Voices of Interfaith America

Diana Eck, a professor of Comparative Religion and Indian Studies at Harvard University, leads The Pluralism Project, a research center that explores and interprets the religious dimensions of immigration; the growth of Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, and Zoroastrian communities in the United States; and the issues of religious pluralism and American civil society. Nearly 25 years after Eboo cold-cal...

Robert P. Jones, founder, and president of the religion research firm PRRI warns about the resurgence of white Christian nationalism. Robert P. Jones, president and founder of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), notes that white evangelicals now comprise 14.5% of the U.S. population, down from 25% two decades ago. He and Eboo reflect on this demographic shift's implications and what Ame...

As a record number of young people grow up with little connection to formal religion, New York Times columnist and best-selling author David Brooks reflect with Eboo on how religious narratives shape our lives and impact a generation's spiritual and moral ambitions. Guest bio : Best-selling author David Brooks is a columnist for The New York Times, a commentator on "The PBS Newshour," and a freque...

Shirley Hoogstra, president of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities , advocates for 500,000 students on 188 campuses in the United States and beyond. She talks about the diversity among evangelical Christians and why Christians are called to interfaith work: “The CCCU wants to stand for Muslims, Jains, Buddhists, Hindus, and other faiths to practice fully and flourish.” Guest Bio: A v...

Trabian Shorters, the founder of the BMe Community , challenges us to rethink the power of narrative. He advocates for asset-framing — finding solutions that begin with people’s contributions -- and warns against centering whiteness when solving social problems. “Centering somebody else in your own narrative is spiritual death,” he tells Eboo. “How do we help build upon Black people’s love to make...

Kashif Shaikh is the founder of the Pillars Fund , a Chicago-based philanthropic institution financed by Muslims to support Muslim organizations, research, and art. Shaikh speaks with Eboo about what inspired this ground-breaking fund, why he supports Muslim artists, and what impact Pillars has on projects in Hollywood, Arkansas, Brooklyn, and beyond.  Guest Bio: Kashif Shaikh is co-founder and ex...

Rev. Adam Russell Taylor is president of the Christian social justice organization Sojourners and the author of “ A More Perfect Union: A New Vision for the Beloved Community .” He and Eboo discuss how Sojourners’ voting rights work and Interfaith America’s Vote is Sacred campaign is inspiring faith communities to protect participatory democracy. “If we’re serious about following Jesus,” Taylor sa...

Laurie Patton collects stories. A scholar of Indian religions and the president of Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont, Patton looks for narratives that show people building lasting relationships with others. “I think about what stories change people’s minds,” Patton says, particularly stories about shelter, human movement and home.   Guest Bio: Dr. Laurie L. Patton is the 17th president of...

john a. powell holds the Robert D. Haas Chancellor’s Chair in Equity and Inclusion; is a Professor of Law, African American Studies, and Ethnic Studies; and leads the Othering & Belonging Institute at the University of California, Berkeley. He tells Eboo why “bridging,” building connections with others, is the crucial, hard work of our time. john a. powell (who spells his name in lowercase in the...

What does it mean to be human? How do we want to live and who will we be to each other? For Krista Tippett, the award-winning radio host and creator of the 'On Being' project, these questions animate her life’s work. Krista and Eboo discuss their shared interest in American religious diversity, where 'On Being' is headed next, and why they’re both excited about the religious “nones.” Krista Tippet...

Simran Jeet Singh is the Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Religion & Society program. He speaks with Eboo about his book,  ”The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life,” what it was like to grow up as a Sikh in Texas, and the tragedies that moved him to study his tradition and share its light with others.  Guest Bio: Dr. Simran Jeet Singh is the Executive Director of the As...

Eboo Patel, president and founder of Interfaith America, reflects on the new American religious landscape with diverse civic leaders.