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Inspired
Inspired is the nation's leading public radio show about faith, ethics and spirituality. Each week we offer you analyses of the big headlines alongside lesser-told stories – those of Orthodox Jewish artists and African-American atheists, Muslim feminists and spiritual seekers. Through these stories, a rough sketch of our country’s religious landscape begins to emerge. It’s a marketplace of beliefs and ideas too complex for sound bites, and too important to ignore.
A Tricky Theological Problem: How to Keep the Lights On
It’s the time of year when many Jews around the country are pulling out their checkbooks to buy tickets for High Holy Day services, leaving many non-Jews a bit confused. Maureen had never heard of paying for a service, or collecting dues for a house of worship– the so called “country club model.” She’s used to a collection plate being passes across her lap. so why do Jews pay dues, and Christians don’t? And while we’re talking about money, why are some clergy underpaid? The answers may surprise you. Featuring guests Christian Smith, author of Passing the Plate: Why American Christians Don’t Give Away More Money and Rabbi Dan Judson, author of the upcoming book, Pennies for Heaven: A History of American Synagogues and Money.
Nuns Now: A Calling After a Mountain Bike Accident
At the time of the second Vatican council in the 1960s, almost all nuns had strict daily schedules, wore religious garb, and had to ask permission from a superior to do anything out of the ordinary. Today, very few nuns retain this traditional lifestyle… but Sister Miriam Holzman was drawn to it. In this second installment of our Nuns Now series, Sister Holzman tells us why she chose to give away virtually all her earthly possessions, including her cell phone, when she was just 24. Sister Miriam belongs to the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. She is pursuing a masters degree in philosophy at the Catholic University of America.
Is Religion the Problem or the Solution
Is religion a force for good, or a force for evil? In a special live event at George Mason University in Virginia, Father Gerry Creedon laid it on the table. For many people, he told the audience, religion is about “legalism, fear, guilt and repression.” For others, it is “a source of freedom, liberation, justice, and mercy.” Where do you stand? Take a listen to our lively June 3rd conversation, then let us know what you think on our Facebook page. The panels includes Father Gerry Creedon, priest and former head of Catholic Charities, Reverend Alison Miller, Unitarian Universalist Minister, Maria Dakake,, Professor of Islamic Thought at GMU, and Emma Green, Senior Associate Editor of The Atlantic. Extra special thanks to Andrew McKnight & friends for playing some soulful tunes at our event.
