Christmas is a few days away and colorful lights, inflatable reindeer, extended shopping hours and caroling bands of high school students remind us that it’s a special time. Gallup statistics say more than 90 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas. That’s interesting, because Pew research …

’Tis the season to be Jolly — except many of us aren’t. The holiday season is also a time of loss and grief. We miss those who won’t be joining us for festivities, those who have passed away and those who have moved away. Those we’ve separated from or divorced.

With Turkey Day behind us, we enter the final month of 2021. What an interesting year it’s been — and may I emphasize the word “interesting” in a tone of voice that implies I really don’t want to do that again!

As a parent or a grandparent, one can’t help but be concerned about the world awaiting our children. We’ve all given some head space to the impact of climate change and it’s a topic our children can’t escape — on the news, in our schools and in community discussions. If I were a child, I’d b…

Halloween is Sunday and our streets will be filled with little ghosts and goblins looking for treats. Ancient spiritual traditions teach that “the veils are thin” now, which basically means it’s easier for those who have passed away to return to the land of the living for a visit.

Here we are in the month of October and theaters are predictably promoting titles like Candyman and Halloween Kills. I’ve never been able to watch scary movies. I spend the whole time with my eyes closed and my ears covered — but my kids and grandkids love them!

Can you feel it? The weather is still warm — warmer than usual, actually — but fall is near. Pumpkin spice, Halloween decorations on grocery store shelves, and the occasional red leaf peeking out from under the green all serve to alert us to the changing season. Nights are cooler and the hus…

At eighteen I was raped by a roommate’s boyfriend who broke into our home when I was alone. Nine weeks later, after avoiding thinking about it because it was too awful, I found out I was pregnant.

As universities welcome students to a new academic year, the question of pandemic-related trauma and its impact is rising to the surface. Last year’s classes were largely online, which means many students are now experiencing their first year on campus. It will take a little time to see how …

‘In the kingdom of love there is no competition; there is no possessiveness or control. The more love you give away, the more love you will have.” These words, by poet John O’Donohue, have guided me for several decades. This simple sentiment is a whole sermon in two sentences.

In the western world, there exists an over-arching reference to the Holy as “He.” Jesus, Muhammad, the Buddha — so many male expressions. Few can quickly name three female faces of the Holy. Mother Mary comes to mind — and then who?

We’re in that lull between the Fourth of July and Labor Day, summertime holidays that focus our attention on “liberty and justice for all,” as the Pledge of Allegiance says. But while we deck our streets and store fronts in red, white and blue, we’ve become too well informed to believe our c…

How do we balance the needs of one against the needs of the whole? This question keeps surfacing in conversations about everything from gymnastics to vaccines.

In 2021, over 3 billion people use social media. The average American is on social media 2.4 hours each day. That’s 876 hours or 5.2 weeks a year. I don’t know about you, but doing the math shocked me! That’s more than twice the time most of us take for vacation each year.

In a country where recent statistics show three out of five of us are suffering from loneliness, I’ve seen one thing consistently lift people up — and no, it’s not prayer — it’s service. Somehow, when we do something for someone else, we’re infused with hope that we, as individuals, can make…

I remember when author and Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong said he would no longer debate the issue of homosexuality with right-wing Christians. “I will no longer dignify by listening to the thoughts of those who advocate ‘reparative therapy,’” he said. That was in 2009. “Certainly, the w…

According to Gallup analytics, American membership in houses of worship declined in 2020, dropping below 50 percent for the first time in its eight-decade study of the trend. Only 47 percent of Americans said they belonged to a church, synagogue or mosque, down from 50 percent in 2018 and 70…

Did you ever meet someone you just knew was going to change your life? Rev. Dr. Nori Rost leaves lots of people feeling like that. Nori is one of the most deep-hearted and dedicated people I know. As a spiritual educator, she shares my enthusiasm for interfaith study and conversation, and sh…

Since Jan. 6, the term “Christian nationalism” has been heard more often. My understanding is that the term reflects a belief that America is defined by Christianity and therefore Christianity deserves privileged consideration. When the Capitol was stormed that day, Bibles and crosses were i…

Since the pandemic began, children have had limited access to friends, teachers, social workers and the safe space school provides. Many important activities and events have been canceled and children have suffered the loss of interacting with grandparents and older family members.

I woke up to another shooting headline today. Something is terribly wrong. I don’t dare numb out the horror of what is happening in our country, and yet, it’s so horrible that if I allow myself to dwell too much on it, I’m paralyzed by heartbreak and fear. The reality is that people of all a…

Question: As we move past Easter and Christians around the world complete the celebration of the Resurrection, what does your faith tradition teach about death and the afterlife? 

Question: Many societies around the world deeply value freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and the ability to criticize ideas openly. Should this include the critique of religions and faiths?

Question: Pope Francis has said that domestic violence offenders should be forgiven. Do you think he’s right?

Question: Is polytheism a valid religious choice?

Question: Has humanity outgrown faith-based institutions?

Question: Should governments be able to create laws that prevent people of a particular faith from entering their borders? 

Question: Since many religions actively receive donations and are worth hundreds of millions of dollars, why are we giving them a tax break?

Question:  In the “Month of Love,” what is your best advice for strengthening a relationship?

Question: President Joe Biden is only the second Catholic president. Should world leaders mix their political stance with religion?

Question: Children should be taught a comprehensive and detailed overview of all major religions at school. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

As we celebrate the inauguration of a new president, what is your prayer for the political world?

Do religions encourage gender equality?

The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance uses the phrase “one nation under God.” Should this phrase be removed?

My daughter just got involved in a very controlling religious community. What defines something as a cult, occult or a community of faith?

What does “contemplative practice” mean to you, and what value do you see in forms of it?

Climate change is happening. Widespread famine is inevitable when freakish storms, heat waves and rising sea levels destroy crops. I’m wondering why some religions are ignoring this very obvious and undeniable global crisis. Is there an explanation?

How do you prepare yourself spiritually for your own death?

What are you most thankful for?

If religious faith amounts to “certainty,” is there no room for reasonable doubt in religious life?