religion
Ethics and Religion Talk: When should clergy take a stand for or against the policy of family separation?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 08-06-2018 under OPINION
Fred Stella, the Pracharak (Outreach Minister) for the West Michigan Hindu Temple, responds: “I am always proud to join my fellow clergy when there is an opportunity to speak out if we can come to a consensus on matters of social justice. I am...
Ethics and Religion Talk: How to show respect to elders
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 07-30-2018 under OPINION
The Reverend Colleen Squires, minister at All Souls Community Church of West Michigan, a Unitarian Universalist Congregation, responds: “I think valuing their intelligence and advice, seeking their opinion, or asking for their wisdom are...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Returning a stolen mug
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 07-23-2018 under OPINION
Later, I saw one of our physical therapists using it. I mentioned it to our supervisor, whose response was, “He has money, he’ll just buy a new one.” I suggested to the therapist that she return it, and now she is no longer...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Psychological counseling vs. spiritual counseling
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 07-16-2018 under OPINION
"What is the difference between spiritual and psychological counseling?” Father Kevin Niehoff, O.P., a Dominican priest who serves as Adjutant Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Grand Rapids, responds: “Spiritual counseling focuses on...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Is blood sacrifice necessary for atonement?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 07-09-2018 under OPINION
The Reverend Colleen Squires, minister at All Souls Community Church of West Michigan, a Unitarian Universalist Congregation, responds: “Most Unitarian Universalists do not believe in the concept of sin. The Universalist part of our name...
Ethics and Religion Talk - What does "Image of God" Mean? Part 2
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 07-02-2018 under OPINION
Last week, we saw two Protestant and a Unitarian responses. This week we continue with Orthodox, Catholic, Hindu, and Jewish responses. Father Michael Nasser, who writes from an Eastern Christian perspective and is Pastor of St. Nicholas Orthodox...
Ethics and Religion Talk: What does "Image of God" mean? Part 1
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 06-25-2018 under OPINION
We begin this week with two Protestant responses and a Unitarian for variety. We’ll continue this question next week with Orthodox, Catholic, Hindu, and Jewish responses. Rev. Ray Lanning, a retired minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Should religious leaders provide therapy?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 06-18-2018 under OPINION
Notice -- Ethics and Religion Talk needs your questions. Please send questions about ethical issues you have encountered in the course of your day, or Biblical or theological questions that a panel of religious experts can answer from a multi-faith...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Should genetic testing be mandatory before conceiving children?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 06-11-2018 under OPINION
Doug Van Doren, the pastor of Plymouth United Church of Christ, responds: “I think this is strictly a matter of choice by the couple. Here, the important ethic for me is one of choice on the part of the couple. They, and the child, are the...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Why is God gendered?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 06-04-2018 under OPINION
Father Michael Nasser, who writes from an Eastern Christian perspective and is Pastor of St. Nicholas Orthodox Christian Church, responds: “While many religions assign gender to transcendent divinity, Christianity is unique in that we refer to...