Segments
This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, you’ll hear a rebroadcast of some important conversations from past shows, as host Welton Gaddy takes a little time off. From the insidious dominionist impulse driving today’s “religious liberty” claims to suppressed theology; from the ongoing ENDA debate to interreligious respect for unfamiliar traditions – the topics on this week’s “best-of” show are as relevant today as they were when originally broadcast. 
Hobby Lobby, ENDA and Religious Exemptions
Demands for religious exemptions in legislation and in the courts, though gaining lots of attention in the media recently, are anything but new. In fact, they’re just part of an ongoing campaign to remake our society – and our nation – in a theocratic, dominionist image. And far too often, it’s been working. With this in mind, we’ll bring back Welton’s 2011 conversation with Frederick Clarkson, co-founder of Talk2action.org, about this exact topic, and why mainstream media just doesn’t seem to get it.
10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You
Next we’ll go all the way back to 2007 for our interview with Rev. Oliver “Buzz” Thomas, who shared some of the secrets he revealed in his then-recently released book, 10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You (But Can’t Because He Needs the Job). Ironically, there’s a lot that’s often unspoken that would likely help bring many disaffected Americans back to organized religion.
The First Transgender Person to Testify Before the Senate
With the President’s upcoming executive order requiring federal contractors to observe nondiscrimination policies towards LBGT workers, we’ll revisit the conversation between Welton and Professor Kylar Broadus, the first Transgender person to testify before a US Senate Committee. Prof. Broadus spoke in advance of that body’s passage of its version of the Employee Non-discrimination Act.
A Pastor Fasts for Ramadan
With the Islamic observance of Ramadan continuing through July 28th, we were drawn to Welton’s 2012 interview with Texas Methodist pastor, the Rev. Dr. Wes MacGruder. Pastor MacGruder was facing some controversy after his decision to join in – and learn from – that year’s Ramadan fast.
