Each spring for hundreds (or thousands) of years, the three great Abrahamic monotheistic faiths observe significant holidays in their traditions. In Judaism, it is the festival of Passover; in Christianity, it is Easter, and in Islam, it is Ramadan (though the exact dates for Ramadan change each year). In the spring, these faiths […]

  Skillful communicators can have a way of identifying underlying contemporary challenges while articulating a compelling vision for a world that could be.  Anne Snyder uses language to speak into the issues of our time through a focused social, cultural and spiritual lens. Her work combines poignant social criticism with a transcendent hope that embraces […]

    A variety of indicators point out that many people are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety from work, political polarization, and worries about the future. This ongoing pressure impacts people’s daily lives and can result in deepening despair and discouragement. Is it possible to regularly recalibrate our busy lives so we can […]

  Abel Mkulama has been addressing climate change since he was growing up in Malawi. He is a graduate of the Coastal Science and Policy program at the University of California at Santa Cruz, where he worked on projects to prevent deforestation. He is a Program Associate at the Center for Effective Global Action at […]

  In all different cultures around the world, humans are passionate about their spiritual beliefs. It seems that we have a propensity to be religious–to have some kind of spiritual perspective and distinct religious practices that inform and shape how we live our lives. Laurie Schlaepfer, a professor of world religions, discusses the common questions […]

  Dr. Falk has been an accomplished biologist for over 40 years and has been a researcher, university instructor and author. His unique approach as a biologist caused some controversy at the religious academic institution where he taught. Dr. Falk discusses his work, how he reconciles his spiritual beliefs with science, the controversy that almost […]

  Local journalism is facing an existential crisis: A variety of forces are pressing in on small-town newspapers that may soon make them obsolete. As a journalist at the Santa Cruz Sentinel for over 4 decades, Don discusses his experiences, concerns and beliefs about the challenges currently facing local publications around the country.

Much of the recent public discussions about religion often focuses exclusively on political power and right-wing social movements. However, these conversations often overlook voices of faith who articulate a different vision than is often portrayed in the media. Barney Wiget is a retired pastor and author whose latest book, “What on Earth,” explores the social […]

  Children are among the most vulnerable of society. They are completely dependent on caring adults. How can adults help young people deal with medical emergencies, natural disasters, and the horrors of war? Katie Nees, a certified Child Life Specialist who has worked in a pediatric emergency room and supported child victims of natural and […]

  The medium of film can transport us to imagined places, as well as deepen our awareness and understanding of the world in which we find ourselves. Turning a documentary lens to complex historical figures and events requires an ability to navigate tensions between underlying values and beliefs in a particular historical moment. In the […]