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Opinion

 

Ethics and Religion Talk: Christmas and non-Christians

Submitted 12-18-2023 under OPINION

Father Kevin Niehoff, O.P., a Dominican priest who serves as Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Grand Rapids, responds: No! I am more bothered by the reduction of Christmas to a secular holiday with no spiritual meaning. For Roman Catholics, Christmas does...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: Interfaith Marriage

Submitted 12-11-2023 under OPINION

Perhaps I shouldn't assume, but I am guessing that since all contributors are clergy members, they've officiated interfaith weddings on occasion. I'd like to know their thoughts on this subject. Have they followed the lives of any of the...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: To Whom Does the Social Safety Net Belong - State or Religion?

Submitted 12-04-2023 under OPINION

There is a philosophy on one side of the political spectrum that encourages the dismantling of government programs to aid those suffering with poverty, addiction, etc. They feel that this should be the responsibility of the faith community. Do you...

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Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Stages Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Submitted 11-27-2023 under OPINION

Jean Cocteau's La Belle et la Bête, released in 1946, was some kind of miracle. It expanded on the 1757 fairy tale of the same name, telling a story both enchanting and, at times, a little scary. In one typically surreal touch, real arms,...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: Navigating New Realities of Marriage and Family

Submitted 11-27-2023 under OPINION

The Rev. Sandra Nikkel, head pastor of Conklin Reformed Church, responds: I believe that the only way we will withstand the ever-changing views on marriage and family that we are navigating at this time, is to stand firm on our Biblical convictions...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: What is Your Daily Practice of Thanksgiving?

Submitted 11-20-2023 under OPINION

Rev. Salvatore Sapienza, the Senior Pastor at Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ in Saugatuck/Douglas, responds: "I truly believe that practicing an “attitude of gratitude” is one of the keys to the spiritual life. The...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: Does Waiting for a Messiah Mean Abdicating Personal Responsibility?

Submitted 11-13-2023 under OPINION

Question: One of my issues with religion is that it seems all the faiths are waiting for someone. Christians and Muslims are waiting for Jesus, Buddhists are waiting for Maitreya and Jews are waiting for anybody but Jesus. To me, this allows us to...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: Have You Seen an Increase in the Quality of Interfaith Engagement?

Submitted 11-06-2023 under OPINION

Linda Knieriemen, a retired pastor of the Presbyterian Church (USA), responds: "A question that comes to mind is "what does progress look like in interfaith engagement?” If it means greater global peace, no. I do believe we have more...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: Are Ghosts Real?

Submitted 10-30-2023 under OPINION

Rev. Ray Lanning, a retired minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, responds: "Presbyterianism teaches that “God is a Spirit, in and of Himself infinite in being, glory, blessedness, and perfection” (Larger...

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Ethics and Religion Talk: How to Change a Lightbulb

Submitted 10-23-2023 under OPINION

Rev. Ray Lanning, a retired minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, responds: "As one who was ordained to the gospel ministry in 1977, I can attest that people can change under the power of God’s Word and Holy...

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