In Good Faith

Why is it so important to understand other religions? Imam Azhar Subedar discusses the problems that can be created when we only focus on stereotypes and ignore real people, and shares how he has worked to change some of the negative perceptions about his faith. Azhar Subedar has served as an Imam of multiple Masjids, currently serves as Imam of IACC, Plano, TX, and his religious expertise has been consulted by governments ranging from Florida to the White House.

How can we love the outgroup? Kelly James Clark talks about the difficulties of loving those who are different than us, and shares stories of when his neighbors helped him develop that love. Kelly James Clark is currently Senior Research Fellow at the Kaufman Interfaith Institute and Professor at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the author of Raging Fire of Love: what I’ve learned from Jesus, the Jews, and the Prophet.

What does Jewish perspective bring to the New Testament? AJ Levine talks about her studies of the New Testament as a Jew, why she chooses to study it, and what benefits that brings to her and those she teaches. Amy-Jill Levine is a professor of New Testament and Jewish studies. She is a prolific writer and has authored many books about the New Testament, including The Gospel of John: A Beginners Guide to the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Chris and Julie Bennett talk about their experience moving across the country, dealing with cancer, and fighting for family, all the while led by their faith! They speak to how we need to share our whole selves in order to know and be known, in order to heal and change with God. Chris Bennett is a writer and the pastor of Vintage Church in Malibu, California. Julie Bennett is a writer, speaker, and two-time cancer survivor from Edmond, Oklahoma. Together they run their own production company, Welcome Home Entertainment. Chris and Julie have four kids, Beau, Nate, Brooks, and Joy. They recently wrote a book called Fighting for Family.

How can we become more complete? Jamal Rahman talks about doing the inner inconvenient work of being a Sufi to become a more developed human. He also comments on his time with the Three Amigos promoting interfaith work! Imam Jamal Rahman is a popular speaker and author of numerous books on Islam, Sufi spirituality, and Interfaith relations. Along with the Interfaith Amigos, he has been featured in the New York Times, CBS News, BBC, and various NPR programs. Jamal is co-founder and Muslim Sufi Imam at Interfaith Community Sanctuary, and adjunct faculty at Seattle University.

What are key beliefs in the most ancient world religion? Listen as Steve talks with Arman Ariane about how he came to Zoroastrianism, what it is, and how it guides him to be more God-like. Arman Ariane is a businessman from Claremont, California who was previously the President of the California Zoroastrian Center. He is currently a council member on the Zoroastrian Studies Council at Claremont Graduate University and speaks on Zoroastrianism all over the United States. He appeared in Morgan Freeman's National Geographic documentary series "The Story of God."

Can we see the divine in everyone? Kathleen Messina talks about ministering as a chaplain in the Harris County prison system; she asks us to recognize Christ in our daily interactions with everyone, including those we can't imagine ourselves having anything in common with. For her, it was those in prison. Kathleen Messina is the Director of the Spiritual Direction Institute at the Emmaus Spirituality Center. She also works as a chaplain in the Harris County Jail. She is an active minister in her parish—St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Missouri City, TX.

How can we renew our spiritual practices? Mark Glanville talks "Improvising Church", his most recent book, with ideas ranging from the need for a 'leader-full' community to how we can best find our individual gifts from God. Mark shares insights about the flexibility and creativity encouraged by both faith and jazz traditions and highlights the significance of embracing one's unique gifts to contribute meaningfully to their 'incarnational community.' Mark R. Glanville (PhD, Bristol University) is associate professor of pastoral theology at Regent College, Vancouver, and an Old Testament scholar. He is also a jazz musician, and you'll hear some of his music in this episode!

Does jazz music have a place in church? Join Steve and William G. Carter as they talk about community, improvisation, and - that's right - jazz! Carter's journey highlights how God opens unexpected doors, integrating his musical talents with his ministry. He shares insights from his book 'Thriving on a Riff', exploring the communal aspects of jazz and church communities. William G. Carter maintains a dual career as a jazz pianist and a Presbyterian minister. He is the pastor and head of staff at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, and the leader of the Presbybop Quartet.

Is it ever too late to learn more about your faith? Join Mary Lahaj as she tells Steve about her experience turning to God during a low point in her life. After growing up having not learned much about Islam, her family's religion, she tells about her journey to learning more. Mary Lahaj currently lives in Lowell, Massachusetts, and works as a professional freelance writer for a prominent law firm in Boston. Over the years, she has reimagined religion, not as an organized institution, but as an open question. In Bird on a Wire, her recent memoir, she makes a compelling case to her readers to do the same.