There are many religions, and varied denominations within one religion in our world. This program explored three of them; Buddhism, Christian Science and Jainism. As always we heard directly from the followers of these faith communities and learned of their beliefs, their traditions and their rituals.
Food, Faith & Culture
Aired 2012-13. Food travels across our oceans, nations and cultures. Within our world religions food is sometimes a part of family’s religious rituals, celebrations and central to varied cultural events. Food may have meaning within the content of a recipe, or within the presentation. In some settings, food goes beyond being about taste and, and it becomes spiritual and expresses a part of the sacred.
HIV & AIDS: Awareness and Compassion
Aired 2012-13. Since AIDS appeared on the world’s health scene some decades ago various religions have been in the forefront of understanding and assisting those afflicted. We visited a few programs working to help those with AIDS to live life fully and to be respected, revealing some of the challenges this malady imposes on individuals and families. Read more about the program from the United Methodist Church
ONE CHRISTMAS STORY: People Rich in Spirit
Aired 2012-13. “One Christmas Story” Celebrates the Power of HopeProduced by Odyssey Networks
Like so many of America’s once bustling industrial centers, Reading, PA, has been on a downward spiral for decades. The city has lost factories, jobs and population. The latest economic recession amplified its burdens. Something that Reading has never lost, however, is hope—hope and an abiding belief in the power of community. ONE CHRISTMAS STORY: People Rich in Spirit, a production from Odyssey Networks, took viewers to the heart of this small American city for a celebration that reflects the true meaning of the holiday season—hope and caring. CBS aired the one-hour program, without commercials, on Christmas Eve.
What They Believe: Hindus, Zoroastrians, Bahais
Aired 2012-13. Our country is a nation of people from every continent and culture on earth. As immigrants, we brought with us both our customs and our religions. This broadcast visited with some of our lesser known faith communities - Hindu, Baha'i and Zoroastrians among them - that make up part of America’s varied cultures and our varied faith traditions.
Working for Religious Freedom
Aired 2012-13. Over the centuries, American citizens, formed by religion, have fought to construct a democracy respecting all religions. The law-makers sought to maintain a respect for religious freedom, allowing the free practice of our varied faiths. Today, as in the past, groups are formed to rectify perceived infringements of religious freedom. We visited with some groups, and listened to their issues.