Common Threads: An Interfaith Dialogue

Sadly, we have lost significant ground here in the US since these episodes were 1st broadcast in 2009. We were just coming out of what most would call a disastrous presidency of GW Bush. We were so very hopeful with the incoming Obama administration. But fundamentalism, racism & a distorted sense of nationalism fomented. It laid the groundwork for an even more chilling 4 years of Trumpism. Our author guest Robert Jewett provides solid history and research to back his view of the overarching zealotry that has motivated so much of America over the centuries.

By just changing a few words here & there I suspect we could do this whole thing over again today and still be relevant. Theme music "Nigal."

In these 2002 conversations I discuss how the Baha'i faith deals with issues of race. Unlike most other religions, the Bahai's really go out of their way to promote interracial couplings.David is that author (with his wife Barbara) of "Marriage Beyond Black & White." I recall telling the story of my father's discovery while jogging recently. I'd forgotten that I told it here. It had a real impact on me, as you'll hear. But you gotta listen, of course. Theme music "Nigal."

If you consume mainstream media here in the US you might get the impression that the Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh is the Hindu equivalent of ISIS. I've known for a while that they weren't getting a fair shake, but didn't know anyone who could refute the common narrative. Then I came across Dr. Walter Andersen, a scholar specializing in South Asian Studies. His credentials are impressive, as you'll hear. If you do have any preconceived notions of what the RSS is, do give this a listen. These episodes aired on WGVU in the autumn of 2021 Theme music "Nigal."

Earlier on in our history we hosted a lot more shows on inner spirituality; the kind of thing you hear listening to "On Being." Nowadays I turn down about 90% of the requests I get for themes like this. As you can probably see by later episodes, we are much more interested in how religion and spirituality intersect with society.

All that said, I do remember enjoying these 2004 conversations with Meredith Jordan, the author of "Embracing the Mystery." No real surprises here, but it is interesting to remember the landscape of the day. Theme music "Nigal."

I believe this all started in 2004, when I was asked to write an article. You'll hear all about it in the introduction. I can't remember just how I found our guest. Kate Lynns has, as you will hear, an impressive resume. I'm really quite surprised that I can't seem to find her online today. I always like knowing what happened to my guests from years past. Regardless of her status today, I think you will find this an extraordinary conversation. She makes a great case opposing GW Bush's policy of Faith Based Initiatives.

Listen. And hey, if you do run into Kate, let her know I'm looking for her. Theme music "Nigal."

If you have been through much of the catalogue that we've got posted from the vault you'll notice at least 3 or 4 episodes that deal with LGBT & Christianity. It seems like a lot, I know. But things really evolved in the past 2 decades, and I wanted to document the prevailing attitudes over time. These conversations were with Rev. Steve Bohlert, who is in the archives telling about his fascinating spiritual journey from beatnik, hippie, Hindu monk to Church of Christ minister. Steve always makes for great conversation. So even if you have heard more that you need about the subject, I think you'll enjoy this. Theme music "Nigal."

The most important thing to know about these episodes is that in the beginning of Part 1 I seem to confuse the word "apophatics" with Appomattox. Please know it was a joke. I do that now and then. My wife has asked me more than once why I go out of my way to have people believe I'm an idiot. Sorry, but sometimes getting a laugh trumps my dignity.

Anyway, this is a good 2-part discussion with Dr. Kenneth Rose. We discuss the ins and outs of mixing n' matching in the realm of religion. What can fit into one's spiritual life without diluting the tradition of choice? Listen, rinse, repeat. Theme music "Nigal."

I think these conversations were 1st broadcast in September of 2002. My guess is that this was the initial investigation into Pagan movements that we ever did on Common Threads. A Pagan Pride festival was soon to be held, so we used this to promote the event. As always, please note that websites, phone numbers, etc., have no bearing today. But I hope you enjoy this. Theme music "Nigal."

OK, this was funny. I interviewed Mary a year or 2 before these episodes from 2005 on her experience as a Baptist studying Judaism. When we reconnect for these broadcasts she tells me that at some point during the process of her studying Sufism, she converts to Judaism. But the book was written (as I recall) while she was still a Christian. So all during my line of questioning I have to treat her like a Christian, even though she confided to me about her conversion. I hope I'm clear.

Regardless of all that, I did enjoy our discussions. I expect you will too.

Oh, Mary Blye Howe is now Mary Blye Keller. She switched more than religions, I guess. Theme music "Nigal."