Happy Mother’s Day!
A STORY OF FAITH—Holidays columnist Stephanie Fenton wishes our readers “Happy Mother’s Day!” on behalf of all of us here at ReadTheSpirit magazine. Her column describes the origins and key themes of this holiday that is celebrated coast to coast this weekend.
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OUR VALUES EXPERT SEEKS EARLY APP-DOPTERS
COVER STORY: Since ReadTheSpirit magazine was founded a decade ago, the single most popular writer has been Dr. Wayne Baker, creator of the daily OurValues series that published 2,000 columns on American values before it concluded in late 2015. This week‘s cover story explains what Dr. Baker has been doing since then—including news of a powerful new App he and his wife are offering through their leadership-training company, founded on the value of “generalized reciprocity.” Plus, we’ve got a brand-new TEDx video of Baker talking about the universal value best known by the phrase: “Pay it forward!”
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LOOKING FORWARD IN … MEDIA
WHY WE STILL PRINT BOOKS ON PAPER—The online magazine you are reading, founded in 2007, is the flagship of the publishing house we also started nearly a decade ago. We publish books in both e-editions and ink-on-paper books, which may seem “retro” to some readers. In fact, our strategy of publishing both digitally and on paper is perfectly poised for today’s publishing industry where … (believe it or not) paper is king. Read the whole story in this latest Creative Connections column …
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REMEMBERING DANIEL BERRIGAN
‘INTERFAITH PEACEMAKERS’—With the news that 94-year-old Daniel Berrigan has died, many of us want to revisit his life and witness to the world. On Sunday, the New York Times devoted an entire page to his life. Our recommendation is: If you haven’t already ordered a copy of Daniel Buttry’s Blessed Are the Peacemakers, then do so in remembrance of this giant who we lost on Saturday. Buttry’s book has a chapter about the Berrigan brothers and their legacy. More importantly, Buttry’s book places them in the context of dozens of men and women around the world who shared his passion for peace. (Warning: Reading these inspiring stories may be dangerous to an otherwise safe life—you may feel compelled to go out and do likewise.)
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A LEGACY OF SERVICE
GOD SIGNS—This week, as we ponder the legacies of those who struggle for justice in our world, Suzy Farbman brings us the story of Harry Weinsaft—and his family. No, Harry isn’t as famous as the Berrigan brothers. And that’s precisely the point. Even though you haven’t heard of him before today, Weinsaft truly did live a remarkable life. He survived the Holocaust by coming to the U.S. and he lived to establish a tradition of public service in his American-born family.
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HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL …
Each year as spring sweeps across america, our magazine takes readers on a spiritual pilgrimage to … the ballpark. So, once again, we’ve got some wonderful baseball news. Longtime columnist and author Rodney Curtis has published a new novel, called Hope’s Diamond. Then, Benjamin Pratt adds this delightful little memory from his own years playing the game. And, you may enjoy the OurValues series that started our baseball tradition: Terry Gallagher wrote this creative, five-part look at “Baseball Values.” Please, enjoy!
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HOLIDAYS & MILESTONES
Don’t miss a date! Remember www.InterfaithHolidays.org, our master calendar.
YOM HASHOAH
NEVER FORGET—Inaugurated in 1953 in Israel, this is now one of two international days of remembrance of the Shoah each year. Holidays columnist Stephanie Fenton writes about the observance and “in the news,” she highlights a column by Jeff Jacobi about the challenge to keep this remembrance alive.
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LAILAT AL MIRAJ
This week, Muslims around the world also remember a sacred journey by the Prophet Muhammad that Muslims believe connected him other great prophets and further revealed God’s intentions for Islam. It’s sometimes referred to as “the night journey” and Stephanie Fenton reports on this tradition.
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FILM, FAITH & CULTURE
TALKING ABOUT MOVIES? Enjoy all of the free resources from Ed McNulty’s faith-and-film website by remembering the simple Web address: www.VisualParables.org
- I SAW THE LIGHT—Ed McNulty reviews both of the fictionalized biographies of music legends in theaters right now. This Hank Williams story is pretty good, Ed says. (4 out of 5 stars)
- BORN TO BE BLUE—Also check out this worthwhile movie about jazz trumpeter Chet Baker. (4 stars).
- MIDNIGHT SPECIAL—For something completely different, there’s this taut drama that also gets 4 stars this week.
- BARBER SHOP: THE NEXT CUT—This latest film in the series raises lots of relevant issues. It’s not just another sequel, says Ed McNulty. (5 stars)
- ELVIS and NIXON—The film is as strange and funny as the original historical moment. (4 stars)
- A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING—Tom Hanks also earns 4 stars as an overwhelmed businessman in this unusual story. (4 stars)
- THE JUNGLE BOOK—The latest version of Kipling’s classic is a joy for all ages. Ed McNulty gives it 5 out of 5 stars.
- BATMAN and SUPERMAN—It’s an OK film, says Ed, who gives this comic book match-up 3.5 stars.
- FROM THE PAST—This week, Ed reminds us of the terrific, provocative Grand Canyon from a quarter of a century ago. Still well worth watching. (5 stars)
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