From Odyssey Networks’ Faith on the Record series: As we say good-bye to this eventful year, it’s a worthwhile exercise to think about the stories and debates that will dominate our public discourse in 2016. In my opinion, I believe we’ll see more focus on two important issues that affect everyone: privacy and trust. Can we progress in how we all relate to one another? Think about it: What would it mean to make an effort, at least once a day, to regard the world with a little less suspicion? Watch my......
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From Odyssey Networks’ Faith on the Record series: Everyone’s been looking back at the “biggest” news headlines of 2015, but let’s reflect for a moment on how religion played a role in world events this year. For me, three stories come to mind: a) ISIS and radical Islamic terrorists, b) the influential Pope Francis and c) the U.S. Supreme Court’s marriage equality decision. Together, all three topics inspire me to consider a larger question, “How will we work out the balance between faith and freedom?” Watch my video for more insight and......
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From Odyssey Networks’ Faith on the Record series: Believe it or not, a church in Germany and a church in New Jersey are both going to celebrate the Christmas story by incorporating characters from George Lucas’ Star Wars movie franchise. To many, this mash-up seems shocking. Is it sacreligious? Is it smart? Consider this: “Every sacred practice demands a little bit of borrowing from a previous culture so that it can be understood.” Watch my video for more insight and discussion. Odyssey Networks tells the stories of faith in action......
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From Odyssey Networks’ Faith on the Record series: The newly announced choice for TIME magazine’s “Person of the Year” is Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, for her crisis management as a leader who opened doors as other nations closed theirs. If the final selection were yours to make, who would you say “affected the world” most in 2015? I invite you to think about which individual you truly believe has had the most impact on our society – negative or positive – and leave a comment here about who, and why. Watch......
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From Odyssey Networks’ Faith on the Record series: Outrage fueled a big “God Isn’t Fixing This” headline on the New York Daily News‘ front page, after 14 innocent people were killed this week at a San Bernardino, Calif., holiday party (our country’s most deadly mass shooting since Newtown, Conn., on Dec. 14, 2012). Is it foolish to shame American lawmakers who publicize their “thoughts and prayers” after mass shootings, but take little or no action? I believe it is: “We need to be coming together at this moment, to comfort each other......
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From Odyssey Networks’ Faith on the Record series: Here’s a piece of Thanksgiving advice that’s actually useful before, during and after the holiday. And it’s advice you’re not likely to hear anyplace else: Don’t worry about gratitude and thankfulness on Thanksgiving. Surprised? Watch my video for more insight and discussion on when we should worry about gratitude… Odyssey Networks tells the stories of faith in action changing the world for the better. Their stories explore a wide range of issues including peace, tolerance, social justice and the environment. To watch more videos......
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From Odyssey Networks’ Faith on the Record series: After the shocking crimes of terrorism committed in Paris last week, a leading U.S. presidential candidate recently suggested the reprehensible idea that all Muslims in America should wear I.D. bracelets. Of course, we should reject such a proposal. But on the other hand, is it wise to cite the mistakes America made with Jewish refugees fleeing Nazis as a basis for our present-day policy decisions? “The two situations are not analogous. easy comparisons…simply break down.” Watch my video for more insight and discussion.......
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From Odyssey Networks’ Faith on the Record series: What is going on with the internet activist who wants his followers to order Starbucks coffee, and trick baristas into writing “Merry Christmas” on the chain’s plain red cups? More importantly, what’s behind the large number of Americans who discuss, every year it seems, how much or how little celebration of this one holiday is seen publicly? “Is there even a ‘war’ on Christmas? If there is, what does it mean?” Watch my video below for more insight and discussion. Odyssey Networks......
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From Odyssey Networks’ Faith on the Record series: When voters in Houston, the fourth largest city in the U.S., went to the polls earlier this month, a policy on the ballot extending equal rights protections to many groups was defeated – even though the city council had already approved the measure. But religious leaders and others objecting to public bathroom access for transgender people dominated headlines prior to election day. “Inaccurate and unrealistic fears were spread by opponents of the legislation…almost entirely based on fiction.” Watch my video for more insight and......
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From Odyssey Networks’ Faith on the Record series: A new bill has been enacted in the state of California known as the “right to die” law, empowering terminally ill patients to legally seek assistance if they decide to end their life. Critics say it’s a step too far toward trying to play God, but the law’s supporters believe a suffering patient’s companions and doctors shouldn’t be penalized for honoring a request that’s ultimately one of comfort and mercy. “How much pain would you tell another person they have to endure?…This really is......
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