Beste Interfaith Dialogue podcasts (2024)

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Pluralism in Practice Parts 1 & 2 57:04

7d ago57:04

57:04

One of the most important aspects of the interfaith movement is raising the bar from mere tolerance (Hey, I'll let you live!) to pluralism, which encourages actual engagement with those of different theologies while still maintaining one's own personal beliefs. For years now, Harvard has measured this movement in the US and occasionally helps those…

1
Missionary Diplomacy: Sending Jesus & The American Way Around the World Parts 1 & 2 57:12

1M ago57:12

57:12

Fred Stella welcomes MSU historian Emily Conroy-Krutz to Common Threads to discuss her book, Missionary DiplomacyThe American Christian church has historically been at the forefront of the missionary movement abroad. This is not news. But what many people are not aware of is that for much of the 19th century, Church and State engaged in a serious e…

1
Uncharted Territory: The Catholic Church Declaration on Blessing Gay Couples Parts 1 & 2 56:47

2M ago56:47

56:47

Over the years we've had many discussions on human sexuality and spirituality, including religion's response to homosexuality. As of late, Pope Francis has been making headlines and encouraging controversy with his recent declaration that gives permission to priests to bless gay couples.While many have accused the pontiff of opening the door to a f…

1
Esoterica Parts 1 & 2 58:17

2M ago58:17

58:17

For centuries, Judeo-Christian culture has held a place for the more esoteric elements of spirituality. These would include alchemy, magic, astrology, mysticism and more. Most western religions reject them now as superstitious, or even dangerous.But several millennia ago, the practitioners of these arts (as they were classified then) were members i…

1
Reflections on the Psalms Parts 1 & 2 55:35

3M ago55:35

55:35

Rabbi David Krishef & I have been friends & colleagues for years. We've had him on before to discuss a fascinating event in his life several years ago. We're having him on again, this time to discuss a remarkable new book of his. If you are a fan of the poetry of the Psalms, I think you'll find this compelling.…

1
Meditation for Mediocre Mystics Parts 1 & 2 56:04

3M ago56:04

56:04

A cynic might chalk this up to a bit of nepotism, but I would protest. Tom Stella, my cousin, has made more appearances on Common Threads than any other guest. But aside from the sharing of DNA, Tom continues to explore the deeper parts of spirituality in which so many find resonance. In these 2 episodes we discuss his latest book "Meditation for M…

1
Jonestown and the Michigan Connection Parts 1 & 2 55:24

4M ago55:24

55:24

Even though it's been over 40 years, the memory of Jonestown and the massacre that ended it still haunts the American psyche. Few realize that the number of Americans killed on that fateful day is the highest right under the Twin Tower attacks of 9/11. Since the initial reporting of the event, little attention has been paid to any Michigan connecti…

1
Joseph Smith & The Golden Plates Parts 1 &2 54:38

4M ago54:38

54:38

One of the most contentious issues of 19th Century Christian America revolved around the veracity of the story of Joseph Smith and his discovery of golden plates that became the foundation of the Book of Mormon. In these episodes we speak with Prof. Richard Bushman, whose book on this subject is perhaps the most detailed on the subject you'd want t…

1
Sitting In the Shade of Another Tree Parts 1 & 2 56:56

4M ago56:56

56:56

In these episodes we converse with 4 writers of religion who contributed to the now best selling book Sitting In the Shade of Another Tree. And yeah, I'm in it as well, but please don't hold that against the book and these fine minds. We were all tasked with writing an essay on a religion not our own that we hold in high estimation for one reason o…

1
Blasphemy: Appropriate Responses Parts 1 & 2 53:14

5M ago53:14

53:14

Armin Langer is a DAAD Visiting Assistant Professor at the Center for European Studies. Prior to joining CES, he was a Visiting Research Scholar at Brandeis University's Schusterman Center for Israel Studies in Waltham, MA, a Transatlantic Partnership on Memory & Democracy Fellow at the Center for German Studies at the University of Virginia in Cha…

1
Righting the American Dream: How the Media Mainstreamed Reagan's Evangelical Vision Parts 1 & 2 52:04

6M ago52:04

52:04

Diane WinstonDoor Diane Winston

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The Americanization of the Apocolypse Parts 1 & 2 55:45

7M ago55:45

55:45

Eschatology (the study of end times predictions) has always fascinated me. I'm pleased that these 2023 episodes explain a great deal that I'm sure many of us did not know. Prof. Donald Akenson provides great details on how fundamentalist theology made its way from Britain and Ireland to these shores. This scriptural interpretation has been the caus…

1
Hinduism & America Parts 1 & 2 57:23

7M ago57:23

57:23

Jai Bansal Hinduism in AmericaDoor Jai Bansal

1
Follow Your Heartbreak Parts 1 & 2 55:49

8M ago55:49

55:49

If you are a devotee of mythologist Joseph Campbell you know his mantra for years was "follow your bliss." In the proper context, this can be a wonderful aspiration. However, some may take it at face value and end up living a rather selfish, vapid existence. Fr. Adam Bucko turned this saying on its head by titling his book "Follow Your Heartbreak."…

1
The Sacred Time of Sabbath Parts 1 & 2 55:10

9M ago55:10

55:10

Common Threads is both honored and humbled to be named as the #1 podcast in the arena of interfaith. We are indebted to all of you who download, listen or otherwise support our efforts. You can see the list that includes other fine programs as well here:https://blog.feedspot.com/interfaith_podcasts/Door Martin Doblmeier

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As I Lay Dying: Conversation with One Who Has Been There Parts 1 & 2 1:00:02

10M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

I am so pleased to have found yet another cassette tape in my basement from way back when that I'm thrilled to share. All signs point to these episodes being recorded in 2002. Fr.Richard Neuhaus, who died in 2009, was a force to be reckoned with in the conservative Catholic movement. He was the editor of 1st Things Magazine, a journal of social and…

1
Creating the Qur'an Parts 1 & 2 57:24

10M ago57:24

57:24

There are many people of faith who, upon maturing in their spiritual growth, become willing to view the stories that surround the origins of their religions as more allegorical than historical. Admittedly, it's perhaps more challenging to find Muslims who are open to this understanding about their tradition than Jews or Christians. My understanding…

1
Good Death Auspicious Rebirth: End of Life Transitions in the Dharmic Traditions Parts 1 & 2 55:15

10M ago55:15

55:15

Every once in a while there will be episodes about projects that I've been personally involved in. This is that. These 2023 conversations are with Dr. Frank Tedesco of True Dharma International. He produced and directed a documentary that is intended to advise caregivers and medical personnel on providing comfort to those adherents in the Dharmic r…

1
The Life of a Pilgrim Parts 1 & 2 56:24

11M ago56:24

56:24

In the Hindu tradition there is the stage of life called Vanaprastha. It is when one retires from many family and professional responsibilities to dedicate more time to spiritual advancement. Our guest on these 2023 episodes is not Hindu, but Unitarian Universalist. Rev. W. Fred Wooden, and he is expressing this epoch in his life by pilgrimage. He …

1
Attempting to Fight Bigotry with Bigotry: New American Caste Laws Parts 1 & 2 56:11

11M ago56:11

56:11

I suspect that no one who listens to Common Threads would support the oppressing of someone due to their social status or caste. So when we hear of colleges, towns, states, etc., passing legislation or resolutions that claim to protect those born in "low caste" families our initial response might be a positive one. But as our guests on these 2023 e…

1
Polarization in Society and the Church Parts 1 & 2 56:47

11M ago56:47

56:47

We hear and read about how this country is so deeply polarized. The problem is that there is clearly one side that has made a cottage industry out of demonizing the "other side." While there are crazy makers on the left side of the spectrum, it is clearly those who subscribe to a Trumpian philosophy that are doing the most damage. In these episodes…

1
Ali The Iraqi: A Muslim in the House of Mormon Parts 1 & 2 56:36

11M ago56:36

56:36

Years ago the US Government was anxious to resettle Iraqi citizens temporarily in the USA whom they thought had significant leadership qualities. Their purpose was to begin their nation building in a post-Saddam society with returning these men and women in time for a turn toward an American friendly democratic republic. Josh Sobey's family, who ar…

1
The White Mosque Parts 1 & 2 56:44

11M ago56:44

56:44

In the late 1800s, a group of German-speaking Mennonites left southern Russia and journeyed into Central Asia following the end-time prophecies of a charismatic preacher. But while the story of these Mennonites’ perilous journey into Uzbekistan is riveting, for Sofia Samatar, the real story begins after the end of the world failed to arrive. In the…

1
Sharing Spiritual Stories Parts 1 & 2 58:19

12M ago58:19

58:19

On an evening not too long ago, Bay Area high school student Ritu Balani hosted an event that allowed fellow students and community members to share with an audience their most intimate spiritual and religious stories. These 2023 episodes contain a conversation with Ritu, as well as excerpts from the night itself.…

1
America's Courts and the Faith Factor Parts 1 & 2 57:24

1y ago57:24

57:24

For the past couple of decades conservatives have been planning and executing a takeover of our court systems. For some odd reason, Democrats have not paid as much attention to this. Thus we are experiencing a significant sea change in American juris prudence. What does this mean to how religion is expressed in this country? A great deal. The term …

1
The Great Spiritual Traditions of China and the challenge of current restrictions under a dictatorship Parts 1 & 2 56:40

1y ago56:40

56:40

It is so painful to know of the brilliant legacy of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and other paths in China that flourished, and see how religion is so under siege today. And along with these indigenous traditions we can see how Islam and Christianity are also under attack.Dr. Kelly Clark has done extensive research in China over the the years. He'…

1
The Heresy of Jacob Frank Parts 1 & 2 55:48

1y ago55:48

55:48

As I mention in my introduction, I've got a soft spot in my heart for heretics. They tend to be colorful characters with a story to tell. Well, Jacob Frank was no exception. These episodes explore this visionary/cult leader/misbegotten messiah/iconoclast.Seriously. Listen to these conversations with brilliant theologian Jay Michaelson. You'll thank…

1
East Winds: A Global Quest to Reconcile Marriage Parts 1 & 2 55:40

1y ago55:40

55:40

Remember back in the day when almost from birth a girl was groomed to become a wife? If so, I'm impressed that you're still alive, because I'm pretty old myself, and I have only the vaguest memories of that world. But in certain cultures this still stands. In these episodes with author Rachel Rueckert, we discuss the challenges of growing up in the…

1
American Caliphate parts 1 & 2 57:07

1+ y ago57:07

57:07

Shahan Mufti, who was our guest a few years back, has written a thrilling account of a terrorist takeover of 3 buildings in Washington DC. His book is an impressive of Islam in general, and the Black Muslim movement in the USA in particular.Door Shahan Mufti

1
Interfaith Marriage: Jumping the Hurdles Parts 1 & 2 57:26

1+ y ago57:26

57:26

Sociologists tell us that marriages tend to be more successful when certain commonalities are present. Religion is one of them. But we all know that marrying outside of one's faith is much more commonplace than in the days of yore. So how do we navigate such unions? One way is to have honest conversations about the challenges that might erupt betwe…

1
Deep Contemplation in the Time of Covid Parts 1 & 2 56:52

1+ y ago56:52

56:52

There is something special about having access to the private correspondence between thoughtful, literate and spiritually evolved individuals. Mark Taylor and Jack Miles are 2 such people. During the Covid lockdown they wrote to one another regularly. Their insights into religion, politics, life, death and everything in between are compelling and t…

1
Shambala Buddhism Parts 1 & 2 56:56

1+ y ago56:56

56:56

Once again, I find an ancient cassette tape of 2 episodes we broadcasted back in the early days. I have no idea of when we did these, but surely sometime between 2000-2006. And keep in mind that our guest is local, and discusses meditation sanghas here in West Michigan. Any phone numbers or websites shared are not current. But the insights Robert W…

1
Black Theology Through the Ages Parts 1 & 2 59:58

1+ y ago59:58

59:58

Longtime listeners will recall how I have been posting hundreds of episodes from the past 20+ years that were on cassette tapes stored in my basement. I thought I was done, but have stumbled across a few more. These are a couple of those. I'm thrilled to have found them, as this conversation with Dr. Dwight Hopkins, who does such a great job of exp…

1
Leaving Islam Parts ! & 2 53:46

1+ y ago53:46

53:46

Some people just walk away from their faiths of birth with no hard feelings. They just...stop. No issues, no problems. But some religions or denominations do make it a challenge. And leaving can have significant challenges. In the past we've exposed the hard work that many who have left Jewish Hasidim communities have had to do as they attempt to r…

1
exploring the moral impact of movies parts 1 & 2 56:49

1+ y ago56:49

56:49

Carl Plantinga is a professor of film and media at Calvin University, where he has taught since 2000.Carl's books include ‘Screen Stories: Emotion and the Ethics of Engagement;’ ‘Moving Viewers: American Film and the Spectator’s Experience; and Rhetoric and Representation in Nonfiction Film.’ He also co-edited ‘The Routledge Companion to Philosophy…

1
The Story of the Yazidis Parts 1 & 2 54:56

1+ y ago54:56

54:56

Most of us have never heard of the ancient people known as the Yazidis. It has been only in recent times since the invasion of ISIS that resulted an unmerciful slaughter of so many. Houman Oliaei is a scholar at Kalamazoo College who has lived in Yazidi communities both in the USA and the Middle East. He provides an excellent history, including the…

1
Khalistan: Anatomy of Terror Parts 1 & 2 57:00

1+ y ago57:00

57:00

There are several forces at work to break up India into separate ethno-religious states. The odd thing here is that the vast majority of Sikhs in the Punjab really enjoy being Indian. Yet, there is a small minority that want to create Khalistan, a Sikh theocracy. However, the real problem is that a large number of Sikhs in North America are strong …

1
Race, Religion & The Future of Democracy Parts 1 & 2 Featuring Lisa Sharon Harper 57:53

1+ y ago57:53

57:53

As I say in the beginning of Part 1, I met Lisa at the Council on Foreign Relations conference on Religion & Foreign Policy in 2016. We reconnected at the same event in 2022. Our conversations are expansive, covering everything from her forebears' experience with slavery and indentured servitude, the race issues of today and both the positive and n…

1
The Medium & The Minister Parts 1 & 2 54:10

1+ y ago54:10

54:10

You don't have to 'be religious' to believe there may be a life after death. The Medium and the Minister explores psychical and religious approaches to the possibility of an afterlife. The tensions and conflicts between these two approaches and the heated controversies they have generated are illustrated by a number of case studies. These focus on …

1
Is Wokeism Becoming a Religion? Parts 1 & 2 57:28

2y ago57:28

57:28

Close to the top of Culture War issues is the concept of Wokeism. It's such a loaded word. And the thing is, it not only riles those on the right, but can be a pain for more progressive people as well. I admit to cringing when I hear people refer to "menstruating people" when referring to those liable to get pregnant. I find "women" is much more pl…

1
From Jerusalem to Delhi Parts 1 & 2 55:51

2y ago55:51

55:51

At 1st glance, it would seem that Jews and Hindus have very little in common. Judaism is known as one of "the great monotheistic religions of the world." How can there be much to talk about with a religion that purportedly has 330,000,000 gods & goddesses? Well, it seems that besides the fact that some of the most devout Hindus have been Jews, ther…

1
Hindu and Black Americans: An Important Alliance in Civil Rights Parts 1 & 2 55:34

2y ago55:34

55:34

When we think about the religious communities that offered assistance to the civil rights struggles of the past and present, we don't usually think of Hindus. There is a good reason for that. Nonetheless, there is a connection. In these March 2022 episodes we examine the bridges between the 2 cultures with educator Murali Balaji. Most important is …

1
In Good Faith: Questioning Religion & Atheism Parts 1 & 2 44:07

2y ago44:07

44:07

As I mention in the introduction to Part 1, it is rare that you find someone from the theist crowd acknowledging that the other camp has something important to say. I was impressed with this book's author in that he does exactly that. Admittedly, many famous atheists pepper their arguments with a good deal of venom. Scott handles this tactic well. …

1
Breakfast With Seneca: The Brilliance of Stoicism Parts 1 & 2 55:05

2y ago55:05

55:05

Today our use of the word "stoic" is so far removed from how it is used classically. I'm so glad our old friend & colleague David Fideler decided to get in touch with us about his new book "Breakfast With Seneca." It's a great introduction to a noble philosophical tradition. Do treat yourself to some high minded discourse in these 2 episodes from 2…

1
Simple Truths: On Values, civility & Our Common Good Parts 1 & 2 54:10

2y ago54:10

54:10

I recall really enjoying these 2006 conversations with Rev. Stephen Bauman, who is a pastor for a church in NYC. We discuss the rewards & challenges of being a spiritual leader in the city that never sleeps. By the way, this is the last old cassette that I've been able to find in my basement. Unless anything else shows up, from this point on I'll b…

1
The Growing Power of Christian Nationalism Parts 1 & 2 55:56

2y ago55:56

55:56

Since Trump never went away like a good ex-president should, we must continue to be vigilant, as his hapless followers are determined to wreak havoc on our democracy. There are many strains of this toxicity. One of the most pernicious is the Christian Nationalism movement. It just ain't going away. In these 2 episodes from March 2022 we speak with …

1
Krishna Consciousness Parts 1 & 2 54:25

2y ago54:25

54:25

I am just about done with digitizing these old cassette copies of episodes from the ancient past. I have no honest idea as to the air dates of these. I suspect we're talking about the very early years of the new century. Sometime between 2000-05? Probably. The 1st part is a conversation with Srivas Das, one of the early pioneers of the Hare Krishna…

1
UFOs, Religion and Purgatory Parts with Diana Pasulka 1 & 2 56:30

2y ago56:30

56:30

Boy, do we cover a lot of ground in these 2 episodes! As I state in my introduction to Part 1, over beer & pizza my cousin Andres tells me about this awesome author he's read who he thinks would be a good fit for CT. Man, he was right. Our guest is Dr. Diana Walsh Pasulka author of 'American Cosmic: UFOs, Religion, Technology' and 'Heaven Can Wait:…

1
Reparations: A Moral Imperative Parts 1 & 2 56:38

2y ago56:38

56:38

We are now hearing and reading about a subject that has been thrown in the back of the closet for decades. The question before us is: Should the descendants of slaves be compensated for the invaluable contributions that their ancestors made to the growth of the USA in our formative years? The various positions taken on this issue come from the aren…

1
The Value of Preserving Indigenous Culture Parts 1 & 2 53:18

2y ago53:18

53:18

These episodes from 2006 were real finds for me. My guests here are Yashwant Pathak & Shekhar Patel from the International Center for Cultural Studies. They make a solid case for protecting the many indigenous cultures around the world that are threatened by ecological intrusion, social upheaval and over-zealous missionaries who are bent on elimina…

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