Ethics and Religion Talk
Ethics and Religion Talk: What is special about a Place of Worship?, part 2
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 07-26-2021 under OPINION
Dahyabhai is curious about the places where a community worships. “What is the importance of a special house of worship? Is a house of worship mandatory? What are rules and requirements for someone to be allowed to enter a place of worship in...
Ethics and Religion Talk: What is special about a Place of Worship?, part 1
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 07-19-2021 under OPINION
Dahyabhai is curious about the places where a community worships. “What is the importance of a special house of worship? Is a house of worship mandatory? What are rules and requirements for someone to be allowed to enter a place of worship in...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Farewell, Grand Rapids Press!
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 07-12-2021 under OPINION
The first week of August will be the 10th anniversary of this column. Sadly, this week is the final appearance of Ethics and Religion Talk in the Grand Rapids Press. Due to retirements and resignations, they no longer have the staff to continue...
Ethics and Religion Talk: May Same Sex Couples Adopt Children?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 07-06-2021 under OPINION
Father Kevin Niehoff, O.P., a Dominican priest who serves as Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Grand Rapids, responds: “Let me make myself clear. The Church teachings, Pope Francis, and the Bishops of the United States agree regarding people who have...
Ethics and Religion Talk: What Does Religion Say About Respecting the American Flag?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 06-23-2021 under OPINION
The Ethics and Religion panel wishes you a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday. This week, we respond to a question raised by a general discussion on Facebook. You can submit your own questions of ethics and religion by emailing...
Ethics and Religion Talk: More Senior Intimacy Questions
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 06-21-2021 under OPINION
Lately, I’ve been getting questions at least monthly, almost weekly, about unmarried seniors having sex. I don’t know if there are a whole lot of active seniors out there or if we’re being pranked by a someone or someones with a...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Does Purchasing Insurance Show a Lack of Faith?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 06-14-2021 under OPINION
Ray asks, “Should Christians purchase insurance on life, home, or health, or commit himself, his loved ones, and his worldly goods, entirely to the providence of God? (For a long time certain groups of pietists such as the Amish and the...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Whose Truth is Truth?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 06-07-2021 under OPINION
Read Part 1 The Rev. Sandra Nikkel, head pastor of Conklin Reformed Church, writes: “There are many people today who would advocate for making room for: my truth, your truth, and everyone else's truth. Many of these people would also...
Ethics and Religion Talk: What are the Most Important Religious Parables?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 05-31-2021 under OPINION
Linda Knieriemen, Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Holland, responds: “I come from a Christian perspective, but I’m guessing that most other religions traditions have stories reflecting truths such as: Life comes out of...
Ethics and Religion Talk: What is the "Power of Prayer?", part 2
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 05-24-2021 under OPINION
Here is the second set of responses to Mary’s question. The first set was published last week. The Rev. Sandra Nikkel, head pastor of Conklin Reformed Church, responds: “Let me start by saying that although there is power in prayer, when...