Segments
It’s been a long year already… And it’s only February! This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s radio show and podcast, we’ll explore how the anger many are feeling over what the past year has wrought could actually be productive, as we take a look at the inspiring student response to the horrific mass shooting that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week.
The religious right organization founded by Dr. James Dobson, Focus on Family, has declared itself a church. This move will allow Focus on Family to avoid disclosing the sources behind its abundant funding. Peter Montgomery, senior fellow at People for the American Way, will join host Rev. Welton Gaddy this week to discuss the ramifications of Focus on Family’s move and how the news fits into the conversation around the Trump administration’s attempted dismantling of the Johnson Amendment.
We live in a time when our nation – and our world – desperately need people of good will, and of every religious and non-religious background, to work together to build trust and defend against sophisticated attacks on the freedom and dignity of so many in the false name of religion. And yet so much media attention – and increasingly, government support – recognize only politically-motivated, culture-war-waging, fundamentalist theocratic conservative Christianity as a valid faith voice. That’s why the inclusive, pluralistic, respectful approach to religion and non-religion championed by Interfaith Alliance is so critically important. Rabbi Jack Moline—president of Interfaith Alliance—will join Welton this week to discuss how they’re working to make sure all voices are heard at this critical time for our country – not just the conservative Christian ones.
From #MeToo to the March for Our Lives, anger is galvanizing a new generation of leaders in this country. This week, Welton will speak with Rabbi Sharon Brous of IKAR-LA—a powerful faith voice who is transforming the political rhetorical landscape – about what she described in a recent sermon as “productive anger.”
Finally, a word from Welton. This week, he’ll address the concept of idolatry and its unexpected but widespread relevance in 2018.