Finding My Religion

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When faith meets personal evolution, it's a story worth telling. Our latest episode features Phil Haslinger, a retired pastor and journalist whose spiritual journey took him from the roots of Catholicism to the embracing arms of the United Church of Christ. Phil candidly shares the tectonic shifts in his faith during the transformative Vatican II era, the conservative pivot within Catholicism, and the life-changing decision he and his wife made to find solace within the UCC. His unique perspective, shaped by a career that balanced the pulpit and the press room, offers a nuanced look at the challenges and triumphs of navigating tradition and transformation.

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When Becky stepped away from her Catholic upbringing, she didn't just step into the unknown; she danced into the embrace of Wicca with a spirit of curiosity and a thirst for understanding. This episode takes you on a journey through her transformation into a Wiccan priestess, a tale that's as enlightening as it is unexpected. With her background in comparative religious studies, Becky unravels the often misunderstood threads of her chosen faith, revealing a belief system rooted in the sacredness of nature and the cycle of reincarnation.

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Rida, a senior from the University of Wisconsin and an Interfaith Fellow, talks about growing up in the Muslim faith. As a practicing Muslim originally from India, she offers a unique perspective on the complex tapestry of her homeland's religious and cultural diversity. Her stories of personal faith, daily practices, and the nuanced challenges that religious minorities face speak to an experience far more intricate than the stereotypes often seen in media. Rida's journey from India to the U.S. serves as a powerful backdrop to our exploration of identity, belonging, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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Libby Cohen – a University of Wisconsin senior, talks about her Jewish community. Libby offers a personal lens into how her Jewish heritage shapes her world, from the roots of her Minnesota upbringing to her aspirations in speech pathology. Her dedication echoes through her roles as a teacher at her synagogue and as a participant in Jewish summer camps, providing us a glimpse into the flourishing Jewish culture in Minneapolis and the ways she sustains her spiritual connections amid the vibrancy of campus life.

Our dialogue traverses the diverse landscape of Jewish practice and belief, revealing how personal and familial choices intimately define one's religious path. Drawing from both Libby's narrative and my own experiences within a Conservative Jewish household, we peel back the layers of what it means to belong to the "tribe" of Judaism – a tribe that offers both an embrace of tradition and a support network that defies geographical boundaries. We confront the nuanced challenge of balancing time-honored customs with progressive interpretations, acknowledging the varying degrees of acceptance that frame the Jewish communal experience.

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Join us in the latest installment of Finding my Religion, where we take you on a raw, soul-searching journey through the labyrinth of faith. This episode features Jaden Schultz, a brave, Lutheran Protestant Christian sharing an intimate account of her faith journey after suffering the heart-wrenching loss of her father. Jaden's candid story resonates with the tumultuous struggle and ultimate triumph of faith, offering a unique perspective on the essence of a relationship with God.

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Guest, James Pillay of the Center for Interfaith Dialogue at the University of Wisconsin, talks about his experiences as a recent Catholic convert. We also talk about his work in the fellowship program and why it's important to talk about the differences and similarities in what we all believe.  

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John Mathey joins the podcast to talk about everything from teenage pregnancy, mental health and spirituality, to faith crisis. We talk about the  role of critical thinking in shaping our ideologies and the lasting effects of key historical events. Our narrative moves through the nuances of faith, politics, and personal growth, showcasing varying perspectives and experiences. 

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What happens when a staunch Catholic upbringing leads not to unwavering faith, but to thoughtful questioning and a journey toward atheism? Join us as we sit down with David, a former Catholic turned atheist, who guides us through his transformative spiritual journey. From his earliest memories of attending Mass to the thought-provoking encounters that led to his break with the Church, David's tale is one of exploration, introspection, and ultimately, self-discovery.

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Have you ever considered how faith and spirituality shape our capacity for healing and resilience in the face of trauma? Join us in an intimate conversation with Katie Pyles - a devout Catholic, grief-stricken mother, and social worker with a deep understanding of restorative justice. Katie graciously gives us a glimpse into her childhood, her evolving faith journey, and the invaluable role her faith played during her college years, offering rich perspectives on how faith can be both a gift and a simple connection.

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What happens when an embedded faith clashes with inner values? As we delve into this riveting conversation with our guest, Heidi Phelps, we grapple with questions about faith, Christianity, and the societal expectation to conform to a particular belief system. Heidi bravely shares her journey, from her great-grandparents' church involvement to her current struggles reconciling the biblical teachings with what she believes is humane.

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