FROM YORUBA TO BASKETBALL
COVER STORY—This week, we introduce our readers to a scholar, teacher and author who is becoming an important global voice in connecting Americans with religious traditions from Africa. Onaje X. O. Woodbine’s debut book, Black Gods of the Asphalt, tells the fascinating story of how Woodbine identified and then studied deep religious connections, including some with Yoruba origins, in the culture of urban basketball. This book will open your eyes to a whole new perspective on urban culture—plus, it’s simply a great read! Please, enjoy our interview with Woodbine, today.
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CONGRATULATIONS, FAITH!
SHINING LIGHT AWARD—And, speaking of inspiration from urban neighborhoods … this week, our whole team is celebrating with Faith Fowler, head of Cass Community Publishing in Detroit. Here is the Detroit Free Press announcement that Faith is being honored across Michigan with a Shining Light award. Then, on Sunday, Faith was on the Free Press front page. Here is staff writer Niraj Warikoo’s profile of Faith Fowler as she receives this prestigious award. Finally, for more background on Faith’s publishing efforts, you may want to read our 2014 story about a stunning book launch by Faith’s organization in Detroit.
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FEED THE SPIRIT
UNCLE MILT’S—FeedTheSpirit columnist Bobbie Lewis returns with a story about the popularity of—kosher barbecue. At least that’s the buzz in Chicago, where Milt’s Barbecue for the Perplexed is a popular destination. This week, Bobbie shares the story behind this curious bistro—plus a delicious recipe for short ribs!
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HOLIDAYS & MILESTONES
Don’t miss a date! Remember www.InterfaithHolidays.org, our master calendar..
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI—Stephanie Fenton reports on the colorful celebrations that spread across India and around the world in Hindu communities to mark the birth of the deity Krishna.
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FROM THE VATICAN—On September 2, a new St. Teresa postage stamp will be issued by the Vatican to celebrate her September 4 canonization: the official declaration of sainthood by the Catholic church. You may also want to read the Vatican’s biography of St. Teresa, which includes many inspiring details about her life and legacy.
FROM ST. TERESA—New World Library, the publisher of a special edition of her book No Greater Love, has given us permission to excerpt the chapter called “On Love.” We also have permission to share this chapter from St. Teresa’s book, which includes some very challenging teachings about the nature of work and our personal vocations.
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1 MORE OLYMPIC STORY …
GOD SIGNS—Columnist Suzy Farbman has a heart-warming profile of an Olympian in figure skating: Aaron Parchem. Suzy runs into Aaron, 10 years after he competed in the Turin Winter Olympics. She shares a fresh story of inspiration as Aaron reflects on the lessons of his life.
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FILM, FAITH
& POPULAR CULTURE
ED McNULTY—Enjoy all of the free resources from Ed McNulty’s faith-and-film website: VisualParables.org. Among Ed’s latest free movie reviews are:
- CAPTAIN FANTASTIC—It’s not entirely successful, Ed says, but it’s definitely an unusual movie! Ed gives it 4 out of 5 stars.
- WAR DOGS—This biting comedy earns 3.5 stars.
- PETE’S DRAGON—Ed says that David Lowery and co-writer Toby Halbrooks prove that it is possible to surpass the original film in a remake. (5 stars)
- PHANTOM BOY—Want a stark alternative to CGI films? This animated film has a quirky retro feel. (4 stars)
- DOUGH—British-Austrian director John Goldschmidt’s whimsical tale of interfaith friendship could be a tonic for Americans fed up with political rhetoric demonizing Muslims. (4 stars)
- FILM CAPSULES—Each month, Ed posts a series of Film Capsules—mini-film reviews that he invites readers to freely share. Got your own bulletin, newsletter or website on which you’d like to share a bit of movie news from Ed McNulty? Feel free to share these capsules.
- HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE—It’s a gripping new film from New Zealand, says Ed McNulty. (4.5 stars)
- CAFE SOCIETY—Woody Allen’s latest movie gets 4 stars.
- THE INFILTRATOR—Based on the dramatic case of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, this film is absolutely first-rate, says Ed. (5 stars)
- DHEEPAN—French director Jacques Audiard’s new film immerses us in the world of immigrants so that we can feel their confusion and fears, as well as their hopes and dreams. (4.5 stars)
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