Dr. Omid Safi, a professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Duke University with a focus on Sufism, shares profound insights on navigating crises through creativity. He discusses how singing and poetry serve as vital expressions of longing and connection in tumultuous times. Safi emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty and fostering genuine relationships to heal societal wounds. By viewing the universe as a beloved mystery, he advocates for cultivating sacredness and empathy amidst modern disconnection, urging listeners to find strength through emotional expression.

Exploring justice as a living force in the world, delving into the concept of balance and responsibility, reflecting on the impermanence of power, discussing the myth of Nemesis, celebrating spirituality in adversity, and seeking personal reconciliation for a better world.

In our time, some associate the word “religion” with rigid dogma and the excesses of institutions. The word “spirituality” on the other hand can seem to have little substance or form. The word “faith” can appear as a compromise of sorts, pointing to the content of religious tradition and spiritual experience. The truth is, all of these words are vague in the abstract. They gain meaning in the context of human experience. In this show, we’ll explore the connotations of the word “faith” in four traditions and lives: Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We’ll speak with Sharon Salzberg, Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, Anne Lamott, and Omid Safi.