Ethics and Religion Talk
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...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Are Ethicists Ethical?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 11-21-2022 under OPINION
Ethics and Religion Talk is seeking new members of the panel of clergy. We prefer individuals who serve congregations, but will consider those with administrative or academic positions. Applicants should have strong writing skills and be willing to... Ethics and Religion Talk: Responding to Ethical Questions
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 11-14-2022 under OPINION
Ethics and Religion Talk is seeking new members of the panel of clergy. We prefer individuals who serve congregations, but will consider those with administrative or academic positions. Applicants should have strong writing skills and be willing to...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Being a Respectful Visitor
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 11-07-2022 under OPINION
“I have a curiosity about other religions and have thought about visiting various houses of worship. My concern is that while it may be a sign of respect to participate in whatever rituals and prayers are offered, I don’t want to perform...
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,...