The Rapidian Home

Opinion

 

Ethics and Religion Talk: Can a $135 Pair of Sneakers End Bullying?

Submitted 12-26-2022 under OPINION

Father Kevin Niehoff, O.P., a Dominican priest who serves as Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Grand Rapids, responds: Bullying is a serious issue, although I posit it is not new. I grew up being bullied by my peers for different reasons. Kids are always...

[read more]

Ethics and Religion Talk: Whoops! I Gave My Vegan Friend Ham!

Submitted 12-19-2022 under OPINION

I love off-the-wall questions like this one: Last week, I was hanging in the park smoking cannabis and having a picnic, eating a salad. A friend came by, also smoking, and reached over and started eating my salad. I was surprised and wasn't...

[read more]

Ethics and Religion Talk - Pregnant and Brain Dead

Submitted 12-12-2022 under OPINION

  In a continuing effort to ensure religious diversity in our column, Ethics and Religion Talk has been looking for new panelists. We welcome a new voice whose responses should begin to appear in the coming weeks, the Reverend Salvatore...

[read more]

Ethics and Religion Talk: Doctors and Death

Submitted 12-05-2022 under OPINION

Should surgeons, cancer doctors or other high-risk medical specialists be tested and evaluated on how well they deliver bad news? How important is it that they be equipped with the skills to help their patients plan for death? Might it be a better...

[read more]

Ethics and Religion Talk: Is Your Tradition Opposed to Discrimination?

Submitted 11-28-2022 under OPINION

Linda Knieriemen, Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Holland, responds: Yes. it is a violation. I lean on the Biblical mandate: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” as well as Jesus welcoming example toward the...

[read more]

Ethics and Religion Talk: Are Ethicists Ethical?

Submitted 11-21-2022 under OPINION

Ethics and Religion Talk is seeking new members of the panel of clergy. We prefer individuals who serve congregations, but will consider those with administrative or academic positions. Applicants should have strong writing skills and be willing to...

[read more]

Ethics and Religion Talk: Responding to Ethical Questions

Submitted 11-14-2022 under OPINION

Ethics and Religion Talk is seeking new members of the panel of clergy. We prefer individuals who serve congregations, but will consider those with administrative or academic positions. Applicants should have strong writing skills and be willing to...

[read more]

Come From Away Tells Heartfelt, Life-Affirming Stories In The Wake Of 9/11

Submitted 11-10-2022 under OPINION

It's a sobering thought: that there are people born after September 11th who are now old enough to drink. The tragedy defined a generation, and not only in the United States. On September 12th, 2001, the main headline of France's Le...

[read more]

Ethics and Religion Talk: Being a Respectful Visitor

Submitted 11-07-2022 under OPINION

“I have a curiosity about other religions and have thought about visiting various houses of worship. My concern is that while it may be a sign of respect to participate in whatever rituals and prayers are offered, I don’t want to perform...

[read more]

Pirates of Penzance Charms, Entertains

Submitted 10-31-2022 under OPINION

Gilbert and Sullivan, those swashbuckling Victorian showmen, had a gift for creating shows so entertaining that you could easily miss how well they were made. Ostensibly serious theater, with its obvious gestures toward importance, often has a...

[read more]

Browse