Segments
This weekend on State of Belief: a look at religion in the modern day workplace, a Rabbi’s Yom Kippur prayers for Syria, the war on science education in American classrooms, and Michelle Bachmann’s latest thoughts on American politics and religion. 
Religion in the Workplace
Recently, the US State Department acknowledged the role of faith in international relations by establishing an Office of Religious Engagement. Another place where our awareness of religious issues in civil life is evolving is the workplace – where Americans spend a large number of their waking hours and have many of their daily interactions. The 2013 Survey of American Workers and Religion from the Tanenbaum Center and the Public Religion Research Institute contains a wealth of information about how American workers experience religious accommodation on the job, and how that experience informs everything from job satisfaction to individual career plans. The Tanenbaum Center’s CEO, Joyce Dubensky will join us to discuss how workers experience religion in the workplace.
In celebration of Yom Kippur, a Rabbi shares his thoughts on Syria
As he prepared for Yom Kippur this year, the most solemn religious fast of the Jewish year, Rabbi Dr. Schmuly Yanklowitz wrote a meditation on the tragic human situation in Syria, which was featured in the “On Faith” section of the Washington Post. Rabbi Yanklowitz will join us to talk about his thoughts and prayers as a faith leader, and finding fellow peacemakers here in the US. Rabbi Schmuly is Executive Director of Valley Beit Midrash in Phoenix, Arizona. CLICK HERE FOR EXTENDED INTERVIEW VIDEO AND TRANSCRIPT
Defending Education From the War on Science
As millions of American kids headed back to school, many of them unknowingly walked into classrooms that are in the crosshairs of the culture wars. As challenges to science education abound from creationists, climate change skeptics and, I’m sure if you looked hard enough, flat earth advocates – the National Center for Science Education launched a new online initiative called the “Science League of America,” designed to “carry forward the dream of honest and thorough science education.” Josh Rosenau, the Center’s Programs and Policy Director will join us to talk about the goals and functions of the new website, and the Center’s work at fighting back the war on science.
Michelle Bachmann’s biblical blathering
Host Welton Gaddy couldn’t resist taking a few minutes to respond to the Minnesota Congresswoman’s latest attempt to frame US politics in biblical terms. Spoiler alert: he doesn’t think Hillary Clinton is the equivalent of the Old Testament’s Goliath. And the GOP isn’t David, either.
