Ethics and Religion Talk
Ethics and Religion Talk: How Does Your Tradition Use Scripture for Preaching, part 1
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 01-30-2023 under OPINION
Rev. Salvatore Sapienza, the Senior Pastor at Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ in Saugatuck/Douglas, responds: Like many Christian churches around the world, our church follows the Revised Common Lectionary, a collection of assigned...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Are Food Choices an Ethical Issue For You?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 01-23-2023 under OPINION
Whole Foods recently announced that they would no longer sell Maine Lobster. How do you define "ethical eating?" Do you consider sustainability and care for the environment, treatment of animals, treatment of humans in the supply chain...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Do I Have to Return That Annoying Person's Call?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 01-17-2023 under OPINION
The Rev. Sandra Nikkel, head pastor of Conklin Reformed Church, responds: People deserve the respect to hear the truth. And there is a way to tell the truth kindly. What they do with the truth they hear is not up to you. But you must have the...
January 9, 2023 - Ethics and Religion Talk: If My Faith is Right, Does Yours Have to be Wrong?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 01-09-2023 under OPINION
It is generally understood by people that each religion claims that all other faiths are “wrong,” and thus displeasing to God. Yet it seems that there are “loopholes” that still allow those who believe otherwise some form of...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Does God Care About Rituals?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 01-02-2023 under OPINION
Rev. Ray Lanning, a retired minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, responds: Reformed and Presbyterian Christians believe that God really does care about the worship that we offer to Him. The Second Commandment (“Thou...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Can a $135 Pair of Sneakers End Bullying?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 12-26-2022 under OPINION
Father Kevin Niehoff, O.P., a Dominican priest who serves as Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Grand Rapids, responds: Bullying is a serious issue, although I posit it is not new. I grew up being bullied by my peers for different reasons. Kids are always...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Whoops! I Gave My Vegan Friend Ham!
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 12-19-2022 under OPINION
I love off-the-wall questions like this one: Last week, I was hanging in the park smoking cannabis and having a picnic, eating a salad. A friend came by, also smoking, and reached over and started eating my salad. I was surprised and wasn't...
Ethics and Religion Talk - Pregnant and Brain Dead
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 12-12-2022 under OPINION
In a continuing effort to ensure religious diversity in our column, Ethics and Religion Talk has been looking for new panelists. We welcome a new voice whose responses should begin to appear in the coming weeks, the Reverend Salvatore...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Doctors and Death
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 12-05-2022 under OPINION
Should surgeons, cancer doctors or other high-risk medical specialists be tested and evaluated on how well they deliver bad news? How important is it that they be equipped with the skills to help their patients plan for death? Might it be a better...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Is Your Tradition Opposed to Discrimination?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 11-28-2022 under OPINION
Linda Knieriemen, Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Holland, responds: Yes. it is a violation. I lean on the Biblical mandate: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” as well as Jesus welcoming example toward the...