Why do some priests, ministers, imams, monks, and gurus take advantage of the people who admire them, who believe they are wise teachers and good leaders?  Do religious groups put even more pressure than other political systems on leaders who are idolized as perfect and then fall to temptations?  Or are such wealth and sex scandals totally the fault of the bad guru, as a multiple betrayal of people's trust--physically, economically, and spiritually?  Should the bad guru be forgiven and trusted again, if he gets caught, but confesses and claims then to be a better person?  (For more information on various episodes of this podcast series, go to: cabjmblog.wordpress.com)

Bad Gurus

This podcast started when four friends at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte began meeting to learn about each other’s religions, sometimes while reading a common book—and found such discussions so interesting that they decided to record them. One member of the group, David Bashor, was a long-time Methodist (and a biology professor). Another, Mark Pizzato (a theatre professor), had grown up Roman Catholic but was gradually converting to Buddhism. Bill Chu (originally from China and a computer science professor) was more experienced in Buddhism, though also a convert to it. Mirsad Hadzikadic (originally from Bosnia and also a computer science professor) had been raised Muslim and recently increased his adherence to its principles. All four wanted to understand how they viewed Allah, God, or Ultimate Truth in similar and different ways. They started recording these podcast episodes in spring 2015 (with Mirsad leading on the technical side, also with the help of Mark Olson). Unfortunately, David Bashor died in August of that year, from a long-term illness that suddenly worsened. So these podcasts are dedicated to his memory and fueled by his spirit, while discovering connections between science, philosophy, and various religious ideals. (David was especially interested in the scientific possibilities of “Morphic Resonance” and “Akashic Field” theories.) We three continue, with David in mind, to explore what the teachings and actions of Buddha, Jesus, and Mohammed might mean today—as recorded by their followers and later generations, in various distinctive yet resonating ways. For further ideas and images see: www.cabjmblog.wordpress.com

Religion & Spirituality

Other

Spirituality

Christianity

Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Islam

Mirsad reflects on his recent campaign to become President of Bosnia and his current building of a new political party, regarding the violent history of religious conflicts in that country.  Bill and Mark discuss with him the possibility of encouraging integrity, trust, and tolerance across religious differences--with reference to Buddhism (involving non-political "emptiness") and Protestantism (with the humanist emphasis on a personal reading of scripture), as well as the Bosnian ethnic factions of Catholicism, Orthodox Christianity, and Islam.

A Religion of Humanity

Luke and Peter Pizzato, sons of Mark, join with him, Bill, and Mirsad to discuss the three global religions in relation to moral philosophy, death metal music, meditation goals, and spiritual experiences.  What do youth today imagine as an ideal spiritual world?  Should parents give their offspring a firm religious background or encourage an open-minded mixing of traditional values through spiritual seeking and personal choices?

Spirituality in a New Generation

Kent Brintnall, professor of Religious Studies at UNC-Charlotte, joins Bill, Mirsad, and Mark to discuss how religions interpret sexuality and shape gender identities.  Is God or the Buddha figured as male to model spiritual transcendence--through a traditional fear of female (or transgendered) physical and communal powers?  Do recent changes in patriarchal systems actually return to early developments initiated by Buddha, Jesus, or Mohammed?

Sexuality and Gender

How do the religious communities and teachings that started with Buddha, Jesus, and Mohammed relate to the current use of mechanical devices and social media?  Does technology help us to realize spiritual connections or distract us with virtual realities?  Are we creating a computer "god" for religions of the future?

Technology and Religion

Special guest Mike Corwin, an existentialist, physicist, and astronomer, tells about his belief in becoming, rather than being, about individual responsibility without God, and about the mysteries of the universe, from quantum entanglement to "negative energy."  The discussion with Mirsad, Mark, and Bill compares these philosophical ideals and scientific wonders with religious doctrines of communal submission, divine judgment, and karmic reincarnation.

Bad Gurus

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