religion
Ethics and Religion Talk: Is it ethical to modify an animal genome to transplant organs into humans?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 05-06-2024 under OPINION
Rev. Ray Lanning, a retired minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, responds: Human beings have been genetically modifying animals and plants of many kinds for thousands of years. Genesis 30 records the diligent efforts of...
Ethics and Religion Talk: How do politics in other countries affect your faith?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 04-22-2024 under OPINION
Some faiths tend to maintain ties to countries outside the U.S. Even some Christian communities have a majority of first-generation immigrants. I'm curious if the clergy on the panel ever have to navigate the waters of political division in...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Should I be proselyzed at a funeral?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 04-15-2024 under OPINION
I have attended many funerals in my time. One thing that I'm frustrated about is the fact that so often, the officiant takes the opportunity to convince the friends and family of the deceased who might not be members of the same religion of the...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Help! My spouse has dementia and I'm lonely!, part 2
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 04-08-2024 under OPINION
My wife has been diagnosed with some type of non-Alzheimer's dementia. She has been getting gradually worse over the last ten years. This has affected her physically, intellectually and emotionally and has affected me also in the same...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Help! My spouse has dementia and I'm lonely!, part 1
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 04-01-2024 under OPINION
My wife has been diagnosed with some type of non-Alzheimer's dementia. She has been getting gradually worse over the last ten years. This has affected her physically, intellectually and emotionally and has affected me also in the same...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Would You Boycott a Business for their Support of Politicians or Causes?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 03-28-2024 under OPINION
The Rev. Sandra Nikkel, head pastor of Conklin Reformed Church, responds: I would definitely boycott the business if it's supporting causes that are contrary to my moral, spiritual and social beliefs in the name of the business, but not if he...
Ethics and Religion Talk: Does Your Congregation Require a Financial Commitment for membership?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 03-17-2024 under OPINION
Father Kevin Niehoff, O.P., a Dominican priest who serves as Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Grand Rapids, responds: To be a Roman Catholic requires only baptism. Once baptized, there are no financial requirements to be members. The Church teaches a...
Ethics and Religion Talk: When Your Religion Impinges on My Religion
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 03-11-2024 under OPINION
Would you encourage members of your community to do business, or attempt to do business, with businesses who fundamentally disagree with some aspect of their lives? For example, to book a wedding at a venue which does not believe in the validity of...
Ethics and Religion Talk: What Frustrates You About Your Religion?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 03-05-2024 under OPINION
Linda Knieriemen, a retired pastor of the Presbyterian Church (USA), responds: Christianity is not a monolith! In terms of how faith is lived, there is as much variation within the body of those who identify as Christian as there is between world...
Ethics and Religion Talk: What Do People Misbelieve about your Religion?
by (Rabbi David J.B...)
Submitted 03-01-2024 under OPINION
The Reverend Colleen Squires, minister at All Souls Community Church of West Michigan, a Unitarian Universalist Congregation, responds: The 3 misbeliefs about Unitarian Universalism are – 1. We can believe whatever we want. There is some...