Common Threads: An Interfaith Dialogue

These episodes, which aired in 2007, feature an interview with co-founder of IDA Dr. Lillian Sigal. We discuss her journey to Germany where she, along with other interfaith enthusiasts, observed the various ways in which young Germans are attempting to redeem their reputation as a liberal democracy by acknowledging the grave sins of their forebears who were responsible for the heinous genocide we...

This is from 2001. I interview 2 promoters of Avatar, a for-profit org that "sells enlightenment." OK, that's a bit overblown. But if you search the internet you'll find many ex-members who tell the same sad tale of being taken for a ride by these guys. That said, I'm sure there are elements of what they teach that are of value. But I assure you that these bits of wisdom are found in multiple plac...

I know, I know, If you are wondering why I publish so many episodes that promote events that happened years ago, I get that some might consider this pretty useless. But the messages from the speakers are often timeless. I think these programs really hold up well. They were aired in 2004 as part of our Phillip Sigal Lecture series. Elias Amidon is an amazing person. He does deserve a listen. He is...

These episodes come from 2007. They contain very insightful conversations with Prof. Joe Mackall, the author of the book Plain Secrets. The audio quality is OK, which is better than some of the classics I've uploaded of recent. I think you'll enjoy this. Theme music "Nigal."

These episodes are from 2000. They feature conversations with one of the most important people in the interfaith movement in West Michigan at that time. Joel Beversluis was an international presence. His passion for multi-religious cooperation drove his life. One of the most important things we discuss is the Millennium Summit that took place earlier that year. Sadly, Joel died in 2003. And it jus...

What a find this was! I had no memory that we ever even did these shows. But so glad I found this tape. We recorded these episodes sometime in 2001. They feature conversations that I had with my dear, dear friend Madhuri Acharya. You will hear me mention that she had the herculean task of pulling off 2 weddings within a year's time. It would be daunting enough if these were Presbyterian or Baptist...

This is from 2000. It's a conversation with Rev. Julie Cowey. Please ignore all contact information, event dates, etc. When I post these oldies I like to do a little investigating to see what is current with them. I looked all over the internet, but couldn't find Julie. Also, their Michigan website is no longer. But www.nccj.org does work. Those of a certain age might remember The National Confere...

This one is probably from 1998 or 99. Can't swear. But I love hearing my old friend & colleague Mehdi Lalani discuss both the Sufi & Ismaili traditions of Islam. His knowledge & devotion are palpable. Mehdi & his family moved from Grand Rapids ages ago. I forget where. I've tried to locate him on social media, but to no avail. I do miss the guy. Theme music "Nigal."

This chestnut was just found in the vault (or box, really). It's a cassette of 2 episodes from 1999. Please ignore all the promotion I do for the upcoming event that featured our guest Bishop William Swing. Feel free to FF through as much as you need. Perhaps I should have edited all that out. Perhaps, but who ever said I was that ambitious? Anyway, Bishop Swing is a very impressive person. If you...

These 2 episodes go back to 2007, when I interviewed Nica Lalli, who wrote the book "Nothing: Something to Believe In." It's the story of a woman who makes her way from the traditions of her birth to an entirely secular life. I did enjoy this conversation. At the time we were having to deal with several of the "angry atheists" who were grabbing all the headlines. Nica doesn't crank, just shares wh...

This might be considered somewhat dated, as DaVinci Code has come & gone, but the historical elements that underlie the fiction are compelling. Our guest does a great job of putting in all together. This episode is from 2005. Go ahead, listen. What else you got going? The Republican convention? Please. Theme music "Nigal."

So why would you want to listen to a couple of episodes that we used to promote a conference we held in 2006? Well, our 2 outstanding guests are very well schooled in the subject of sacred art. I'm sure I could have had them on to engage in a robust discussion, conference or not. By the way, the conference was kind of a flop in terms of numbers. We way overcharged people to attend. But the present...

Undoubtedly, one of the most powerful conversations I've ever had. Diet (pronounced like the insect repellent) Eman was a part of the the Dutch Resistance. She made tremendous sacrifices to help rescue Jews during their reign of terror. She has been honored by the state of Israel, & led a very public life here in Grand Rapids, MI up until her final years. She died at age 99 in 2019. We became frie...

This episode aired in 1999. It featured my conversation with Elaine Wahab. She grew up Catholic, but fell in love with & married a devout Muslim man. It's an interesting listen. Some theologians in both camps might find her estimations that the 2 religions are so close in thought a bit simplistic. Others, of course, will say that it doesn't matter. It certainly has worked for them. Today they both...

What a bonus! I found this cassette that was simply marked "June 8, 1999." I popped it in, & found that it was an interview that I did with my dear brother.  What makes this ever so special is that we had just recently seen one another for the 1st time in 7 years. He had been in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Burma & Australia during that period. As you'll hear, he describes his life as a monk in a very aus...

Boy, was I ever excited with I pulled this baby out of the box. We recorded & aired this in 2007. Note the fun story I relate about my trip to India in the beginning of Part 1. Bishop Spong has been a lightning rod for the liberal wing of Christianity. He has many theological enemies, but continues to be a force. Theme music "Nigal."

This chestnut goes back to around 2000--not sure of the exact year, but sure I'm close. At that time our guest procured some lovely property on the rural outskirts of Grand Rapids in hopes of creating an intellectual/spiritual community & gathering place for the like minded to think deep thoughts together. It was called Concord Grove. A noble effort indeed. But it just wasn't the right time for th...

OK Kids, from my intro when I mention doing the show for 11 years I am guessing that this is from about 2008. I interview Janet Haag. Their mission is as follows:   FELLOWSHIP IN PRAYER encourages and supports a spiritual orientation to life, promotes the practice of prayer, meditation, and service to others, and helps bring about a deeper spirit of unity among humankind.   Their site is www.fello...

I can't quite recall when this interview was broadcast, but our guest Jerry O'Bee died in 2011. I'd suspect we chatted sometime between 2000-07. Jerry was very active in 2 organizations: Call to Action & Voice of the Faithful. Both are focused on facilitating  change in the Catholic Church. The former was created specifically to address sexual abuse within parishes.  Jerry was a sweet guy.  You ca...

Y'know, after going through all of the tapes I've pulled out of the dungeon, I'm impressed with the audio quality. So many have been, well, not great. It was a nice conversation as well. As I've been rediscovering these episodes I've Googled several of the guests to see what they are up to today. Who is alive? Who isn't? Well, James here has retired from his judgeship, but is now a practicing atto...

Believe me, I will not be insulted if you don't listen to this one. It's from 2000, & the audio fidelity is really poor. Sometimes I'm not sure why I upload these oldies. But hey, if it speaks to just a handful of people I'd be pleased. So remember: All of these dates are from 20 years ago. Don't try to buy tickets! I really doubt I need to warn you.  I'm about halfway through uploading all the ol...

In these episodes we speak with Bodhananda on a series of classes that he has developed  for people who are active in business & other worldly pursuits. Remember these discussions are almost 20 years old.  Please ignore all promotions for events.  As with many of the cassette tapes that we've been transferring to MP3,  the fidelity isn't perfect, but better than others. Theme music "Nigal."

As always, when we publish these oldies but goodies you'll notice a lack of fidelity, as they are transferred from ancient cassettes. But they are good enough for our purposes.    Enjoy. Theme music "Nigal."

Theme music "Nigal."

Theme music "Nigal."