God and Government: Thailand Edition, Introducing Atheism to Kids and the Music of Judaism

In Thailand, Cracking Down on Buddhist Monks

Thailand is in crisis. This summer, the military took control of the country in a dramatic coup. The king is nearing 90, and the economy is in the doldrums. And the Buddhist monkhood– traditionally a stabilizing force in Thai society — has been shaken by corruption and sex scandals. Now, Thailand’s new military leader is pledging to root out corruption–starting in the monasteries, with Thailand’s so-called ‘misbehaving monks.’ This is part 7 in our God and Government series.  Featuring interviews with…
Duncan McCargo, professor of political science at University of Leeds in England
Justin McDaniel, professor of religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania

Just a Boy and His Dog (And a Little Bit of Atheism, Too)

Search “Religion & Children’s Books” on Amazon, and thousands of books will pop up. Change “Religion” to “Atheism,” however, and you’ll have to choose from less than 100. Beloved writer Gene Weingarten is tired of this imbalance, and recently wrote a new children’s book to fix it. It follows the relationship between a boy and his dog–a potential allegory for how humans relate to God.   Featuring…
Gene Weingarten, two-time Pulitizer Prize winner, humor columnist for The Washington Post, and author of Me & Dog

Soundscapes: Judaism

For the first part in our Soundscapes of Faith series, we explore the trumpet-like blast of the shofar, a sacred Jewish instrument made from an animal horn. According to the Hebrew bible, the shofar has framed some of the most important moments in Jewish history: it’s been there to announce the revelation of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, to bring down the walls of Jericho and to celebrate the Arc of the Covenant.  Featuring…
Rabbi Jack Moline, Rabbi Emeritus of the Agudas Achim congregation in Alexandria, Va

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