Religion: We are better than this
My great-grandfather was a bishop in a small Christian denomination who got his start preaching on street corners. Crowds gathered to hear his message of God’s love. Eventually he founded a church in Dayton, Ohio’s poorest district, leading standing-room-only services. I admire my great-grandfather,...
Religion: The American culture of kindness
A few weeks ago, my family and I joined the Fourth of July celebration organized by the Freedom Fest organization. As we enjoyed the parade and the beautiful weather, we met many community members and friends, all sharing in this beautiful, nearly 150-year-old Morgan...
Religion: Summer and creation
Summer is my favorite season. Everything feels rich and lush. The days are long and the sunshine warms my soul. I see the beauty of so many flowers with vibrant colors. The sky seems a little bluer to me. Everywhere around me I am...
Religion: Have a healthy summer—It’s the ‘religious’ thing to do!
Aah! Summertime! Here we are, many of us stretched out in front of the television set, munching on snacks, with our iPhones stuck in one hand while playing video games with the other. Perfect, right?
Actually, we should answer no! Summer has a higher purpose!...
Religion: The gifts of life and freedom
Many years ago, I was invited to celebrate Mass with the Sisters of Charity (Saint Theresa of Calcutta’s Sisters). On the sacristy wall, there was a message for visiting priests: “Celebrate this Mass as if it will be your first Mass, your last Mass,...
Religion: Roots and branches
With Memorial Day just a few weeks ago and Independence Day right around the corner, this time of year we often think about those who have gone before us and the legacies that they left behind. We often reflect back on those who have...
Rabbi Mendel Liberow: How to create a violence-free world
In Uvalde, one person changed the world.
A single individual—whose motives remain unknown—chose to commit a heinous act, and young lives full of promise ended abruptly. Twenty-one people whose journeys were cut short. Seventeen more wounded. Families plunged into grief. All because of one evil...
Religion: Thoughts and prayers
I was in Chicago on May 24, celebrating my granddaughter’s 5th birthday. It was going to be a quick three-day trip, but I ended up staying for 12 days thanks to Covid. It was a trip I’ll never forget. Not because I came down...
Guest view: Celebrate Title IX
Many know how downtown restaurant Rosy’s at the Beach got its name, but few know about the role Title IX played in saving owner Rosy Bergin’s academic career at Santa Clara University.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the landmark civil rights federal...
Religion: Understanding fear
Our world is filled with fearful people. There are some things which we need to fear, and many things which are concocted fears, but both kinds cause us great distress. Some real fears have arisen from the Covid-19 pandemic that began for us in...