Religion Redux: The Top Stories of 2008
- play show:
Date: 26 December 2008
A Year in Religion Reporting
2008 was a big year for religion news. Pope Benedict XVI visited the United States, the Democrats “got religion,” gay couples in California won – then lost – the right to marry. And who could forget Rev. Jeremiah Wright, president-elect Barack Obama’s former pastor?
Two religion journalists reflect back on a year of religion news, and give us a forecast for 2009.
Kevin Eckstrom, Editor of Religion News Service
Barbara Bradley Hagerty, Religion Correspondent for National Public Radio
Why Forgive?
Begins at 22:48
Today we explore one of the most challenging of all religious teachings: forgiveness. We begin with the story of psychologist Everett Worthington, who chose to forgive his mother’s murderer.
We also hear from Martin Doblmeier, director of a PBS documentary called The Power of Forgiveness, and Kenneth Briggs, author of a companion book by the same name.
Dr. Everett Worthington, Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University
Martin Doblmeier, director of The Power of Forgiveness
Kenneth Briggs, former religion editor for the New York Times, author of The Power of Forgiveness
From the Front Lines of Non-Belief
Begins at 43:01
Master Sargeant Kathleen Johnson is the founder of a support network for soldiers who don’t believe in God. She explains why there are, in fact, atheists in foxholes.
Master Sgt. Kathleen Johnson, founder of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers
Hug an Evangelical
Begins at 49:09
Nicholas Kristof wonders why tolerance-preaching liberals seem to have a blind spot about Christian evangelicals.
Nicholas Kristof, columnist for the New York Times
This Week's Interfaith Calendar
Dec. 29 - Al-Hijira (Muslim)
On this Muslim New Year, Muslims celebrate and remember the Prophet Mohammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. There, he started the first Islamic state.
Jan. 1 - Oshogatsu (Shinto)
The Japanese New Year is one of Japan's biggest festivals. People celebrate by visiting shrines and sending each other New Years' postcards.
