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Opinion

 

Ethics and Religion Talk: Should I be proselyzed at a funeral?

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...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: Help! My spouse has dementia and I'm lonely!, part 2

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...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: Help! My spouse has dementia and I'm lonely!, part 1

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...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: Would You Boycott a Business for their Support of Politicians or Causes?

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...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: Does Your Congregation Require a Financial Commitment for membership?

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...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: When Your Religion Impinges on My Religion

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...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: What Frustrates You About Your Religion?

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...

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In "Disney's Descendants: The Musical," youth choose their own path

Submitted 03-04-2024 under OPINION

In fifteenth century France, a seventeen-year-old girl was sent by the king to a battle—the outcome of which was very much in doubt. She arrived wearing armor and raising her banner high. The king's faith was justified. Rallied by the...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: What Do People Misbelieve about your Religion?

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...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: Do You Visit Other Houses of Worship?

Submitted 02-20-2024 under OPINION

Linda Knieriemen is a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Absolutely. There are no restrictions to attending a worship service of another faith. If invited to participate in the leadership of that worship I would do so in humility and...

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