The Paths To Understanding Podcast

Challenege 2.0 Being Woke: An Expression or Contradiction of Faith?

One faith leader has described what is called ‘wokeness’ as a pseudo-religion, another as simply being ‘vile’. Florida governor Ron DeSantis brags his state is where ‘wokeness’ goes to die. Yet other faith leaders call it an expression of authentic religious faithwith some qualifications. In this episode of Challenge 2.0, three faith leaders of Christianity, Judaism and Islam consider this controversy.

Challenge 2.0 Can Faith Unite Instead of Divide the Middle East

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The most common narrative of the current conflict in the middle east is that it pits Muslims and Jews against each other. It suggests differences in the two religions, and the expectations inherent in those faiths makes finding common ground impossible. But are differences in faith at the center of the conflict? We’ll ask three faith leaders from Christianity, Islam and Judaism for their assessment, and whether finding common ground might be possible.

Challenge 2.0 Go and Do Likewise Part Two

Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Last week, we began a conversation examining the force of White Christian Nationalism in America; how it conflicts with the essence of Christianity and the motto found on coins-‘E Pluribus Unum’-out of many, one. We continue our discussion this week with the author of the new book, “Go and Do Likewise”-and how we can counter efforts to divide Americans.

Challenge 2.0 Go and Do Likewise

White Christian Nationalism has become a potent and disruptive force in American politics. Some would argue that it has everything to do with a mix of anger and fear among white Americans, the impulse of nationalism, but very little to do with authentic Christianity. Reverend Terry Kyllo is among those. Go and Do Likewise is the title of his analysis of this toxic force in our culture. In this episode of Challenge 2.0, he explores the destructive force of White Christian Supremacy, as well as effective ways to counter it. 

Challenge 2.0 Breaking the Cycle of Violence Part Two

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In last week’s episode of Challenge 2.0, we began a conversation with an internationally recognized advocate of nonviolence and how it’s a proven path to peace and justice. This week, we explore what the practice of nonviolence is, how change within us is needed to create change around us as well as the evidence supporting the effectiveness of this strategy.

Challenge 2.0 Breaking the Cycle of Violence Part One

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Violence or the threat of violence dominates the news-whether it’s in the Middle East, the Ukraine, on American streets or in classrooms. It seems to be a never-ending cycle, with peace and justice remaining ever elusive. In this episode of Challenge 2.0, we speak with an advocate of nonviolence, who has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Activist John Dear asserts it offers a proven path to peace and justice, and is anything but passive.

Challenge 2.0 Swimming Upstream for Survival Part Two

Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org The two basins formed by the Columbia and Snake rivers were once the biggest salmon habitats in the world. But no longer. Just as the native fish population in this once famed region is struggling to survive, what are called the ‘people of the salmon’ are also facing major challenges-the Yakama, the Nez Perce, the Umatilla and the Warm Springs tribes. We continue last week’s conversation in this episode of Challenge 2.0.

Challenge 2.0 Swimming Upstream for Survival Part One

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Science has clearly implicated four dams  on the lower Snake River as bearing major responsibility for the precipitous decline of salmon in the Columbia basin. All four salmon and steel head populations in this area at risk of extinctions. The four major tribal nations living in this and the larger region of the Columbia River basin say that threatens what they call their ‘lifeway’s their culture, their diet, their religion. And it also violates specific treaty guarantees made in exchange for their land.

Challenge 2.0 What is Lost When Books are Banned

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The George Orwell novel 1984 describes an era ruled by thought police with those who evade book bans charged with ‘thought crimes’. Ironically, as book bans are increasing rapidly in the United States, the Orwellian novel is among those books most frequently challenged and banned from classrooms and school libraries. The American Library Association reports that 2022 was a record year for banning books, with more than 1200 demands to remove books from libraries and schools, and that 2023 is likely to exceed that number. It has become a form of entertainment, as some local groups offer beer and babysitting together with book ban votes. What is the cost of such censorship to our educational system and country? That’s the subject of this edition of Challenge 2.0

Challenge 2.0 Recovering Erased History Part One

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The textbook definition of history is that it’s the study of the human past as described by written documents left by humans. But when such history is uncomfortable, inconvenient or controversial, some groups seek to erase it. That’s particularly true of black history today. One example is the state of Florida’s STOP WOKE law that limits students and teachers from learning about issues related to race and gender. Such efforts are spreading beyond Florida. In this episode of Challenge 2.0, we speak with two black educators about the histories white nationalists seek to silence.