Passing the Plate
- play show:
Date: 10 December 2008
Why Christians Don't Give Away More Money
When that big collection basket comes down the pew on Sunday morning, one in five churchgoers takes a pass. When they do put in a few bills, well, some people ask for change. So why the paltry giving? Michael Emerson says the answer is a lot more complicated than garden-variety selfishness.
Michael O. Emerson, co-author of Passing the Plate: Why American Christians Don’t Give Away More Money
Churches Feel the Pinch
Begins at 14:45
This year, churches stand to lose billions as their flocks tighten the purse strings. A new study by the Barna Group reveals how pastors are coping with the crunch.
David Kinnaman, president of the Barna Group, author of unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity
An Episcopal Split?
Begins at 22:29
Earlier this month, the long-simmering unease in the Episcopal Church came to a boil when a group of conservatives declared they were forming a rival province. If you think creating a renegade unit inside an already fractured church sounds hard, you’re right.
Frank Kirkpatrick, author of The Episcopal Church in Crisis: How Sex, the Bible, and Authority Are Dividing the Faithful
Thomas Merton, A World-Wise Monk
Begins at 33:31
As a young man, Thomas Merton transformed from a fast-living hedonist into a cloistered monk. From his quiet monastic cell in rural Kentucky, he went on to become one of the most important spiritual voices of the 20th century. This week, we explore Merton’s conversion to Catholicism, his love of Buddhism, and his untimely death 40 years ago this month.
Morgan C. Atkinson, producer of Soul Searching: The Journey of Thomas Merton
Feminism and Faith
Begins at 44:06
Meet the Feminist Spiritual Community-- a group of women in Portland, Maine who have gathered every Monday night for over 26 years to celebrate life's milestones through prayer and music. Heather Radke dropped by their worship service and brings us this audio postcard.
Produced by Heather Radke at the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies
This Week's Interfaith Calendar
Dec. 12 - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Catholic)
Catholics celebrate the day nearly 500 years ago when a
poor, indigenous man in Mexico had a vision of the Virgin Mary. As the
story goes, she appeared to him with dark skin and native dress, in a sign of solidarity with Mexico's oppressed people.
