Segments
This weekend on State of Belief, hear how climate change denial in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan is being labeled a sin; learn about the evolution of meditation beyond spirituality; and find out about what some immigration activists are doing to highlight the needs of immigrant families. 
Fast for Families
Despite the Senate’s success in passing a comprehensive immigration bill, the House of Representatives has failed to even consider it. Despite the lack of legislative movement on Capitol Hill, activists’ dedicated efforts remain focused on spurring similar action in the House. Most recently, one group of activists began the “Fast for Families,” a public hunger strike on the National Mall to highlight the cost to families that Congressional inaction has. Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, who is participating in the Fast for Families, joins Welton this week on State of Belief. Dr. Williams-Skinner is the co-chair of the National African American Clergy Network as well as President and Co-founder of the Skinner Leadership Institute.
Secular Meditation
In his brand-new book, Evolving Dharma: Meditation, Buddhism, and the Next Generation of Enlightenment, best-selling author Dr. Jay Michaelson explores how meditation and mindfulness are becoming a technology, and offers very practical benefits. He also addresses George W. Bush’s appearance this week at a Messianic Jewish event.
Climate Change Denial – a Sin?
Just over a week ago the world was stunned by Typhoon Haiyan’s impact on the Philippines. While governments, charities, and individuals mobilize to provide as much aid as possible to the storm’s victims, some say these compassionate efforts fail to address the big picture topic of humans’ role in “natural disasters.” Arguing that climate change denial is a sin, the Rev. Dr. Susan Thistlewaite recently wrote a provocative piece for the Washington Post exploring the moral problem of denying the role of humanity in global climate change. Rev. Thistlewaite is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and a theology professor at Chicago Theological Seminary.
You’ll also hear some words from Welton on the importance of compassion in the face of massive human suffering.
