenness. Our guests have a conversation that explores the grand stories that each of their spiritual traditions tells: * What is this universe that all of us inhabit, and who are we?
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Why are our lives filled with problems and conflicts and how can we overcome them?
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What final resolution of this grand story can each of us truly hope for?
A neo-Pagan, evangelical pastor, and a teacher of a Hindu Vedic tradition have a conversation about how each faith understands the concept of Truth. TOPIC: TRUTH GUESTS: * JAIRAM SHARMA (HINDU VEDIC) * PASTOR JESSE WEST (EVANGELICAL) * SANDY STONE (NEO-PAGAN)
Behind many spiritual traditions is a quest for truth--to know and understand what is actually the way reality truly is. While Jesus in the Bible claimed that the "truth will make you free," other Eastern traditions claim to access a higher divine truth in their spiritual practices. Our panel discusses how each of their traditions speak to the concept of "truth." * What is Truth and why is the quest for Truth important?
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Is spiritual Truth an objective reality or is it merely subjective?
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What are the benefits or results of finding spiritual “Truth?”
A neo-Pagan, evangelical pastor, and a teacher of a Hindu Vedic tradition discuss their unique rituals and how these practices help them connect to the Divine. Topic: Rituals & Practices Guests: * Jairam Sharma (Hindu Vedic) * Pastor Richard Gotthardt (Evangelical) * Sandy Stone (Neo-Pagan)
Our personal rituals form and shape the contours of our lives. From daily habits, to family traditions, to rites of passages, we all have rituals that express what we value, as well as give our lives meaning and purpose. Similarly, every spiritual tradition has rituals and practices that express a particular view of the world, what our place is in the universe, and what ultimately gives our life meaning and purpose. Each of these faiths is nurtured in a community that engage in the rituals that they believe connect people to the Divine. * Why are specific rituals important in different religious traditions?
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What are the goals of these rituals?
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Are these religious rituals merely human traditions and activities or do they foster a genuine contact with a Divine Power?
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How do these rituals actually provide tangible help to people?
A neo-Pagan, evangelical pastor, and a teacher of a Hindu Vedic faith discuss what their traditions say about connecting with the Divine. Topic: Connection Guests: * Janardan Maharaj (Hindu Vedic) * Pastor Jesse West (Evangelical) * Sandy Stone (Neo-Pagan)
All of us in our lives wonder at some point if there is a larger purpose in life beyond what we can see with our human eyes. We wonder if there is a spiritual reality beyond the physical world. In all different cultures, people have a longing to try to connect with a Higher Power or larger spiritual forces. And this desire to connect with a Divine Power shapes the way we see our world and how we live our lives: * What is this connection that spiritual traditions claim to provide us with? * What practices are involved in experiencing this connection to a Higher Power? * How do you know that this is a real connection to a Higher Power and not just human phenomenon?
On Faith Matters: Spotlight, a professor of world religions discusses the similarities and differences of the world's great spiritual traditions. Topic: World Religions: Exploring the Landscape of Spirituality Special Guest: Professor Laurie Schlaepfer All around the world, in all different cultures, it appears that humans are passionate about their spiritual beliefs. It seems that we have a propensity to be religious--to have some kind of spiritual perspective and distinct practices that inform and shape how we live our lives. This first edition of Faith Matters: Spotlight features a discussion with a professor of world religions about the common questions that all religions answer:
Why are we here?
Who is humanity?
What is our problem and what are the solutions?
How are we to live here?
What is our ultimate destiny?
A yoga teacher, Scientology minister and an Anglican priest discuss how they see the problems of humanity and the Solutions offered by their spiritual traditions. Topic: Solutions Guests: * Father Kyle Logan (Anglican) * Lori Lipton-Ritland (Yoga Tradition) * Rick Melrose (Scientology)
Every good story has a problem, a vexing challenge that the protagonist faces--a conflict with a bad guy, a difficult accomplishment to reach, a situation that causes deep pain and frustration. And the main character works hard to resolve this conflict, eventually leading to a moving climax, where the problem is faced and there is a final resolution. The resolution involves a working out of that conflict in a way where the main character reaches their goal, or evil is vanquished, or success is accomplished. Every great spiritual tradition also tells a grand cosmic story--where each of us humans face challenges, fears, and difficulties, and they claim to offer guidance and solutions that can help us resolve the stuck areas of our lives. On this program, our guests have a conversation about the spiritual solutions offered by their faith traditions: * What do these religious traditions say are the core problems with humanity? * What do these traditions say is the solution to these core problems? * What is the actual origin of these supposed spiritual solutions? * What makes followers believe that these solutions are really real solutions and not just blind faith?
A yoga teacher, Scientology minister, and an Anglican priest discuss the meaning of the concept of Love. Topic: Love Guests: * Father Rob Patterson (Anglican) * Lori Lipton-Ritland (Yoga Tradition) * Rick Melrose (Scientology)
Falling in love, being in love, loving something, feeling love, giving love, experiencing love. The word love is an elusive concept that expresses what all human beings long for yet it can be hard to articulate exactly what LOVE is. The importance of LOVE is taught and identified by every great spiritual tradition. But the question remains: * What exactly is LOVE?
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How do we as human being actually show LOVE for others?
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What are the barriers to LOVE?
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How can we help create a more LOVING world?
A yoga teacher, Anglican priest, and a Scientology minister share their different perspectives about the origin and purpose of our lives. Topic: Origin & Purpose Guests: * Father Rob Patterson (Anglican) * Amey Mathews (Yoga Tradition) * Rick Melrose (Scientology)
In all cultures and time periods, all human beings long for a meaningful and purposeful life. But how we find meaning and purpose in our lives depends on how we see ourselves and answer some fundamental questions about life and existence. Every great spiritual tradition answers these core questions about life and meaning: * Where do we come from? * Were we created by a Divine Being who creates order and meaning or is our origin unknown? * What is the purpose of our lives? * What constitutes a “good life?”
A Catholic deacon, Baha'i leader, and a Muslim community leader discuss their sacred texts and what make these documents meaningful in their spiritual tradition. Topic: Sacred Texts Guests: * Deacon Patrick Conway (Catholic) * Brian Miller (Baha'i) * Maha Elgenaidi (Islam) [not pictured]
Every world religion holds that certain texts are special, sacred, or divinely inspired. Each spiritual tradition bases its understanding of the world on some core texts that followers look to for guidance, understanding, and answers to the core questions of life. On this program, our panel has a conversation about: * What are the sacred texts of their faith traditions?
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Why are these revered texts held to be so special?
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What do these texts say about sacred texts from other faith traditions?
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How are these ancient texts from another time and culture able to still shape people’s understanding and values in our modern world today??
A Catholic deacon, Baha'i leader, and a Muslim community leader share about the lives of the founders of their spiritual traditions. Topic: Founders Guests: * Deacon Patrick Conway (Catholic) * Ymasumac Maranon-Davis (Baha'i) * Maha Elgenaidi (Islam) [not pictured]
Most of the world’s great spiritual traditions have individual founders--people who had a distinct vision of the world, who taught about how they felt life worked, and gathered around them a group of followers. Now, many years later, these leaders still have millions of people following the traditions they started. On this program, our panel discusses the Founders of three spiritual traditions: * Who are the founders of these religious traditions and how did they start their spiritual paths?
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How do these individuals, who lived hundreds, or thousands, of years ago somehow still inspire people in the 21st century?
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How do their followers today draw guidance, strength and wisdom from these spiritual founders?
A Jewish rabbi, Christian pastor, and a Buddhist nun discuss how they understand the existence of death and the hope of the afterlife. Topic: Death & the Afterlife Guests: * Rabbi Paula Marcus (Jewish Reform) * Venerable Tenzin Chogyki (Buddhist) * Pastor Matt Valencia (Evangelical)
All of us have to face our own mortality--that our time on earth is limited and will come to an end. What happens afterwards? There is an answer given within each of the world’s great spiritual traditions. Our panel dives into a thought-provoking conversation discussing the big questions such as:
Why is there death in the world? Why do all living things die?
What happens after we die? Do we merely cease to exist, or is there an afterlife? If so, what is the afterlife like?
Is there a relationship between the choices we make here on earth and the afterlife?
A Jewish rabbi, Christian pastor, and Buddhist nun discuss how they receive comfort and hope in dealing with life's challenges within their spiritual traditions. Topic: Comfort Guests: * Rabbi Eli Cohen (Jewish Renewal) * Venerable Tenzin Chogyki (Buddhist) * Pastor Fred Wilson (Evangelical)
In our broken world, many feel a deep need for comfort and hope. Our guests have a stimulating conversation about how their faith traditions bring genuine comfort to people. Our panel discusses:
Why do human beings need comfort in life?
Can the comfort or hope that religion claims to provide be reduced to merely psychological help?
What are some specific ways that people receive comfort in their faith?
A Catholic deacon, Baha'i leader, and a Muslim community leader discuss how their traditions view the existence of war and the hope for peace in our world. Topic: War & Peace Guests: * Deacon Patrick Conway (Catholic) * Brian Miller (Baha'i) * Ameena Jandali (Islam) [not pictured]
Yemen, Pakistan, Congo, Burma, Israel, Libya, Sudan, Iraq, Syria. These are just a few of the countries that have experienced war in the past 10 years alone. For some reason, war seems to be part of the human condition. Yet all of us, no matter where we live, or whether we have a faith or no faith, yearn for a peaceful world. On this episode, our three spiritual leaders will be discussing war and peace: * Why do humans wage war against each other? * How do people of faith reconcile their belief in a loving Higher Power with the reality of war and human violence? * How do different faith traditions address war and the longing for peace?
A Jewish rabbi, Buddhist nun, and an Evangelical pastor explore their perspectives about the power of our daily choices. Topic: Choices Guests: * Rabbi Richard Litvak (Jewish Reform) * Venerable Tenzin Chogyki (Buddhist) * Pastor Jesse West (Evangelical)
Each of us makes decisions everyday that impacts our lives and those around us. Our ability to make conscious decisions is often seen as a distinctive of our humanity. But different world views and spiritual traditions see human choices differently. Topics discussed in this program include: • Do human beings have the ability to make free choices, or are our choices pre-determined?
• What is the relationship between our choices and spirituality?
• What is the relationship between our choices and the consequences of our choices?
• Can there be forgiveness for the bad choices we make?
A Jewish rabbi, evangelical pastor, and a Buddhist nun have a conversation about the existence of good and evil. Topic: Good & Evil Guests: * Rabbi Richard Litvak (Jewish Reform) * Elaine Jackson (Buddhist) * Pastor Matt Valencia (Evangelical)
Most faith traditions address the concept that some actions are right or "good," while others are wrong or "evil." In this program, our panel discusses how their spiritual tradition approaches the existence of good and evil: * What is good and evil? * Do good and evil really objectively exist, or are they merely cultural or social constructs? * What does it mean when we say something or some action is evil? * Is it the very nature of humanity to be good and evil?
A Baha'i leader, Catholic deacon, and a Muslim community leader discuss the meaningful holidays and festivals in their spiritual traditions. Topic: Holidays & Festivals Guests: * Deacon Patrick Conway (Catholic) * Brian Miller (Baha'i) * Ameena Jandali (Islam) [not pictured]
Every spiritual tradition has special events and days where they celebrate and remember important events. These ongoing holy days, or holidays, shape the life of followers of these traditions. Our panel discusses: * What are the special holidays in their faith tradition?
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Why are these days so important?
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What historical events do these special days commemorate?
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What do these holidays reveal about their tradition's view of the world?