Interfaith Encounters
118 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago -Consequential conversations with leaders from different faith communities exploring how they are engaging the pressing challenges of today’s world. Dr. Robert Hunt, Director of Global Theological Education at Perkins School of Theology of Southern Methodist University, is your host for this exploration of our multi-faith world.
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Episodes
Copy of Migration: The Bible, Christians, and Migrants with Dr. Danny Carroll R.
March 26, 2024 05:00 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBDr. Carroll is half-Guatemalan and was raised bilingual and bicultural. In his youth, he spent many summers in Guatemala and later taught at El Seminario Teológico Centroamericano in Guatemala City for thirteen years. The realities of Central America sparked Dr. Carroll's fascination with the Old Testament. The relevance of the biblical text for the challenges of poverty, war, and politics in those developing countries led him to a passionate focus on Old Testament social ethics and the soci...
Copy of Migration: Islamic Views of Migration, an Ismaili Perspective with Dr. Zahra Jamal
March 19, 2024 05:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBZahra N. Jamal is Associate Director at Rice University's Boniuk Institute for Religious Tolerance, and a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Consultant. An award-winning former faculty member at Harvard and MIT, Dr. Jamal was founding director of the Civil Islam Initiative at University of Chicago, founding director of the Central Asia and International Development Initiative at Michigan State, and Associate Director at The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding’s Center for the Study of Am...
Immigration Reprise UMCOR and Immigrants and Migration with Rev. Jack Amick
March 12, 2024 05:00 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBRev. Jack Amick, Director of Global Migration, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). He directs UMCOR’s Global Migration portfolio and represents the global migration work of the General Board of Global Ministries. In his coordination of Global Migration work, Amick serves on the United Methodist Immigration Task Force, on advisory committees for Church World Service, the board of NJFON, the ACT Alliance Migration and Displacement Reference Group, and maintains relations with sever...
Immigration Reprise: The Sikh Response to Migrants and Migration with Manpreet Kaur Singh
March 05, 2024 06:00 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBA Houston native dedicated to the causes of diversity and women’s empowerment, Manpreet K. Singh is a supervising attorney that has tried over 50 cases. Currently a Chapter representative for the American Board of Trial Attorneys, she also is serving as a director and trustee with the Sikh Coalition. Recognized in 2018 & 2013 as a recipient for the Diversity First Award. And in 2011 by the Houston Young Lawyers Association, Manpreet has also been a very active member of a variety of Housto...
Immigration Reprise: Bishop Greg Kelly on Migrants and Immigrants from a Catholic Perspective
February 27, 2024 06:00 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBBishop Kelly is a native of Iowa and grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He studied for the priesthood in Holy Trinity Seminary at the University of Dallas here in Irving and was ordained to the priesthood in 1982. He served in several parishes in the Dallas area since then and has served as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas since 2016. He has lived in Irving since 2008. Bishop Kelly has been involved with: Dallas Area Interfaith Catholic Charities of Dallas The Diocesa...
Immigration Reprise: Debra Boudreaux Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation
February 20, 2024 06:00 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBDebra Boudreaux is a senior volunteer with the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation. She has more than 31 years of experience working on major projects related to charity, medical care, education, and humanitarian aid. Debra was previously the CEO of Tzu Chi Medical Foundation. She leads Buddhist and Catholic interfaith dialogues and serves as a member of the UN Multi-Faith Advisory Council. She serves as the Board Secretary for Global NGO Executive Committee within the UN DGC NGO venue. She also ser...
Immigration Reprise: Anwar Khan and Islamic Relief USA on Migrants and Immigration
February 12, 2024 17:06 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBAnwar Khan President of Islamic Relief USA. He has more than twenty five years of experience working in the field of humanitarian and development assistance. Mr. Khan has extensive experience in the field: he has traveled to five continents visiting more than 20 countries that have been affected by human conflict or natural disaster zones. Before becoming President, Anwar held a variety of leadership roles at Islamic Relief USA, directing Islamic Relief USA’s program efforts; managing its...
Immigration Reprise: Julie Raymon of the AJC
February 12, 2024 16:56 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBJulie Rayman, Senior Director of Policy and Political Affairs of the American Jewish Committee helps us understand how Jews relate through their history to migrants and immigrants, and what this means today. Since January 2012, Julie Rayman, Senior Director of Policy and Political Affairs, has served as the lead legislative advocate for AJC’s policy priorities. On behalf of AJC, she has supported the launch of congressional caucuses such as the Bipartisan Taskforce for Antisemitism, the Con...
AI: Human Authenticity in an AI World
December 02, 2023 16:20 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MBThis episode explores more deeply what it means to be authentic humans in an AI age. A video version is found at http://www.youtube.com/@InterfaithEncounters or http://interfaith-encounters.org.
AI: Consciousness, Self-Consciousness, and Algorithms
December 02, 2023 14:25 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBThis episode explores more deeply what it means for humans to think about themselves. What does it mean to be conscious? Self conscious? Can an AI be self-conscious? A video version is found at http://www.youtube.com/@InterfaithEncounters or http://interfaith-encounters.org.
AI: Being Human, Spare Parts and Immortality
December 02, 2023 14:20 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBThis episode explores more deeply what it means to think of ourselves as biological machines, and where our true humanity might lie. A video version is found at http://www.youtube.com/@InterfaithEncounters or http://interfaith-encounters.org.
AI: The Human Place in the World,Hierarchy or Complexity
December 02, 2023 14:15 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBThis episode explores more deeply how we find our human place in the complex relationships that make up our world. A video version is found at http://www.youtube.com/@InterfaithEncounters or http://interfaith-encounters.org.
AI: The Brain as a Computer
December 02, 2023 14:10 - 10 minutes - 9.75 MBThis episode explores more deeply what it means to think of our brains as computers, and how computers can be thought of as brains. But is it really that simple? A video version is found at http://www.youtube.com/@InterfaithEncounters or http://interfaith-encounters.org.
AI: Being Human, Being Intelligent
December 02, 2023 14:05 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBThis episode explores more deeply what it means to think of ourselves as intelligent, and where our true humanity might lie. A video version is found at http://www.youtube.com/@InterfaithEncounters or http://interfaith-encounters.org.
AI: Are Humans Just Biological Machines?
December 02, 2023 14:00 - 8 minutes - 8.14 MBThis episode explores more deeply what it means to think of ourselves as biological machines, and where our true humanity might lie. A video version is found at http://www.youtube.com/@InterfaithEncounters or http://interfaith-encounters.org.
AI and the Experiment Changing Humanity
December 01, 2023 17:50 - 8 minutes - 7.4 MBThis episode introduces the ways our human self understanding is taking place. A video version is found at http://www.youtube.com/@InterfaithEncounters or http://interfaith-encounters.org.
Real Humanity in an Age of Artificial Intelligence
November 15, 2023 13:23 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBIf we want to know how AI will shape the future we need to think of it less as a computer program and more like infrastructure. Having AI is more like having electricity than like having Microsoft Word. As it is integrated into every task the tasks become easier. I’ve mentioned some of these tasks. But there are many more places that AI is already embedded in daily life. It is speeding up medical diagnosis and designing treatments. It is guiding surgeons. It is balancing loads in power grids...
AI Spiritual Direction with Bruce Tallman
October 10, 2023 05:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MBThe Path to Spiritual Growth and Enlightenment In the digital age where distractions are at every turn, the journey towards spiritual growth and enlightenment has never been more crucial. Spiritual direction, a sacred practice that has its roots in ancient traditions, offers a beacon of light to those seeking inner peace, purpose, and connection. This transformative process allows individuals to delve deep into their spiritual core, guided by a seasoned spiritual director or mentor. Whether...
AI - Bruce Ledewitz and Arc of the Universe
October 03, 2023 05:00 - 37 minutes - 34 MBThe Moral Arc of the Universe: A Timeless Quest for Justice Throughout history, the concept that "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice" has resonated deeply with activists, philosophers, and change-makers across the globe. This profound statement, often associated with Martin Luther King Jr., encapsulates the ever-evolving journey of humanity towards fairness, equity, and righteousness. In today's digital era, as users turn to search engines with queries like ...
AI - Christian Ministry and Theological Education
August 15, 2023 05:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MBIn recent years, the infusion of artificial intelligence (AI) into various sectors has been transformative, and Christian ministry is no exception. Digital evangelism has been given a new edge with AI-powered chatbots, offering real-time scriptural references, answering theological questions, and providing personalized spiritual guidance. The demand for search terms such as "Christian AI chatbot," "Bible study AI tools," and "digital evangelism AI" has skyrocketed, indicating the growing int...
AI - Two Muslim students on AI and Islamic Teaching
July 25, 2023 05:00 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBArtificial Intelligence (AI), on the other hand, is a cutting-edge technology that has revolutionized various industries and aspects of human life. AI is the simulation of human intelligence in machines, enabling them to perform tasks that typically require human cognitive abilities, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. As AI continues to advance, its impact on society and religion, including Islam, has become a subject of interest and exploration. In this episode we delve...
AI - Four University Students from the Jewish Community Reflect
July 11, 2023 05:00 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBArtificial Intelligence (AI) and Judaism may seem like unlikely bedfellows at first glance, but upon closer examination, one can uncover intriguing connections and discussions. One of the fundamental questions surrounding AI and Judaism revolves around the concept of human uniqueness. Judaism places a strong emphasis on the belief that humans are created in the image of God, endowing them with a divine spark and unique qualities. With the rise of AI, some individuals have expressed concern...
AI - Three High School Students discuss AI and Faith
June 27, 2023 05:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MBRizwan Khan leads a discussion with two friends, Khosraw Azizi and Maxwell Stephen on their experience with AI. They discuss its effect on the personal lives, their social lives, their school work, and even their professional aspirations. But most of all they wonder if it will erode and even eliminate religious faith and human to human contact. They conclude, to quote Springsteen, that everyone needs a human touch.
AI - University Students on AI and their Faith
June 20, 2023 05:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBAI is influencing every aspect of life for university students, not least their religious lives. in this episode three current students discuss the impact of AI on religion - both positively and negatively. They wonder if robots can perform worship, whether bad actors will use AI to distort religion, and whether it might still offer a positive service to religious life.
AI - Dr. Angela Patterson on Gen Z in an AI World
June 06, 2023 05:05 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBDr. Angela Patterson is a media psychologist who specializes in technology’s effects on religious and spiritual development. A career communicator, Angela worked as a newspaper reporter and corporate/nonprofit communications professional for 13 years before earning her doctorate from media psychology from Fielding Graduate University. Originally from Lubbock, Texas, Angela earned degrees in journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi and Indiana University before starting her car...
Gen Z - Four Muslim Women and Reality
November 15, 2022 06:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBSarah Suleman, Afia Ansari, Mediha Siddique and Aisha Ahmend came into the Interfaith Encounters studio for a frank discussion of the issue most on their minds as young Muslim women. Their discussion ranges from the meaning of hijab, to religious identity, exclusion and inclusion, and how being in a Christian nation affects their human rights. It is an often surprising conversation that takes us from going to Muslim high school to a college lab to the way the streets of Iran affect Muslim wo...
Gen Z - Chaplain Lisa Garvin
November 08, 2022 06:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBThe Rev. Lisa Garvin joined SMU on Oct. 19, 2020 as chaplain and minister to the University, the first woman to serve in the role. SMU’s chaplain and minister to the University serves the entire SMU community, working with diverse campus religious organizations that support and nurture students in the development of faith and ethics. Building on SMU’s deep roots in the United Methodist tradition, Rev. Garvin is expanding the table of religious life at SMU and engaging the community’s rich ...
Gen Z - Nathan Pupko Ginsberg
November 01, 2022 05:00 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBNathan Pupko Ginsberg is a Junior at Southern Methodist University double Majoring in Finance and Political Science. Being born in San Diego, California, but having lived in Mexico, Canada, Israel, and the United States of America have given him the opportunity to be fully embraced in many different cultures which have led to him having an incredibly unique background and perspective on the Jewish, minority, and immigrant experiences.
Gen Z - Azeez Akande on Gen Z Reaching Gen Z
October 25, 2022 05:00 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBAzeez Akande is a student at Perkins School of Theology of Southern Methodist University. He is also an active pastor.
Gen Z Navigates Uncertainty
October 18, 2022 17:00 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBMost young people don't even know about religious institutions. Yet: 61% of young people agree "The adults in my life don't truly know how much I am struggling with my mental health." 47% of young people say they are moderately or extremely depressed. 73% of religious young people agree that their religious and spiritual practices positively impact their mental health. 66% of religious young people agree that their religious or spiritual life matters for their mental health.
Gen Z - Hannah Siegel and Being Jewish and Gen Z
October 11, 2022 05:00 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBin this episode Hannah Siegel tells us how she became more religious in college, and how she has found community among Jews even though she is far from home.
Gen Z - Josh Packard on Post Covid Trauma
October 04, 2022 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27 MBDr. Josh Packard, Executive Director of Springtide Research Institute, is an accomplished researcher with an expertise in the sociology of religion and new forms of religious expression. A talented speaker and writer,with over 10 years of teaching experience,Josh has been a guest on numerous radio shows and podcasts, and has been an invited speaker at many conferences, events, and workshops. He has been published widely in both academic and popular outlets, including Christianity Today, The ...
Gen Z - Razan Bayan and Being Muslim and Gen Z
September 27, 2022 05:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MBIn this episode Razan Bayan, a Muslim student at Southern Methodist University tell us how she discovered her religion and what it has come to mean to her. She explores the importance of having a moral code and purpose in life, as well as her aspiration that her generation be proudly themselves.
Gen Z - Josh Packard on Making Religious Connections
September 20, 2022 05:00 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBDr. Josh Packard, Executive Director of Springtide Research Institute, is an accomplished researcher with an expertise in the sociology of religion and new forms of religious expression. A talented speaker and writer,with over 10 years of teaching experience,Josh has been a guest on numerous radio shows and podcasts, and has been an invited speaker at many conferences, events, and workshops. He has been published widely in both academic and popular outlets, including Christianity Today, The ...
Religious Conflict: Dr. Muhamed Elsanousi - Director of the Network for Traditional and Religious Peacemakers
November 30, 2021 06:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBIn this riveting discussion Muhammed Elsanousi helps us understand how colonialism has built a legacy of mistrust between Muslims and Christians, and how through persistent dialogue and mutual understanding this can be overcome. Their latest research is found here: https://www.peacemakersnetwork.org/research/
Dr. Muhamed Elsanousi - Director of the Network for Traditional and Religious Peacemakers
November 30, 2021 06:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBIn this riveting discussion Muhammed Elsanousi helps us understand how colonialism has built a legacy of mistrust between Muslims and Christians, and how through persistent dialogue and mutual understanding this can be overcome. Their latest research is found here: https://www.peacemakersnetwork.org/research/
Dr. Muhamed Elsanousi - Peacemaker
November 30, 2021 06:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBThe Network of Traditional and Religious Peacemakers has a vision of a world where conflicts are managed without violence, the Network aims to improve the effectiveness of peacemaking and peacebuilding efforts by collaboratively supporting and strengthening the positive role of religious and traditional actors by increasing inclusivity of such peace processes. The long-term impact envisaged as part of the Theory of Change is, therefore, more resilient and inclusive peace processes that lead ...
Religious Conflict: Jill Temple on Classroom Conflicts
November 23, 2021 06:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBDr. Jill DeTemple is Chair of Religious Studies, Professor of Religious Studies, and, by courtesy, Professor of Anthropology. Her research focuses on religiously sponsored development in Latin America and on the uses of dialogue for teaching in higher education. She is currently working on two projects. The first is a book that examines the risks of social capital approaches to development, especially when they are based in religious and gendered identities, due to release with the Univers...
Jill Temple on Classroom Conflicts
November 23, 2021 06:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBDr. Jill DeTemple is Chair of Religious Studies, Professor of Religious Studies, and, by courtesy, Professor of Anthropology. Her research focuses on religiously sponsored development in Latin America and on the uses of dialogue for teaching in higher education. She is currently working on two projects. The first is a book that examines the risks of social capital approaches to development, especially when they are based in religious and gendered identities, due to release with the Univers...
Interfaith Encounters w/ Scott Shay
November 16, 2021 06:00 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBScott A. Shay is a leading businessman, thought leader, and author of several widely read books on profound issues facing the Jewish community. Scott is the co-founder and Chairman ofSignature Bank, well known as one of the best banks in New York for private business owners. Scott earned a BA in Economics and a Masters in Management from Northwestern University, a valuable experience due to the commitment of his professors to high academic standards and the ideals of the university’s motto....
Religious Conflict: Interfaith Encounters w/ Scott Shay
November 16, 2021 06:00 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBScott A. Shay is a leading businessman, thought leader, and author of several widely read books on profound issues facing the Jewish community. Scott is the co-founder and Chairman ofSignature Bank, well known as one of the best banks in New York for private business owners. Scott earned a BA in Economics and a Masters in Management from Northwestern University, a valuable experience due to the commitment of his professors to high academic standards and the ideals of the university’s motto....
Dr. Ruben Habito, Professor of World Religions and Spirituality
November 09, 2021 06:00 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBRuben Habito is the founding teacher of MKZC Ruben began Zen practice under Yamada Koun in Kamakura, Japan in 1971 when he was a Jesuit seminarian in Japan. He came to Dallas in 1989, and is now married with two grown sons. He is a faculty member at SMU's Perkins School of Theology where he teaches World Religions and Spirituality, and directs the Spiritual Formation Program. https://www.smu.edu/PERKINS. Ruben Habito speaks four languages, travels widely and dialogues comfortably with peop...
Religious Conflict: Dr. Ruben Habito, Professor of World Religions and Spirituality
November 09, 2021 06:00 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBRuben Habito is the founding teacher of MKZC Ruben began Zen practice under Yamada Koun in Kamakura, Japan in 1971 when he was a Jesuit seminarian in Japan. He came to Dallas in 1989, and is now married with two grown sons. He is a faculty member at SMU's Perkins School of Theology where he teaches World Religions and Spirituality, and directs the Spiritual Formation Program. https://www.smu.edu/PERKINS. Ruben Habito speaks four languages, travels widely and dialogues comfortably with peop...
Jerry Zehr Interfaith Devotions
November 02, 2021 05:00 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MB“THERE IS A NEW CONSCIOUSNESS THAT IS DRAWING US INTO A WORLDWIDE SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY. MY DESIRE IS THAT MY WRITINGS WILL BRING ENCOURAGEMENT, THOUGHTFUL REFLECTION, AND HOPE. LET US BECOME PEACEMAKERS AND CREATE SHALOM FOR OUR WORLD.” This episode builds on peacemaking in the work place by our previous guest, Dr. Robyn Short. https://interfaith-encounters.simplecast.com/episodes/robyn-short-religious-conflict-in-the-workplace. Rev. Zehr tells us about his book of 40 interfaith devotions th...
Religious Conflict: Jerry Zehr Interfaith Devotions
November 02, 2021 05:00 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MB“THERE IS A NEW CONSCIOUSNESS THAT IS DRAWING US INTO A WORLDWIDE SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY. MY DESIRE IS THAT MY WRITINGS WILL BRING ENCOURAGEMENT, THOUGHTFUL REFLECTION, AND HOPE. LET US BECOME PEACEMAKERS AND CREATE SHALOM FOR OUR WORLD.” This episode builds on peacemaking in the work place by our previous guest, Dr. Robyn Short. https://interfaith-encounters.simplecast.com/episodes/robyn-short-religious-conflict-in-the-workplace. Rev. Zehr tells us about his book of 40 interfaith devotions th...
Religious Conflict: Robyn Short - Religious Conflict in the Workplace
October 26, 2021 05:00 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBIf you enjoyed last weeks episode https://interfaith-encounters.simplecast.com/episodes/suhag-shukla-on-religious-conflict-and-peace you'll love our interview this week with Dr. Robyn Short of the Workplace Peace Institute https://www.workplacepeaceinstitute.com/mission-vision-alignment Dr. Robyn Short is the founder and CEO of Workplace Peace Institute, a consulting and research firm that brings peace and dignity to the workplace. She works as an organization development consultant, peace-...
Robyn Short - Religious Conflict in the Workplace
October 26, 2021 05:00 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBIf you enjoyed last weeks episode https://interfaith-encounters.simplecast.com/episodes/suhag-shukla-on-religious-conflict-and-peace you'll love our interview this week with Dr. Robyn Short of the Workplace Peace Institute https://www.workplacepeaceinstitute.com/mission-vision-alignment Dr. Robyn Short is the founder and CEO of Workplace Peace Institute, a consulting and research firm that brings peace and dignity to the workplace. She works as an organization development consultant, peace-...
Suhag Shukla on Religious Conflict and Peace
October 19, 2021 05:00 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBFollowing on our interview with Rabbi Jack Bemporad, https://interfaith-encounters.simplecast.com/episodes/rabbi-jack-bemporad, Ms. Shukla offers a distinctly different, and Hindu understanding of the sources of religious conflict and how personal transformation is in many ways the key to resolving them. For more of Ms Shukla's work go to: https://www.hinduamerican.org/thats-so-hindu-podcast. This is a statement from the HAF about their work: The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is an educa...
Religious Conflict: Suhag Shukla on Religious Conflict and Peace
October 19, 2021 05:00 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBFollowing on our interview with Rabbi Jack Bemporad, https://interfaith-encounters.simplecast.com/episodes/rabbi-jack-bemporad, Ms. Shukla offers a distinctly different, and Hindu understanding of the sources of religious conflict and how personal transformation is in many ways the key to resolving them. For more of Ms Shukla's work go to: https://www.hinduamerican.org/thats-so-hindu-podcast. This is a statement from the HAF about their work: The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) is an educa...
Rabbi Jack Bemporad
October 12, 2021 07:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBRabbi Bemporad is the director of the nonprofit Center for Interreligious Understanding (CIU), which he founded in 1992. Its aim is to bring people of all religious faiths together to promote open dialogue, mutual respect, and theological understanding of the common foundations shared by the world’s religions. Rabbi Jack Bemporad began teaching at Vatican universities in 1998 and has been Director of the John Paul II Center and Professor of Interreligious Studies, both at the Pontifical Univ...