A Show of Faith

Can loyalty exist without trust, or is it merely fear disguised as allegiance? Join us as we unravel this complex web with Professor David Capes, Rudy Kong, and Father Mario Arroyo. We explore how loyalty can take on different forms, sometimes dangerously veering into blind allegiance, reminiscent of historical regimes. From political landscapes to personal relationships, we question the true natu...

Is it possible to find common ground in a world marked by division? Join us for a compelling discussion with special guest Dr. Max Bonilla from the University of St. Thomas. We kick off our conversation with the classic Buffalo Springfield song "For What It's Worth," setting a reflective tone as we examine our current social climate. Our diverse panel navigates the intricate interse...

Father Mario steps into the hosting seat for a lively and thought-provoking discussion with esteemed guests David Capes and Rudy Kong, who join us all the way from Guatemala. Together, we navigate the intricate dance between faith and politics, exploring how personal beliefs can shape civic duties.  Our dialogue dives deep into the complex voting world, especially when the candidates align with po...

What if the relentless pursuit of happiness has us looking in all the wrong places? Join us on a journey to uncover the deeper roots of fulfillment, guided by insights from our special guest, Natalia, a seasoned psychologist with a knack for unraveling the complexities of the human psyche. Together we challenge the modern-day obsession with material gain and immediate gratification, exploring whet...

Have you ever wondered why certain prayers or phrases seem to stick with us, resonating deeply across generations? Join us for this episode of A Show of Faith, where our diverse panel—Professor David Capes, Father Mario Arroyo, millennial Rudy Kong, and Rabbi Stuart Federow—unpacks the complex interplay between tradition and evolution in religious practices. We kick things off with some light-hear...

What if theological reflection could radically transform our understanding of human nature? Join us for an engaging conversation that promises to challenge contemporary views with the rich insights of traditional Christian and Jewish beliefs. Featuring a dynamic panel of guests, including Fr. Mario Arroyo, Professor David Capes, Rudy Kong, and Rabbi Stuart Federow, we explore the intersection of f...

Standing in the very rooms where history was crafted at Independence Hall, an undeniable sense of connection to the past washes over you. This episode takes you on a journey through time, reflecting on awe-inspiring visits to places like the Vatican and Israel. Amidst these reflections, we also address the current and concerning trajectory of a hurricane heading toward Tampa, sending our thoughts...

Join us in our latest episode of "A Show of Faith." Given the Popes recent comments, Rudy kicks off with a reflection on how media can sometimes distort our perceptions, setting the scene for a rich exploration of prayer across different belief systems. Rabbi Stuart Federow joins us, providing a clear distinction between meditation and prayer, and prompting us to consider whether everyon...

What makes us human? Is it our DNA, our capacity to think, or something more ethereal like a soul? In this episode of A Show of Faith, we tackle these profound questions and more. We kick things off by comparing human and primate bone structures, diving deep into the complexities of human communication, and debating the concept of humans as "thinking meat." We scrutinize the boundaries b...

How can education transcend job preparation and become a force for moral formation and societal unity? Join us as we explore this profound question diving into the intersection of education and faith. Drawing insights from Margarita Mooney Clayton's article, we reflect on the current state of education at all levels and consider its impact on marginalized communities. We embark on an enlighte...

Can human freedom and morality coexist with the principles of Darwinism? Join us as we embark on a thought-provoking journey with a distinguished panel, including Professor David Capes, Father Mario Arroyo, Rudy Kong, and Rabbi Stuart Federow.  We kick off by examining Charles Darwin's ideas on survival and reproduction, and their profound impact on human behavior. Through a Judeo-Christian l...

We journey through history, starting with the Reformation and King Henry VIII's bold move in establishing the Church of England. Fast forward to the founding fathers' efforts to avoid a state-mandated religion, and you'll see that our conversation aims to clarify some common misconceptions.  While the state should remain neutral, we explore how religious values still play a signific...

Ever wondered how food ties into faith across different religions? Join us as we illuminate the sacred connections between food and spirituality. From the Eucharist to fasting, and the significance of prayers before meals, this episode uncovers the profound ways food serves as a bridge to our faith and to God. We promise you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the spiritual dimensions of eating...

Join us on a journey through the labyrinth of ideology and reality as we dissect the paradoxes shaping today's cultural and societal landscape. We kick things off by unraveling the concept of heresy—those partial insights that lead us astray with their beguiling simplicity. Delving into this, we reflect on the complexities of fostering meaningful dialogue between different belief systems, esp...

Can tolerance truly exist without celebrating differences? Join us as we navigate the intricate balance between tolerance, justice, and the fine line where acceptance meets moral disapproval. Listen in as Rudy offers a profound definition of tolerance, emphasizing its necessity for societal harmony. We discuss the importance of respecting individual integrity, even when faced with perspectives we...

Can earthly pleasures and awe-inspiring moments offer us glimpses of heaven? Join us on A Show of Faith as we navigate the profound and curious worlds of the afterlife across different faith traditions. First, we discuss "Exploring the Afterlife in Faith," which delves into texts from Ecclesiastes and the Talmud, pondering whether the beauty of a sunset or the mysteries of space might hi...

What happens when a sacred image is turned into a provocative spectacle? This week on "A Show of Faith," Father Mario Arroyo, Rabbi Stewart Federow, and Rudy Kong dive headfirst into the uproar surrounding the Paris Olympics' opening ceremony. A controversial parody of Leonardo Da Vinci's "The Last Supper," featuring drag queens, transvestites, and a naked Dionysus, h...

Can pride be both a virtue and a vice? Join us as we tackle this complex question head-on, we dive deeply into the multifaceted nature of pride, exploring its presence in contexts ranging from work ethic to divine morality. What does it mean to take genuine pride in one’s work? Rudy Kong enlightens us on the virtues of a strong work ethic and the profound satisfaction that comes from a job well do...

We are thrilled to have Father Mario, who is about to retire after 26 years of dedicated service, join us in this episode. He brings a wealth of knowledge about the distinctions between mortal and venial sins in Catholic theology, providing a deeper context for understanding sloth. Together, we explore how modern addictions like video games and social media can serve as avoidance mechanisms, makin...

How does fear transform into anger, and what does that reveal about our inner emotional landscape?  We takea you on an illuminating journey as we dissect the emotion of anger. Inspired by a quote from "The Outlaw Josey Wales," our discussion begins by exploring anger as a fear response, touching on real-life scenarios like a parent's frantic search for a lost child. We also consider...

Are you navigating the intricate dance between spirituality and religion? We've assembled an eclectic panel featuring a professor, a priest, a millennial, and a Rabbi, all passionate about theology, to dissect this modern-day problem. Together, we'll untangle the threads of what it means to be spiritual or religious, where individual quests for meaning often intersect with the communal t...

Have you ever pondered the complexities of faith and its profound impact on our connections? We'll unwind the emotional fabric of past loves and current bonds, all while chuckling over clergy retirement home pet policies and singing a morbidly amusing birthday jingle for Marcy. It's a heartwarming mix of reflections on life's rollercoaster and the delightful milestones we cherish. N...

Uncover the threads that weave the fabric of our society as we dissect the five foundational pillars shaping our world. Join Father Mario Arroyo, Rabbi Stuart Federow, Dr. David Capes, and Rudy Kong in a riveting conversation that promises to challenge your perspective on respect, family dynamics, and the very framework of education and law. Together, we confront the erosion of these societal corn...

Congratulations pour in for Rudy, our millennial voice, as he steps into the exciting new chapter, sparking a rich discussion about the intersections of love, culture, and the importance of family in the journey to matrimony. But our conversation doesn't stop at the altar; we wade through the deeper waters of how money, religion, and ethics intertwine in our daily lives.  Prepare to have your...

Ever pondered the enigmas of existence, the hereafter, and everything in between—with a dash of humor to keep things lively? That's precisely what we're serving up in our latest episode as we traverse the landscape of spirituality and philosophy. Our roundtable features Father Mario Arroyo, Rudy Kong, Rabbi Stuart Federow, and Dr. David Capes.  We harmonize wit and wisdom to dissect life...