Religion

There are lots of signs of Halloween around our communities. Ghosts, skeletons, Jack-O­ Lanterns, gravestones and the like. Americans spend more money on Halloween decorating than any other holiday except for Christmas. In the growing darkness of our daylight hours diminishing, we seem to...

If you have to leave your home quickly, what would you bring? For some of us, this is not a theoretical question. Recent floods and past fires have necessitated speedy departures for safety. Thousands of years ago, the Jews left quickly from slavery in...

In November, I attended a lovely interfaith Thanksgiving service at Congregation Emeth in Morgan Hill. It was a gathering of clergy and laity from the many faith communities in Gilroy and Morgan Hill. In addition to the hosting Jewish congregation, there were representatives from...

Spirited debates arise every time the United States has engaged in war during the 21st century. Given the reflexive positions Americans often take during those times of high emotion, one might ask: Is there a rigorous way to consider the question whether to engage...

Deep in the faith of most Americans is the belief that there is a “Just God,” regardless of which religious faith one follows.  Even those who approach this universe primarily from a scientific view, note that “how things work” points to an order that must...

Less than two weeks ago, amidst lots of food, party poppers and Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve, my family and I celebrated the new year. I’m not sure where my neighbors obtained their military grade explosives, but it was an impressive show!  Once my...

Last week, Aug. 14-18, the Parliament of the World’s Religions returned to Chicago, the birthplace of the modern interfaith movement, after 30 years away to celebrate 130 years of history. The Parliament attracted 10,000-plus religious and civic leaders from more than 200 diverse religious, indigenous...

As the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar begins, nearly two billion Muslims around the world enter a sacred season known as Ramadan. From bustling cities in the United States to villages across Africa, Asia and Europe, the rhythm of daily life shifts.  For neighbors,...

Before the Fourth of July celebrations are in the rear-view mirror, I offer a religious perspective. The United States of America's Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776 (declared in 1776, achieved in 1783, after an eight-year war), is a date we celebrate with enthusiasm...

Very little is known about the Amish Community. The term “Amish” conjures visions of people who are anti-progress, who are against technology, and who live in the 21st century like our forefathers did in the 18th century. In 2006, the world caught a glimpse...