ethics
Ethics and Religion Talk - Misperceptions
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 12-14-2020 under OPINION
Fred Stella, the Pracharak (Outreach Minister) for the West Michigan Hindu Temple, responds: “Indeed, there are. Quite a few. I’ll share the ones I see as most common. “Hinduism is often simplistically dismissed as being...
Ethics and Religion Talk - Defund Police
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 12-07-2020 under OPINION
The Rev. Steven Manskar, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids, responds: “To protect all persons from encroachment upon their personal and property rights, governments have established mechanisms of law enforcement and...
Ethics and Religion Talk - Father's Responsibility
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 11-30-2020 under OPINION
Janet asks, “I see many faith-based groups focus on restricting abortions and addressing the women in the cases of unwanted pregnancies. But I see none of these groups addressing the problem of men not taking responsibility -- and not...
Ethics and Religion Talk - Exposé on Adultery
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 11-23-2020 under OPINION
From Harry, in Sydney, Australia (we have readers around the world!): “A good friend who is also a talented and award winning journalist has, in an article, exposed the extra marital affairs of a politician. This person cheated on his wife (...
Ethics and Religion Talk - What is the Meaning of My Soul, part 2
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 11-16-2020 under OPINION
Note: This is part two of a two part look at how traditions represented by the Ethics and Religion Talk panel understand at the soul. Read part one. Father Kevin Niehoff, O.P., a Dominican priest who serves as Adjutant Judicial Vicar, Diocese of...
Ethics and Religion Talk - What is the Meaning of My Soul, part 1
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 11-09-2020 under OPINION
Note: This is part one of a two part look at how traditions represented by the Ethics and Religion Talk panel understand at the soul. Dr Sahibzada, the Director of Islamic Center and Imam of the Mosque of Grand Rapids, responds: “Soul stands...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Do non-Catholics and non-Christians have Sacraments?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 11-02-2020 under OPINION
Note from Rabbi Krishef: Normally, I present the responses by the panelists without comment. Today’s question is an exception because of the very precise meaning of sacrament within Christianity. The Rev. Knieriemen explains it clearly and...
Ethics and Religion Talk: How do you Respond to Racism?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 10-26-2020 under OPINION
The Rev. Sandra Nikkel, head pastor of Conklin Reformed Church, responds: “I am a Hispanic American who pastors a 100% white congregation and I have never experienced racism in my congregation. The love, respect, and care that I...
Ethics and Religion Talk: When does Journalism become 'Evil Speech?'
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 10-19-2020 under OPINION
In Judaism, lashon hara, gossip (literally, evil speech), is roughly defined as any speech, true or false, which damages somebody’s reputation. In general, such speech is prohibited, unless it serves the larger purpose of protecting or saving...
Ethics and Religion Talk - Dietary Restrictions
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 10-12-2020 under OPINION
Linda Knieriemen, Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Holland, responds: “Wine was a staple beverage in the ancient world. Jesus consumed wine, in fact at the wedding of Cana turned water into wine! If Christians want to live like...