Tag: America
Of 9/11 and Learning to Love the Other
For me, 9/11 began with religion: after my clock radio alarm gave me the first hint that something had gone terribly wrong, I knelt by my bed to pray that God would watch over the affected people. The... Read More
Dangerous Narratives: Lessons from the German Christian Movement for the American Church
It was a damp, rainy day when I witnessed the black iron gate that looms ominously over Auschwitz I. ‘Arbeit macht frei’, it pronounces: “Work will set you free.” I could not help but noti... Read More
Separation of Church & State? Why Religious Voices Matter
I hear it in almost every congregation I visit: “We’re not sure it’s our role to get involved in advocating on issues. You know, separation of church and state.” But is that what our religious... Read More
On Greed and Giving Up the Boots I Cannot Live Without
I am on the planning committee of the International Political Camp at Agape Centro Ecumenico in the Italian Alps. Because I am always at a loss to describe exactly what Agape is to the uninitiated—a... Read More
Zen and the Art of Bicycle Commuting
I started bicycle commuting for my health. I quickly realized that biking around in the city of Boston is a huge threat to my health. I live in the quaint flowery suburb of Jamaica Plain. I bike to my... Read More
Interfaith Tips: Telling Our Stories
Engaging in interfaith work takes everyday religious pluralism to a whole other level. For this work, there is no roadmap, no graduate certification programs, no experts; there are just individual peo... Read More
Recommended Summer Reading: “Sex, Mom, and God”
How are believers living in a postmodern world to make sense of premodern Scriptures? Are the caustic culture wars the inevitable outcome of belief systems, or is there a way that people with differen... Read More
A History of Islam in America?
What do qualitative research, legal testimony, and sunlight shot through stained glass have in common? All of these benefit from, even demand, insider perspectives.... Read More