Launching ‘Recess’ and Remembering Marcus Borg
- ‘REDISCOVERING PLAY & PURPOSE’—We report on the remarkable launch campaign for Laurie Haller’s new book, Recess, which is bringing together crowds of readers to welcome this inspiring book—and, at the same time, to help poor families.
- REMEMBERING MARCUS—Editor David Crumm writes a personal reflection on the death of America’s sometimes beloved (and sometimes controversial) Bible scholar, Marcus Borg.
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INTERFAITH PEACEMAKERS
INSPIRE YOURSELF—The front page of Daniel Buttry’s Interfaith Peacemakers hosts more than 150 inspiring profiles of men, women and some children who risked making peace in our troubled world. This week’s new stories …
- ADEL IMAM & OMAR SHARIF—Actors as peacemakers? Absolutely!
- BRUCE FEILER—This traveler, teacher, author and TV host has invited millions to learn more about the Middle East.
- DAVID ROSEN—One of the world’s most famous rabbis and interfaith activists.
OUR VALUES
IF POLLS RULED—We all know that American political parties are deeply divided. But are we, as Americans, so polarized? This week, OurValues creator Dr. Wayne Baker looks at national polling on 10 pressing issues.
- PART 1—Looking at 2 economic issues, should public opinion decide policy?
- PART 2—What do Americans think about foreign policy—on use of force against ISIL and on opening doors to Cuba?
- PART 3—Would we continue to have freaky storms like Juno?
- PART 4—Guantanamo forever?
- PART 5—Would Congress finally cooperate?
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WE ARE CAREGIVERS
WE’RE BACK!—Our popular series of columns to help America’s 65 million caregivers took a break, and now returns this week with a guest column by Wayne Baker about some very practical ideas—not to mention fun ideas—to help brighten the day of the caregiver in your life.
- GOD-SIGNS—Suzy Farbman, author of GodSigns, also dedicates her column this week to acts of kindness—and the remarkable story of caregiver Debbie Barton who … Well, just read this story and you’ll smile.
- DEBRA DARVICK—If you are a caregiver in a deeply troubling situation, we urge you to read Debra Darvick’s heart-felt column “A Year of Kaddish Draws to a Close.” So many family caregivers are likely to see themselves in Debra’s journey.
HOLIDAYS
and FESTIVALS
ALL THE HOLIDAYS—Remember our master calendar, www.InterfaithHolidays.com, as you’re exploring events and milestones in coming months. This week, you’ll enjoy ..
- VASANT PANCHAMI—In India, this colorful festival that honors learning is also a herald of spring as Indians look ahead to the March celebration of Holi.
- THE WORLD REMEMBERS—January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, 70 years after the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp.
- FEAST OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS—Catholics worldwide recall the great Doctor of the Church who argued that reason and faith should go hand in hand.
- FOUR CHAPLAINS SUNDAY—Prepare now if you want to recall on February 1 the heroic sacrifice of Protestant, Catholic and Jewish clergy in the sinking of a World War II ship.
Faith, Film, Food
and Popular Culture
VISUAL PARABLES—Faith and film writer Edward McNulty recommends three movies this week: 2 for the whole family and 1 not for families. McNulty’s reviews are at Visual Parables.
- PADDINGTON—Ed gives 5 out of 5 stars to this charming adaptation of Michael Bond’s children’s books.
- NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM—Ed gives this one only 3.5 stars because it’s so silly. But, silliness can be fun!
- TOP FIVE—Don’t take kids to go see this Chris rock dramatic-comedy, but Ed says it’s a thought-provoking movie and gives it 3.5 stars.
FAITH GOES POP—This thoughtful column by Ken Chitwood could be listed with the Interfaith Peacemaker stories, above, for its focus on looking beyond the world’s horrors—to the men, women and children touched by global conflict. Please, take time to read Ken’s fresh reflections on the classic film, The Mission.
- GET INVOLVED—FaithGoesPop echoes across the Internet. You can follow Ken on Twitter @KChitwood and, if you’re discussing these columns, add the hashtag #FaithGoesPop
- HOW ‘EDISON’ CHANGED OUR WORLD—In this review, David Crumm explains why you shouldn’t miss PBS’s two-hour film about the many ways Thomas Edison transformed civilization.
- BULLYING IS NO LAUGHING MATTER—Our anti-bullying comics section features one of America’s most unusual comic heroes: Rabbi Harvey of the Wild West.
- DOING GOOD IN THE WORLD—That’s a major goal of our ReadTheSpirit publishing house and this week we want to call attention to our author David P. Gushee, will be discussing his new book Changing Our Mind at the annual pastor’s gathering for Evangelical Covenant Church Pastors in Denver, Colorado Thursday, January 29. The event title, Mission Friends 4 Inclusion is for pastors who are interested in a more inclusive future for their Church.
FEED THE SPIRIT—Week after week, our food columnist Bobbie Lewis brings readers fascinating stories about the way we eat and, in the process, the ways we connect with family, community and tradition.
- IN SEARCH OF … This week, Bobbie introduces guest writer Avery Robinson who tells about searching for potato kugel. You think you know what kugel is? Nah! Not after you’ve read Avery’s story.
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