Speaking Out In the Tradition of the Prophets
- play show:
Date: 6 December 2007
The Dean of Religious Lobbyists on Capitol Hill
“To many observers of American politics,” says political scientist Dan Hofrenning, “lobbying is tawdry bargaining that clashes with the principles of faith.”
Don’t tell that to Rabbi David Saperstein. The rabbi-turned-lobbyist says his quest for global justice and equality isn’t about scattering money under the table. It’s about living out the tradition of the prophets: speaking the truth to power and acting as a “conscience goad” for the nation.
Join us as we sit down with Rabbi Saperstein, a man who has became widely known as Washington’s most effective religious lobbyist.
Rabbi David Saperstein, Executive Director, Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism
For the Country’s Poorest, a Welcome Hand
Starts at 26:51
With nearly one fifth of their population below the poverty line, Alabama has long ranked among the country’s poorest states. But a coalition of faith and civic groups—based in the home of the civil rights movement—is working to change that. They call themselves Alabama Arise.Educating in church basements and advocating in the state legislature, the group fights to improve the lives of Alabama’s poor.
Kimble Forrister, State Director of Alabama Arise, ordained minister in the Church of Christ, member of Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Montgomery, AL
Commentary: Finding God on the Metro
Starts at 36:31
A rush of wind on an escalator, the crush and clatter of commuters – all these can be catalysts for discovering God. Commentator William Blazek explains how one ordinary day on mass transit became an occasion to reflect on his faith.Dr. William Blazek, SJ, a Jesuit from the Georgetown University School of Medicine
Hand-Cranked Evangelism
Starts at 41:36
Imagine that a foreigner is trying to convince you to convert to Christianity – by playing you a Bible passage on a scratchy, portable record player. How would you respond?This is the “cutting edge” technology favored by Christian missionaries at the Global Recordings Network. The group uses low-tech audio devices to reach what it calls “the Tailenders”—the last people on earth to hear the Christian gospel.
Join us as assistant producer Katie Jones considers why these ingenious machines may be more intriguing than the message itself.
