Godspeed - 12/19/10

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Carole Hallundbaek interviews Dr. Arthur A. Rouner, Jr., who ministered in the Congregational Church for 40 years and then founded The Pilgrim Center for Reconciliation (PCR), a nondenominational, nonprofit organization in Minnesota committed to the work of healing and reconciliation in the aftermath of genocide, war, and debilitating conflict. Since 1996 PCR has had its primary focus in Africa, serving in Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Tanzania.

Topics in this hour include: the historic beginnings of the Congregational churches in 16th century England, in protest to the king appointing himself the head of the church; groups that evolved, including the Separatists and Puritans; the return to scripture, with authority resting within each congregation; persecution in England, and the Pilgrims’ journey to Holland and then to Massachusetts; the concept of holiness and a good life; how Congregationalists participated in the Underground Railroad, the women’s suffrage movement,  and the founding of Harvard, Yale and Dartmouth; the founding of the Pilgrim Center for Reconciliation; examples of PCR’s work and processes of helping people to forgive and to heal in Rwanda, following the experience of genocide; what healing requires; and more.

Godspeed - 12/12/10

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Carole Hallundbaek interviews Enuma Okoro, author of  "Reluctant Pilgrim: A Moody, Somewhat Self-Indulgent Introvert's Search for Spiritual Community," a critically acclaimed book of  “one woman’s search for a rich, rewarding life of faith and community, for a place where both her turbulent love of God and her passion for gorgeous shoes can be embraced.”

Reluctant Pilgrim is a memoir that conveys Enuma’s spiritual journey, often haunting, often humorous, and described as being “for those who have fallen out of love with the church, mostly because they can’t find a church community that both embraces and challenges them.”

In this hour, topics include: the spiritual path; why our spiritual hunger is not addressed in our culture; why we fall out of love with the church; the role of the church; our childhood and how it can shape and hinder our concept of God, as well as church; her multicultural experience of faith growing up in the US, Nigeria and England; ‘reluctance’ about staying on the spiritual path; the powerful role of friendship along the spiritual journey; an excerpt on grace from the book; and much more.

Godspeed - 12/05/10

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Carole Hallundbaek speaks with Brenda Dunne,  president of International Consciousness Research Laboratories (ICRL), Princeton, NJ. From 1979 to 2007, Brenda served as Manager of the Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research laboratory at Princeton University, or PEAR. For three decades, PEAR researched -- and substantially measured -- human consciousness. Their work  has been described in over 100 articles in journals and books and continues at ICRL.

In this fascinating hour, topics include: what consciousness is; how it has been scientifically researched; experiments in anomalous human/machine interactions and remote perception; PEAR, its history and development; how ICRL developed from PEAR; how this research encompasses the cores of science as well as spirituality; other scientific anamolies, including Stonehenge, Avebury and Newgrange;  the 'remembering' of this intuitive knowledge;  how some sacred archeological sites have a common acoustical tone of 110 hertz; how younger people are drawn to this method of scientific research and perception; the role of technology in helping people connect and reconnect; the need to recapture the place of meaning in science; and much more.

Godspeed - 11/21/10

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THE NEW ATHEISM WITH RON ARONSON. Continuing our exploration into the New Atheism, Carole Hallundbaek interviews the man who coined the phrase: Ronald Aronson, Distinguished Professor of the History of Ideas at Wayne State University.

Dr. Aronson has taught at Wayne State University since 1968. He earned his Ph.D. in the History of Ideas at Brandeis University. A prolific writer, his latest book is “Living Without God: New Directions for Atheists,
Agnostics, Secularists, and the Undecided.” He is also the author of "Camus & Sartre: The Story of a Friendship and the Quarrel that Ended It" and is a contributor to periodicals from the Nation to the Huffington Post.

In this hour, topics include: Basic definitions of atheism, agnosticism, secularism, spiritualism, humanism; what differentiates these contemporary trends and what connects them; Aronson's book "Living Without God" and his own journey as an atheist; gratitude without the need of religiosity; Thanksgiving; how atheism has affected our culture; the nature of hope, especially as related to political commitment and world vision; college
students in the 1960s and today; how technology has impacted their life; and more.

Godspeed - 11/14/10

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VIRTUE IN A GODLESS UNIVERSE. In this hour, Carole Hallundbaek interviews Dr. Erik Wielenberg, Associate Professor of Philosophy at DePauw University and author of the books "Value and Virtue in a Godless Universe" and "God and the Reach of Reason: C.S. Lewis, David Hume and Bertrand Russell."

In this hour, Dr. Wielenberg shares his disagreement with the basic Judaic-Christian perspective that imposes moral law upon life while suggesting that life without God may be devoid of morality or meaning.

Topics include: how a life without God continues to have meaning and moral obligations; Wielenberg's exploration of reality that embraces physical as well as value features; naturalism and the ethics of naturalism; naturalistic accounts of humility; charity and hope; his book "God and the Reach of Reason," in which C.S. Lewis, David Hume and Bertrand Russell have a 'conversation' with one another on topics such as the existence of God, suffering, morality, reason, joy, miracles and faith; the natural tendency to 'do the right thing;' the place of suffering and compassion in Buddhism; his own journey into atheism; and more.

Godspeed - 11/07/10

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DARWIN & THE NEW ATHEISM. In this fascinating hour, Carole Hallundbaek interviews theologian John F. Haught, Distinguished Research Professor and Senior Fellow of Science and Religion at Woodstock Theological Center, Georgetown University, in Washington DC.

Haught is the author of the new book ‘Making Sense of Evolution: Darwin, God and the Drama of Life.’ He is also the author of ‘God and the New Atheism: A Critical Response to Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens,’ and ‘God After Darwin: A Theology of Evolution,’ and ‘Science and Religion: From Conflict to Conversation.’

He earned his doctorate at Catholic University and testified at the 2005 case of Tammy Kitzmiller, et al. v. Dover Area School District, the first direct challenge brought in the United States federal courts against a public school district requiring the presentation of Intelligent Design as an "explanation of the origin of life."

In this hour, topics include: Darwin not having intended to write as an atheist, but how he eventually leaned in that direction as a result of his voyage and personal losses; Haught’s work as a professor at Georgetown and what drew him to address science and religion among his students; his influences, including Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and Alfred North Whitehead; the concept of the universe not as stagnant but as “story” and a “carrier of meaning;” the concept of God as one that also evolves;  the New Atheism, including Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens; their perception of God and Haught’s response; and much more.

Godspeed - 10/24/10

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ON PHYSICS AND FAITH. In this hour we explore the universe, modern cosmology and faith, with our special guest Stephen M. Barr. Dr. Barr is a theoretical particle physicist and a professor of physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Delaware. His work centers mainly on grand unified theories and the cosmology of the early universe.

Dr. Barr writes and lectures extensively on the relation of science and religion. He is the author of the books 'Modern Physics and Ancient Faith,' and 'A Student’s Guide to Natural Science,' and has served on the board of The Fellowship of Catholic Scholars. Dr. Barr has written 140 research papers, as well as the article on Grand Unification for the Encyclopedia of Physics.

He received his Ph.D. from Princeton University in 1978, and a Papal Medal for his work in religion and science in 2007. In this hour, topics include: the relationship between science and religion; Barr's ease in his role as a scientist and as a person of faith; how the two fields are harmonious; what drew him to study physics; his book 'Modern Physics and Ancient Faith' and the timeless nature of faith; the role of the Roman Catholic Church is establishing study of modern science;  the term 'creation,' as a biblical and ongoing idea and event; current trends in popular physics; the concept of time, and God as 'outside of time'; the role of God as author of the laws that govern science; the place for mystery in science; and much more.

Godspeed - 10/17/10

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THE SPIRIT OF PENTECOSTALISM, with Professor David Daniels III, the Henry Winters Luce Professor of World Christianity at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.

David has been a member of the American Academy of Religion, the Society for the Study of Black Religion, and the Society for Pentecostal Studies. He is the former President of the Society for Pentecostal Studies.

He is co-chair of International Bi-lateral Dialogue between Reformed and Pentecostal Churches. He has served the Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of Churches, and participated on consultations sponsored the World Council of Churches. The author of various articles on the history of Christianity, he has lectured at colleges and seminaries in Asia, Africa, and Latin American along with the United States.

Topics in this hour include: The history and development of Pentecostalism; its growth in the early 1900’s, in the 1950’s, and around the world; the varying types of Pentecostalism and its relation to the Charismatic movement; spiritual baptism; spiritual gifts, including prophecy, healing, speaking in tongues, as well as administration, preaching and others;  the experience of worship; relationship to other beliefs and Christian traditions; the use and misuse of spiritual formation; the road toward tolerance; and more.

For more information, visit:

www.godspeed institute.com

And Dr. Daniels page: http://mccormick.edu/instructor/daniels-david-iii

Godspeed - 10/03/10

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RUSSIAN ORTHODOXY. With special guest Dr. Jerry Pankhurst, author and Professor of Sociology at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. Dr. Pankhurst is a leading scholar of the societies of Russia and the Post-Soviet region. He teaches on this topic, as well as on sociology of religion and political sociology.

He has co-edited two books of original articles on Soviet society, Contemporary Soviet Society (1980) and Understanding Soviet Society (1988) and has contributed articles to several other scholarly collections and professional journals, including Sociological Inquiry, Religion in Communist Lands, Journal of Family Issues, and Journal of Church and State. He is co-editor of the book, Family, Religion and Social Change in Diverse Societies. He also has developed a teaching and research specialization on Islam and Islamic societies, with special interest in Egypt.

Topics in this hour include: the new U.S. Religious Knowledge Survey that demonstrates how large numbers of Americans are uninformed about religion; what ‘sociology of religion’ is; how the Cold War sparked Pankhurst’s interest in studying the Soviet Union; the history and rich tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Communistic attempt at severing ties to it; how religious practice went underground in Russia during the Soviet period, when shrines were created in homes; the role of symbols, music and icons in Russian spirituality and art; the Eastern Church’s relationship to other churches; the rise of religious intolerance and how education and interaction may heal it; and much more.

Godspeed - 09/26/10

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PARTNERS FOR SACRED PLACES.  In this program we explore the restoration and maintaining of religious buildings with Dr. Thomas Frank, author and professor at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, where he teaches courses in leadership and administration and religion and the arts, as well as United Methodist studies. Professor Frank received his B.A. from Harvard University, his M.Div. from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and a Ph.D. in American religious history from Emory University.

Frank’s research on the place of congregations and religious institutions in the settlement and landscape of America led him to pursue a Master of Heritage Preservation degree at Georgia State University, which he completed in 2006.  Among many consulting roles, he is chair of the board of directors of Partners for Sacred Places, the only national, non-sectarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to the sound stewardship and active community use of America's older and historic sacred places.

During this hour, topics include: the landscape of America’s houses of worship and how they tell the story of community and immigration; the abandonment of rural houses of worship in America, due to economic and cultural changes; the sacredness of space; Frank’s moving description of his favorite childhood church and its impact on him; Partners for Sacred Places, founded in 1989; a few of the organization’s success stories, including Calvary Episcopal Church in Tarboro, NC, Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Chicago, Druid Hills Presbyterian Church in Atlanta; the question, if we continue to tear down these houses that are witnesses to the American spiritual journey, what are we replacing them with?

Godspeed - 09/19/10

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THE MYSTICAL FAITH OF SIKHISM. "God has no marks, no colour, no caste, and no ancestors, no form, no complexion, no outline, no costume and is indescribable. The One is fearless, luminous and measureless in might... sovereign of the universe, gods, men and demons. The woods and dales sing the indescribable. O One, none can tell Thy names. The wise count your blessings to coin your names." - this from Guru Gobind Singh, the Tenth Guru of the Sikh faith.

In this program we enter the world of Sikhism with author, professor and chair of the department of religion at Colby College, Nikki Singh. Dr. Singh discusses, among other topics: the origin of Sikhism in the Himalayas at a crossroads of Hindu and Sufi cultures; the revelation of Guru Nanak and how the revelation liberated the people from caste and other worldly restrictions; the growth of the Sikh faith; the holy book of mystical poetry that is at the center of the faith; the five symbols that the Sikh wears, including long hair, bracelet, and comb; the turban that has been the cause of misdirected acts of hatred; religious tolerance and what prevents it; how the mystical connects us to the sacred imagination and to each other; and much more.

Godspeed - 09/12/10

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Godspeed - 09/05/10

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JAPAN and SHINTO. In this program, we look at the ancient Shinto religion with one of the world’s foremost scholars on the history of Shinto, Fulbright Scholar and Professor Delmer Brown.Dr. Brown (a few months from his 101st birthday in this interview) holds a Ph. D. in Japanese history from Stanford University and is professor emeritus of history at the University of California at Berkeley. He is the executive director of the Center for Shinto Studies and adjunct Professor of Shinto at Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley.

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Godspeed - 08/29/10

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BUDDHISM. If the spiritual concepts of emptiness and selflessness have attracted you, baffled you, or made you feel somehow ill at ease, this program can shed light on these and other gifts of Buddhism.

Carole Hallundbaek interviews Dr. John D. Dunne, associate professor in the Department of Religion at Emory University. He was educated at Amherst College and Harvard University, where he received his Ph.D. from the Committee on the Study of Religion.

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Godspeed - 08/22/10

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A PEACEMAKER AMONG JEWS, CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS. Michael Hallundbaek interviews Peter Ochs, the Edgar M. Bronfman Professor of Modern Judaic Studies at the University of Virginia. A prolific author, Ochs holds a Ph.D. and B.A. from Yale, an M.A. from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, and has held teaching positions at Drew University, Colgate, and the University of Maryland at College Park, as well as visiting lectureships at Hebrew Union College and Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

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Godspeed - 08/08/10

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CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM RELATIONS. Carole Hallundbaek interviews Dr. Ingrid Mattson, Professor of Islamic Studies and director of the Macdonald Center for Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at Hartford Seminary in Hartford, CT.

Dr. Mattson is the author of 'The Story of the Qur’an: Its History and Place in Muslim Societies' and has written articles exploring the relationship between Islamic law and society, as well as gender and leadership issues in contemporary Muslim communities. In 2006, Dr Mattson was elected President of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA).

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Godspeed - 07/25/10

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WAMPANOAG / WABANAKI SPIRITUALITY. In this program we journey into Native American spirituality and life, from the perspective of gkisedtanamoogk -- a member and Bundle Keeper of the Wampanoag Nation, and a practitioner as well as teacher of Wampanoag / Wabanaki Spirituality.

Gkisedtanamoogk (pronounced kis-eh-tah-nah-moogk) received his BA in Political Science from Boston University. In 1977 he received his Paralegal Certificate from the University of Oklahoma Law School, with a Concentration on Indian Law.

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Godspeed - 07/18/10

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THE MAGIC of WICCA. In this program, Carole Hallundbaek talks with Phyllis Curott -- attorney, Wiccan priestess, and author of the best-selling memoir "Book of Shadows: A Modern Woman's Journey into the Wisdom of Witchcraft and the Magic of the Goddess," and also the book "Witch Crafting: A Spiritual Guide to Making Magic."

Curott is a trustee of the Parliament of World Religions and is the Wiccan representative to the Harvard University Religious Pluralism Project's Consultation on Religious Discrimination and Accommodation.

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Godspeed - 07/11/10

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JUDAISM. In the program, host Michael Hallundbaek welcomes one of the great scholars and teachers of Judaism and Jewish prayer of our time, Rabbi and Professor Reuven Kimelman. Rabbi Kimelman is a professor of Classical Judaica at Brandeis University. Previously, he was the Joseph Shier Distinguished Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Toronto, and Five College Professor of Judaic Studies at Amherst College. He has also taught at Mt. Holyoke, Smith, Trinity and Williams Colleges as well as the Jewish Seminary of America, Yeshiva University, and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

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Godspeed - 06/27/10

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HINDUISM. On this program we continue our journey into Hinduism, as Carole Hallundbaek talks with Dr. Vasudha Narayanan, Distinguished Professor, Department of Religion, at the University of Florida, and a past President of the American Academy of Religion.

Dr. Narayanan was educated at the Universities of Madras and Bombay in India, and at Harvard University. Her fields of interest are the Sri Vaishnava tradition; Hindu traditions in India, Cambodia, and America; visual and expressive cultures in the study of the Hindu traditions; and gender issue, and more. She is currently working on Hindu temples and traditions in Cambodia.

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