In Good Faith

Dr. Laurie L. Patton, President of Middlebury College, talks about why interfaith relations even matter and perhaps more importantly, HOW they can work. She's a poet and writer with a warm, personal style you'll enjoy as she recounts her journey from Unitarianism to learning Sanskrit and going on pilgrimage in India, to finding her home in Judaism. (First aired Sunday, March 29, 2020) Dr. Laurie Patton

Jamie Smith is a thinker, but that doesn’t mean he’s not willing to accept things he doesn’t completely understand. Especially when a personal conversion experience tells him there is a God who is willing to be present with us. In this interview you’ll wrestle a bit with faith and reason, about the way community can be an anchor, and choose the three pieces of art you’d take to your monastery room forever… Dr. James K. A. Smith is from Calvin University. (Special thanks to the Wheatley Institution for arranging this interview. Find them at http://wheatley.byu.edu) (Originally broadcast February 5, 2020) Dr. James K. A. Smith

Dr. Ravi Gupta, a scholar of Hinduism and holder of The Charles Redd Chair of Religious Studies at USU, talks about Vaishnava Hinduism and many questions of faith; Does becoming a scholar of your faith rob you of the joy of simply believing and practicing? Is holy writ to be taken as literal or symbolic--or does it even matter as long as it is "true"? In this interview he shares a favorite verse of the Bhagavata Purana (which he has translated into English and published) in Sanskrit, and shares why it's important to him. Questions of family, parenthood, arranged marriage, and eco-theology come up as well. Enjoy this time with a devoted practitioner and scholar who shares his faith and stories with warmth and thoughtfulness. Dr. Gupta is currently a visiting scholar at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship at Brigham Young University.

Clare Stober from Fox Hill, a Bruderhof near Walden, NY, shares her journey from the world of business, to a life in Christian community. Yes, it is possible to create a society where there are no rich or poor, where children and elderly are welcome, where no one lives in isolation. In the new book, "Another Life Is Possible," you'll meet 100 individuals from diverse backgrounds who ventured everything to build a life together where everyone belongs and each can contribute--pooling their income, possessions, talents, and energy. Clare is the editor of the book and talks about how the Bruderhof communities have lasted 100 years, this year, and celebrates what is possible when people take a leap of faith. You'll be inspired to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future. Click for information on "Another Life Is Possible," and to read the stories and see the photographs.

Henry Bakarr, from Sierra Leone. Henry talks about finding a personal relationship with God in college, how his family survived the civil war in Sierra Leone, and why he always trusts God, even during the "exams" or trials we experience. Sierra Leone

Harry Kraemer Jr., former Chairman and CEO of Baxter International and academic from the Kellogg School of Management, delves into the vital balance of faith and life purpose. He emphasizes the importance of mastering one’s 168 hours weekly to align time with personal values. Kraemer explores how spirituality enriches leadership, advocating for reflection and inclusivity. He candidly shares his personal faith journey, highlighting the role of community and self-reflection in finding fulfillment amidst societal expectations.

Dr. Catherine Taylor has long enjoyed exploring the histories and lives of women in scripture texts, but she's also discovered a way to read between the lines and fill in some of the blanks in their stories, using the material culture of ancient & Medieval times--paintings, mosaics, tapestries, and everyday household objects. Together they give us an amazing larger view. This week as we enter the Christmas season, we turn to Dr. Taylor's research on The Annunciation to Mary. I know you'll enjoy having your understanding expanded by this ardent disciple/scholar. (originally aired December 1, 2019) Dr. Catherine Gines Taylor

British-born Geraldine Buckley is known nationally and even internationally as a professional storyteller who is quite open about her faith in her stories, including her tales of being the Chaplain in the largest men's prison in Maryland. In this interview she talks about how the Lord can make his desires become our own, how she's kept track of the ways God has come through on his promises, and about her own Damascus Road experience. First aired Sunday, September 15, 2019 (Pictured, Geraldine Buckley performing in Studio 6 at BYU Radio) See her poem for the prisoners below. Geraldine Buckley, Storyteller Do Not Think by Geraldine Buckley Do not think I have forgotten you, though you dwell in this desolate place Though cold and gloom encircle you and despair has pushed out grace The plans I have for you hold true, though all around has changed. Though your hopes and dreams are smashed, destroyed, your future rearranged. For there is destiny upon your life, I have not changed my mind. Your name is scribed upon my palm. You will not be left behind. My training grounds are mine to choose, this one's austere, no light. but from this stark, dank valley you'll arise to fight my fight. I have called you to the nations, my plans are still in place This darkness will turn into dawn. Let me hold you. Seek my face.

From her first experience of healing through prayer at age 12, Michelle Nanouche has felt called to help others heal, emotionally and spiritually as well as physically; first as a Christian Science nurse, then as a lecturer and teacher on the Christian Science Board. She talks about forgiveness and releasing anger, how she came to see herself as God sees her, and how the Lord's Prayer can be a model for our own prayers. (First aired Sunday, November 3, 2019)  Michelle Nanouche, CSB

New York Times no. 1 best-selling author Reza Aslan, a Sufi Muslim, talks about his journey of faith to Christianity and back again, and how we tend to create God in our own image instead of the other way around. I think any believer will enjoy this discussion with an author who has done a lot of thinking and research world-wide on the subject of faith in God. Is faith different from religion? And are we hard-wired to believe? (We're grateful to Lindsay Hansen Park and the Sunstone Foundation for allowing this interview with Reza Aslan while he was in town as their featured speaker at the 2019 Sunstone Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Thanks also to the Smith-Petit Foundation for a grant which sponsored his opening address for the conference. Click here to find Sunstone online. Click Here for a link to audio of Reza's address "God: a Human History" at the Sunstone Conference.) Dr. Reza Aslan