Ethics and Religion Talk
Ethics and Religion Talk: The Ethics of Pain Management
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 10-31-2022 under OPINION
Linda Knieriemen, Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Holland, responds: “There are no restrictions in the use of pain medications in the Presbyterian Church (USA). In fact, I and most of my clergy colleagues will tell you that God...Ethics and Religion Talk: Impotent Weddings and Platonic Marriages (Part 2)
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 10-24-2022 under OPINION
This week’s column is a continuation of the examination of two fascinating questions prompted by the following story sent to us, touching on issues of marrying when one partner is impotent, or alternatively, living together without the benefit...Ethics and Religion Talk: Impotent Weddings and Platonic Marriages
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 10-17-2022 under OPINION
Ethics and Religion Talk received a question touching on issues of impotence and living together without the benefit of marriage. Here’s the story: “I'm 82 and love my significant other very much. And she loves me. We are both...Ethics and Religion Talk: Do Your Clergy Study Philosophy?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 10-12-2022 under OPINION
Fred Stella, the Pracharak (Outreach Minister) for the West Michigan Hindu Temple, responds: “By all means. I would not have been ordained if I was not well schooled in philosophy. But I want to make one thing clear. Often, when westerners use...Ethics and Religion Talk: Is Belief in an Afterlife Waning?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 10-03-2022 under OPINION
After studying the history of religion in the West I’ve concluded that several hundred years ago people were much more focused on the afterlife. It seems today that there is less concern about that and more emphasis on leading a moral,...Ethics and Religion Talk: My Boyfriend's Ex Has Herpes!
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 09-27-2022 under OPINION
Father Kevin Niehoff, O.P., a Dominican priest who serves as Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Grand Rapids, responds: “This question stupefies me! The freedom with which individuals share themselves most intimately is troublesome. Further, the...Ethics and Religion Talk: How Do I Convert to Your Faith?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 09-19-2022 under OPINION
Rev. Ray Lanning, a retired minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, responds: “ ‘Conversion’ is a word with more than one meaning. There is the divine activity of the Holy Spirit in regeneration, as He works...Ethics and Religion Talk: What Do Clergy Do on Retreats?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 09-12-2022 under OPINION
Father Kevin Niehoff, O.P., a Dominican priest who serves as Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Grand Rapids, responds: “Before the outbreak of COVID-19, my Dominican Province hosted a retreat for those of us who wished to attend. So, yes, I have...Ethics and Religion Talk: Does My Car Insurance Cover STDs?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 09-06-2022 under OPINION
Question: If the driver's behavior causes bodily harm to a passenger should the insurance company be on the hook for the damages? She is suing his auto insurance company because she got a sexually transmitted disease while in his car. The auto...Ethics and Religion Talk: Should Theology be Fear-based?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 08-29-2022 under OPINION
It is often agreed by both therapists and clergy that a large number of people grow up in homes and congregations where fear is the dominant factor in theology. This has emotionally and spiritually damaged many. I’m curious if the members of...