INTERVIEW WITH ADAM HAMILTON
COVER STORY—We talk with the famous United Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton about why John Wesley is popular again after three centuries. Many reasons: Wesley got it right on spirituality (both head and heart must be engaged), on music (popular tunes grow churches), on thorny issues (he was anti-slavery and favored compassion for animals). Plus, Wesley was a master of the social media of his era! With his new travelogue-style book and video, Hamilton wants to spark worldwide Wesleyan pilgrimages.
HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
PALM SUNDAY & EASTER—Two billion Christians around the world are moving toward the most important festivals of the year. You’ll find easy links to all the holidays at www.InterfaithHolidays.com
- PALM SUNDAY—Western Christians (most churches in the U.S.) will be waiving palms on March 29. And, yes, Stephanie Fenton includes those popular links to the craft of palm braiding!
PASSOVER—Coming at sundown on Friday April 3.
- FEEDtheSPIRIT—Bobbie Lewis tells a true story about the global journey of a recipe: “The Mystery of the Passover Potato Gnocchi“
- THE PASSOVER STORY—Holiday columnist Stephanie Fenton and Jewish scholar Joe Lewis write about the meaning of Passover both Then and Now.
SUZY FARBMAN—Looking to other global religious traditions, this week, Godsigns columnist writes about discovering ancient goddesses living among us, today, in a story featuring Loyola University’s Tracy Pintchman.
OUR VALUES—WOMEN ON $20s?
HAVE YOU VOTED? University of Michigan sociologist Dr. Wayne Baker looks at the nationwide campaign to replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 with a famous woman. What do the faces on our currency say about American values.
- PART 1—Do you support replacing Andrew Jackson on the $20?
- PART 2—Why target Jackson? Why the $20 bill?
- PART 3—Should Hillary Clinton replace Andrew Jackson?
- PART 4—Should Wilma Mankiller replace Jackson on the $20?
- PART 5—Is there global precedent for women on money?
DOING GOOD IN THE WORLD
GOOD MEDIA builds good community in many ways …
WIN A FREE COPY OF ‘SHORT STUFF’—If you have thought about our motto about “good media,” then you know this truth touches the core of the world’s religious traditions. TODAY, popular author Benjamin Pratt invites readers to enjoy an inspiring “new” story, called “The Two of Us,” based on a century-old novel beloved by families around the world. Can you guess which novel? That’s the challenge. Email the answer to us—and you might win a signed copy of Ben’s new book.
INTERFAITH PEACEMAKERS—Discover more than 100 inspiring profiles of men and women around the world at www.InterfaithPeacemakers.com where we are continuing our focus on Asia, this month …
- FROM INDONESIA—H.A. Mukti Ali laid the groundwork for interfaith relationships in this hugely Muslim country. Then, Th. Sumartana began the first major interfaith organization in Indonesia.
- FROM JAPAN—You’ve witnessed Masahisa Goi’s influence coast to coast in the U.S. anytime you spot a Peace Pole.
FILM, FAITH & POPULAR CULTURE
VISUAL PARABLES—Enjoy all the reviews by veteran faith-and-film writer Edward McNulty at www.VisualParables.org
- INSURGENT—Ed gives this exciting science fiction sequel 4 out of 5 stars.
- CINDERELLA—Go on, take the family, Ed says. (4 stars)
- CHAPPIE—This South African film gets only 3 stars, but it does give viewers lots to think about, Ed says.
- FOCUS—Will Smith as a con man also earns 3 stars.
- THE GUNMAN—The new Sean Penn thriller gets only 2 stars.
- REMEMBERING FRED ROGERS—A new book looks at Rogers’ counter-cultural message, reviewed by Ed McNulty who knew the beloved, late “Mister Rogers.”
FAITH GOES POP—Scientology sparks loyalty among members, but derision in much of popular culture. Religion scholar and journalist Ken Chitwood provides one of the most balanced overviews we’ve read in a long time, headlined “Sympathizing with Scientology.” Are you unsure how to regard this religious movement that keeps popping up in the public square? Ken has some thoughtful suggestions.
THIRD-WAY NEWSLETTER
GET THE NEWS—The www.ThirdWayNewsletter.com is part of the changing Christian landscape that is welcoming diverse men and women.
- BREAKING THIS WEEK—Wire services are abuzz this week with news that San Francisco’s largest evangelical megachurch, City Church, has decided to welcome LGBT Christians—after church leaders read and discussed Ken Wilson’s A Letter to My Congregation. Here is City Church’s official statement. Follow this unfolding story via ThirdWayNewsletter
DAVID GUSHEE—The author of Changing Our Mind is continuing his cross country speaking tour at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, on Monday, March 23rd, Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut, on Tuesday, March 24th, and Eastern University in St. David’s, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, March 26th.
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