Common Threads: An Interfaith Dialogue

I remember the 1st time Tibetan monks came to Grand Rapids, MI in the 1990s.for a series of lectures, meditations & rituals. The whole community was intrigued, and it made our local TV news. They started happening more frequently, so they got less attention. But every time they did visit us they brought great blessings.

These episodes are from sometime in the early 2000s. Not only do we speak with Lama Kelsang here, but a young woman who married an ex-monk. Great exchange of ideas. Enjoy. Theme music "Nigal."

Just a few episodes ago we introduced you to the Interfaith Alliance from a couple of conversations we had back in the early 2000s. Well, I just found an old cassette with 2 more episodes that aired a year or so later. Not sure if you're going to learn anything new, but here it is. Again, please ignore any contact information given. There is no longer a West Michigan chapter of IA, but they still have a presence. You can follow up at www.interfaithalliance.org if you wish. Theme music "Nigal."

I have to admit that when I 1st heard about this book I was concerned that it was a treatise on successful conversion practices. Turns out that it was nothing of the kind. Author Mary Blye Howe (now Keller) shares her journey as she discovered the wisdom of Judaism, allowing it to compliment her devout Christian practice. Along the way she gathered some great friends. These episodes from 2003 might inspire other Christians like Mary to explore the religion that became the foundation of their own faith.

However, sometime after this book came out I had another conversation with Mary. Turns out she could not resist the call of the shofar, and did convert to Judaism. Not only that, today she is an ordained rabbi.

You will enjoy these these. I promise Theme music "Nigal."

If you scroll through the hundreds of episodes already up you'll find a couple dedicated to exploring Orthodox Christianity that were aired within the last couple of years. In discovering this recent treasure trove of old cassettes I found 2 episodes from the early 2000s that covered some of the same territory. But I think they are still worthwhile. My guests were 2 priests from Grand Rapids churches. Enjoy. Theme music "Nigal."

I love well researched historical fiction. Most folks I know do as well. It occurred to a historian friend of mine that Common Threads might enjoy an interview with an author in such a genre. Obviously, any story that takes place in medieval Europe is going to be heavily influenced by the Christian church. This turned out to be a perfect fit. Author Margaret Frazer wrote a series of stories revolving around a detective-cum-nun that was quite popular, and very true to the time, Sr. Frevisse.

These shows aired in 2003. Margaret died in 2013. I'm grateful we had these conversations.

Here are 2 episodes Theme music "Nigal."

OK, OK! Maybe not THAT ISIS. This is pretty funny, not to mention ironic. As I'm going through all these ancient programs from the early years (these are probably 2002 or 03) I find a cassette that I don't recall. It turns out to be a couple of episodes featuring Syed Misra from The Institute for the Secularization of Islamic Society. You know...ISIS. Is that not a stitch! It's really a great conversation. Here is someone who was raised in the religion explaining his longstanding issues with the religion.

He does say a few things that I would challenge him on if I interviewed him today. I mean, he talks about Muslim nations, claiming that there is no such thing as a Christian or Jewish nation. Really? Ever hear of Israel? But the point is still valid that even in Israel the law of the land is not right out of the Bible.

As with many of these old shows, the contact information isn't accurate. While I can find information on ISIS online, I cannot find a functioning website. Theme music "Nigal."

OK Kids, this is one I found deep in the vault. I have no idea of the year, but I'm sure that these episodes aired around the turn of the century. Our guest was Harry Kooyman, who lived here in West Michigan. Just moments ago I pulled him up on Facebook. From the pictures it looks like he has moved to more tropical climes. You can tell it's an oldie but goodie due to the fact that when Harry gives his phone# he doesn't include the area code, & that his e-dress is with AOL.

The organization Interfaith Alliance, which is a response to Right-Wing Christian orgs, is still in existence, but the website has changed to www.interfaithalliance.org, & there is no longer a West Michigan chapter. The closest is Chicago.

But I'm putting it up here, as I really enjoyed the discussions, & support their mission. Theme music "Nigal."

I don't recall just when these episodes were broadcast, but I'm quite sure it would have been sometime between 2005-10. If you happen to be a Bible nerd I think you'll enjoy this. Our guest Andy Gaus is not a scholar in biblical languages. But he seems to make a serious case for his translation of the New Testament.

Give a listen. Enjoy. Theme music "Nigal."