---

Why would a Presbyterian who spent time in the ministry decide to convert to Catholicism? With a number of high-profile individuals making the same choice, we discuss this journey with Jim Tonkowich, former president of the Institute on Religion & Democracy. This interesting life story is peppered with sociological insights into church authority and structure, and the state of our religious environment today.

Tell three of your friends about us using social media!

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

What is it like to be shot at and abducted while serving as a religiously-based humanitarian aid worker? Torrey Olsen, who spent 15 years in West Africa with World Vision and other organizations details his experiences and what he learned in the field. He also discusses the history and operation of World Vision, a Christian-based relief organization that operations in roughly 100 countries, including some of the most dangerous hot spots around the world. We examine various projects World Vision undertakes including an ecumenical outreach program to Muslims concerning the Ebola pandemic in Africa.

Subscribe to use for free on iTunes or use our RSS feed and never miss an episode.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

Battles over property rights are one of the hottest topics in religious liberty litigation today. ADF lawyer Jordan Lorence discusses four current cases involving the ability of churches to rent public school space in New York City, an overdue tax bill for a church that is supposedly tax exempt, the size of signs advertising worship services, and a minimum acreage requirement for a small congregation.

Help us reach 500 fans on our Facebook Page by June! Click the Facebook logo in the right hand column and stay up-to-date with upcoming episodes.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

Writer, producer, and director John Errington joins us to discuss the most recent film he directed, “A Long Way Off,” a modern telling of the story of the prodigal son. We discuss the process of film making and the role that religious themes play in our contemporary cinematic culture. Our conversation also covers how smaller, independent religiously-based films are marketed through church organizations and via “word of mouth.”

Click “read more” for additional links to our discussion and related podcasts.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

Just in time for the April 15th holiday, we take up the topic of administrative pitfalls for churches and clergy, including the complexity of taxation, charitable giving, and a variety of liability issues. Richard Hammar, a lawyer and accountant who specializes in church law and taxation, helps explain a number of these complex issues. A great podcast for clergy and members of congregations who might not know all the legal complexities facing religious organizations.

Please forgive the slight audio distortion occurring mostly when the guest begins a segment.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

Hollywood actor Tim Kelleher joins us to discuss the recent documentary he wrote, directed, and produced entitled “The Creed: What Christians Profess and Why It Ought to Matter.” The conversation goes over the process of making the documentary, what Tim learned about the Nicene Creed in the film’s production, and the reactions to the film. We also cover what it is like to be a person of faith in the entertainment industry.

Visit our Facebook Fan Page for regular updates!

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

We take a look at several issues on the religious liberty landscape, from Christmas songs in public schools to prayers at city council meetings to health care mandates. David Cortman, of the Alliance Defending Freedom, provides a review of these cases and addresses some of the challenges that Tony puts before him. This is a wide-ranging discussion that covers some of the more well-known court cases as well as some lesser known issues.

Become a regular subscriber to Research on Religion on iTunes or by using our RSS feed.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

Have you ever wondered what goes on at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting? Dr. Thom S. Rainer, prodigous author and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, gives us some background on the SBC’s convention and what issues were raised in during the June 2013 meeting, including mental health and chartering the Boy Scouts. We also discuss various trends affecting America’s religious landscape, including the growth in large churches at the possible expense of smaller congregations and the faith of the Millenials (individuals born between 1980 and 2000). Dr. Rainer also talks about what leads to church stagnation, what it takes to turn those churches around, and a few not-so-obvious pointers on how to guarantee a vibrant church.

Please share this podcast with your friends and family. Use our social networking links below to help us spread the word!

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

President Joseph Castleberry of Northwest University (NU) in Kirkland, WA discusses what it is like to run a religiously-based institution of higher education. We discuss the change NU recently made from college to university, Dr. Castleberry’s pathway to his position as president as well as the various challenges a small religious university faces in recruiting students and faculty, and maintaining a high level of scholarship while staying true to one’s religious mission. This is an excellent podcast for parents and high school students thinking about where to attend college.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

Bill Clark, a professor of political science at the University of Michigan, joins us for an interesting, open-ended discussion about his personal journey through the academic and spiritual world. Although his professional emphasis is on international and comparative political economy, Bill’s broad intellectual range and interest in the sociology of religion such allows him to provide valuable sociological insights into his own experiences, including creating a start-up church in New York City, plugging into various pre-existing churches, and then taking a new approach to his relationship with faith.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---