Ethics and Religion Talk
Ethics and Religion Talk: Self-Awareness
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 09-27-2021 under OPINION
The Rev. Sandra Nikkel, head pastor of Conklin Reformed Church, responds: “This topic is very dear to my heart; but growing in self-awareness is not easy. What is easy is to avoid looking at our blind spots or pretending they’re not...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Why Have I Miscarried?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 09-20-2021 under OPINION
Jeff asks for a reaction to the following story: “A young woman has been living with her boyfriend for at least a year. The relationship is over three years in duration. She conceives. Though they weren't looking to have a child, they knew...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Religion can do Horrible Things
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 09-13-2021 under OPINION
The Rev. Steven W. Manskar, a retired United Methodist pastor, responds: “The Methodist Episcopal Church was established in this country in December 1784. Methodist congregations were in all thirteen colonies. The organizing conference stated...
Passing the Mic: West Michigan Hindu Temple's Fred Stella answers, "What is the purpose of your life?"
by (The Rapidian)
Submitted 09-10-2021 under VOICES
Rishi Singh, Sikh practitioner and interfaith outreach officer for the Sikh Society of West Michigan, previously asked Grand Rapids faith communities: "What is the purpose of your life? How can you live a spiritual life...
Ethics and Religion Talk: What is the Role of Clergy?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 09-07-2021 under OPINION
Rev. Ray Lanning, a retired minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, responds: “The first duty of a Presbyterian minister is the faithful preaching of God’s Word, and to instruct all church members, young and old,...
Ethics and Religion Talk: According to Your Tradition, What is the Worst Sin?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 08-30-2021 under OPINION
Linda Knieriemen, Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Holland, responds: Idolatry, that is, giving allegiance to or worshiping anyone or anything other than God. Hypocrisy is a close second, that is talking the talk without walking...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Cancel Culture
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 08-23-2021 under OPINION
This Week’s Question: ‘The anger and demands that accompany today's Cancel Culture often leave people feeling like the only way to survive is to go along with everyone else who says that the Emperor's clothes are beautiful and...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Is Religion a Force Against Racism?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 08-16-2021 under OPINION
This week, we address a second way to read a question submitted by Victoria and addressed last week, regarding religion and racism. Despite religion’s flaws which contributed to racism, as last week’s responses addressed, religion has...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Has Religion Supported Racism?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 08-09-2021 under OPINION
Victoria posed a most interesting question due to its ambiguity: “How do you think organized religion has advanced racism in today's society?” It was not clear to me whether she was asking how religion has been a...
Ethics and Religion Talk: What to do about Negative Nancys and Downer Daves?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 08-02-2021 under OPINION
“SN” asks, “I have a friend who often comes to our happy hour group but the minute this person comes the whole mood changes. He is very negative and everything he talks about is about the people who are trying to take advantage of...