The line between religious freedom and government regulation has been drawn in stark relief as Washington State enacts a law requiring clergy to report child abuse disclosed during confession. This contentious legislation strikes at the heart of Catholic sacramental practice, challenging a tradition dating back to Jesus's instruction to the apostle…

When flags flew at half-staff across Texas following Pope Benedict XVI's passing, it offered a striking reminder that faith rituals transcend religious boundaries to touch something universally human. What makes us pause collectively to honor life's pivotal transitions? Our multi-faith panel explores the ceremonial markers that guide us through exi…

Music bypasses our intellectual defenses and speaks directly to our hearts in ways that sermons and teachings rarely achieve. This profound spiritual reality was the focus of our latest conversation, where our interfaith panel explored why sacred songs become so deeply embedded in our religious experiences. Rabbi Stuart opened with a revealing obse…

What does it take to transform ourselves spiritually? In this thought-provoking episode, we unpack how spiritual practices shape our souls like exercise shapes our bodies. The conversation begins with a compelling analogy: a man in his 40s who decided to transform his physical appearance through disciplined diet, exercise, and sleep habits. Similar…

What does religious faith have to say about immigration, borders, and national identity? Our panel tackles one of today's most polarizing moral questions with nuance and compassion, moving beyond typical political talking points to explore deeper ethical principles. At the heart of our conversation is the theological concept of "Ordo Amoris" or the…

Tucked within ancient scriptures, philosophical musings, and even secular thought lies transformative wisdom that can change our perspective in an instant. This episode invites you into an intimate exploration of the quotations that have profoundly shaped our hosts' spiritual journeys. Rabbi Stuart shares his personal maxim—"Choose your theology ca…

Why do humans crave tangible expressions of their faith? From the mark of ashes on foreheads to the kippah on a Jewish man's head, religious symbols offer powerful reminders of our spiritual commitments in a physical world. Our conversation begins with Ash Wednesday and its curious popularity - it's not a day of obligation for Catholics, yet church…

What does it mean to pursue peace in a world shadowed by conflict? In this episode of A Show of Faith, we tackle this complex question through insightful dialogues among our diverse panel. As we often see global tensions rise, particularly with ongoing situations like the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, our hosts reflect on the intricate relat…

Join us in this captivating discussion as we explore one of the most contentious and pressing issues of our time—immigration. In this episode, our diverse panel delves into the moral and ethical complexities surrounding immigration policies in the United States. We dissect the contrasting attitudes between current political leadership, discuss the …

Have you ever pondered the hidden religious messages woven into your favorite songs and commercials? Join us on A Show of Faith as we explore this fascinating intersection of religion, philosophy, and culture. Through personal stories and cultural examples, we uncover how themes like the messianic age and the search for meaning seep into everyday m…

Can a psychologist's exploration of religious themes captivate a global audience? Join us on "A Show of Faith" as we uncover how Jordan Peterson's work resonates across diverse cultures. Our eclectic panel—a professor, a priest, a millennial, and a rabbi—bring their distinct insights to dissect Peterson's latest book, "We Who Wrestle with God," and…

Join us as we engage in a deep exploration of the existence of God, weaving through the intricate tapestry of religion, philosophy, and personal convictions. Starting with the intriguing narrative of public figures like Donald Trump interpreting divine will in their lives, we each reveal our own perspectives on what constitutes compelling proof of …

In this episode, we navigate the delicate intersection of faith and politics, questioning how figures like Donald Trump interpret divine will and how such beliefs influence their personal and political identities. Inspired by Matthew, Chapter 10, and Victor Frankl's profound work, "Man's Search for Meaning," we uncover the transformative potential …

Speech has the power to shape our world, but what happens when words are replaced by emojis and symbols? In this episode of "A Show of Faith," we explore the profound impact of language through the lens of religion and philosophy. We kick off with a discussion about the transformative power of speech, drawing inspiration from the Hebrew scriptures …

What does it truly mean to love your neighbor as yourself? This question, steeped in ancient wisdom, becomes the heart of our discussion on "A Show of Faith." Join us as Reverend David Capes, Father Mario Arroyo, Rabbi Stuart Federow, and Rudy, a millennial theologian, navigate the profound intersections of love and faith across religious teachings…

Join us as we engage in a thought-provoking exchange about the structured and liturgical nature of Catholic prayer, compared to the free-flowing evangelical approach. We bring fresh insights and questions into the mix, making this episode a tapestry of spiritual perspectives that promises to enhance your understanding of religious practices. Our co…

Is violence ever truly justifiable, or are we simply reshaping our ethical landscapes to accommodate extreme actions? Join us as we engage in a fascinating exploration of this contentious question, prompted by the case of Mr. Mangione, accused of the premeditated murder of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. With insights from a diverse panel, we dissect the…

What if atheists and theists alike are guided by a form of religion or philosophy? Join Rabbi Stuart Federo and Fr. Mario Arroyo as they unpack this intriguing notion, discussing the complex tapestry of belief systems that influence our lives, from secularism to Buddhism. Through the lens of these diverse philosophies, we grapple with life's essent…

Unlock the mysteries of Advent and its profound significance in the liturgical calendar. Discover how this sacred season not only marks the beginning of the liturgical year but also serves as a time for preparation and reflection. We'll decode the symbolism of the Advent wreath and explore the thematic readings that are central to this season, prov…

Is it possible that the institution of marriage is undergoing a transformation? Join our diverse panel—a professor, a priest, a millennial, and a rabbi—as we engage in a spirited conversation about the evolving landscape of relationships. We examine why traditional marriage seems less appealing to men today, exploring insights from James Sexton, a …

Can loyalty exist without trust, or is it merely fear disguised as allegiance? Join us as we unravel this complex web with Professor David Capes, Rudy Kong, and Father Mario Arroyo. We explore how loyalty can take on different forms, sometimes dangerously veering into blind allegiance, reminiscent of historical regimes. From political landscapes to…

Is it possible to find common ground in a world marked by division? Join us for a compelling discussion with special guest Dr. Max Bonilla from the University of St. Thomas. We kick off our conversation with the classic Buffalo Springfield song "For What It's Worth," setting a reflective tone as we examine our current social climate. Our diverse pa…

Father Mario steps into the hosting seat for a lively and thought-provoking discussion with esteemed guests David Capes and Rudy Kong, who join us all the way from Guatemala. Together, we navigate the intricate dance between faith and politics, exploring how personal beliefs can shape civic duties. Our dialogue dives deep into the complex voting wo…

What if the relentless pursuit of happiness has us looking in all the wrong places? Join us on a journey to uncover the deeper roots of fulfillment, guided by insights from our special guest, Natalia, a seasoned psychologist with a knack for unraveling the complexities of the human psyche. Together we challenge the modern-day obsession with materia…

Have you ever wondered why certain prayers or phrases seem to stick with us, resonating deeply across generations? Join us for this episode of A Show of Faith, where our diverse panel—Professor David Capes, Father Mario Arroyo, millennial Rudy Kong, and Rabbi Stuart Federow—unpacks the complex interplay between tradition and evolution in religious …

What if theological reflection could radically transform our understanding of human nature? Join us for an engaging conversation that promises to challenge contemporary views with the rich insights of traditional Christian and Jewish beliefs. Featuring a dynamic panel of guests, including Fr. Mario Arroyo, Professor David Capes, Rudy Kong, and Rabb…

Standing in the very rooms where history was crafted at Independence Hall, an undeniable sense of connection to the past washes over you. This episode takes you on a journey through time, reflecting on awe-inspiring visits to places like the Vatican and Israel. Amidst these reflections, we also address the current and concerning trajectory of a hur…

Join us in our latest episode of "A Show of Faith." Given the Popes recent comments, Rudy kicks off with a reflection on how media can sometimes distort our perceptions, setting the scene for a rich exploration of prayer across different belief systems. Rabbi Stuart Federow joins us, providing a clear distinction between meditation and prayer, and …

What makes us human? Is it our DNA, our capacity to think, or something more ethereal like a soul? In this episode of A Show of Faith, we tackle these profound questions and more. We kick things off by comparing human and primate bone structures, diving deep into the complexities of human communication, and debating the concept of humans as "thinki…

How can education transcend job preparation and become a force for moral formation and societal unity? Join us as we explore this profound question diving into the intersection of education and faith. Drawing insights from Margarita Mooney Clayton's article, we reflect on the current state of education at all levels and consider its impact on margi…

Can human freedom and morality coexist with the principles of Darwinism? Join us as we embark on a thought-provoking journey with a distinguished panel, including Professor David Capes, Father Mario Arroyo, Rudy Kong, and Rabbi Stuart Federow. We kick off by examining Charles Darwin's ideas on survival and reproduction, and their profound impact on…

We journey through history, starting with the Reformation and King Henry VIII's bold move in establishing the Church of England. Fast forward to the founding fathers' efforts to avoid a state-mandated religion, and you'll see that our conversation aims to clarify some common misconceptions. While the state should remain neutral, we explore how reli…

Ever wondered how food ties into faith across different religions? Join us as we illuminate the sacred connections between food and spirituality. From the Eucharist to fasting, and the significance of prayers before meals, this episode uncovers the profound ways food serves as a bridge to our faith and to God. We promise you'll gain a deeper apprec…

Join us on a journey through the labyrinth of ideology and reality as we dissect the paradoxes shaping today's cultural and societal landscape. We kick things off by unraveling the concept of heresy—those partial insights that lead us astray with their beguiling simplicity. Delving into this, we reflect on the complexities of fostering meaningful d…

Can tolerance truly exist without celebrating differences? Join us as we navigate the intricate balance between tolerance, justice, and the fine line where acceptance meets moral disapproval. Listen in as Rudy offers a profound definition of tolerance, emphasizing its necessity for societal harmony. We discuss the importance of respecting individua…

Can earthly pleasures and awe-inspiring moments offer us glimpses of heaven? Join us on A Show of Faith as we navigate the profound and curious worlds of the afterlife across different faith traditions. First, we discuss "Exploring the Afterlife in Faith," which delves into texts from Ecclesiastes and the Talmud, pondering whether the beauty of a s…

What happens when a sacred image is turned into a provocative spectacle? This week on "A Show of Faith," Father Mario Arroyo, Rabbi Stewart Federow, and Rudy Kong dive headfirst into the uproar surrounding the Paris Olympics' opening ceremony. A controversial parody of Leonardo Da Vinci's "The Last Supper," featuring drag queens, transvestites, and…

Can pride be both a virtue and a vice? Join us as we tackle this complex question head-on, we dive deeply into the multifaceted nature of pride, exploring its presence in contexts ranging from work ethic to divine morality. What does it mean to take genuine pride in one’s work? Rudy Kong enlightens us on the virtues of a strong work ethic and the p…

We are thrilled to have Father Mario, who is about to retire after 26 years of dedicated service, join us in this episode. He brings a wealth of knowledge about the distinctions between mortal and venial sins in Catholic theology, providing a deeper context for understanding sloth. Together, we explore how modern addictions like video games and soc…

How does fear transform into anger, and what does that reveal about our inner emotional landscape? We takea you on an illuminating journey as we dissect the emotion of anger. Inspired by a quote from "The Outlaw Josey Wales," our discussion begins by exploring anger as a fear response, touching on real-life scenarios like a parent's frantic search …

Are you navigating the intricate dance between spirituality and religion? We've assembled an eclectic panel featuring a professor, a priest, a millennial, and a Rabbi, all passionate about theology, to dissect this modern-day problem. Together, we'll untangle the threads of what it means to be spiritual or religious, where individual quests for mea…

Have you ever pondered the complexities of faith and its profound impact on our connections? We'll unwind the emotional fabric of past loves and current bonds, all while chuckling over clergy retirement home pet policies and singing a morbidly amusing birthday jingle for Marcy. It's a heartwarming mix of reflections on life's rollercoaster and the …

Uncover the threads that weave the fabric of our society as we dissect the five foundational pillars shaping our world. Join Father Mario Arroyo, Rabbi Stuart Federow, Dr. David Capes, and Rudy Kong in a riveting conversation that promises to challenge your perspective on respect, family dynamics, and the very framework of education and law. Togeth…

Congratulations pour in for Rudy, our millennial voice, as he steps into the exciting new chapter, sparking a rich discussion about the intersections of love, culture, and the importance of family in the journey to matrimony. But our conversation doesn't stop at the altar; we wade through the deeper waters of how money, religion, and ethics intertw…

Ever pondered the enigmas of existence, the hereafter, and everything in between—with a dash of humor to keep things lively? That's precisely what we're serving up in our latest episode as we traverse the landscape of spirituality and philosophy. Our roundtable features Father Mario Arroyo, Rudy Kong, Rabbi Stuart Federow, and Dr. David Capes. We h…

When the fabric of spirituality weaves through our personal narratives, we find stories of profound faith and awakening. With Rabbi Stuart Federow our latest episode travels through the rich tapestry of our spiritual lives, starting with Professor David Capes' poignant recollections of his Baptist roots, where family and community threads intertwin…

Embarking on an exploration of the afterlife isn't just an academic exercise—it's a quest that tugs at the heartstrings, especially when life's fragility is underscored by the loss of loved ones. Join us as we traverse the landscapes of faith. Through personal stories and the shared wisdom of diverse belief systems, we uncover the compelling 'why' …

Embark on a philosophical journey as we converse with Reverend David Capes, Father Mario Arroyo, Rudy Kong, and Rabbi Stuart Federow, exploring God's profound existence and the essence of human belief. We open with the promise of deep introspection into the timeless conversations that have shaped our understanding of faith, art, and philosophy. Our…

This week, we are joined by Dr. Carolyn Webber. We discuss her upcoming film, the metaphysical desires of God, and the philosophical arguments for a divine creator. Tune in and thanks for listening!By Rabbi Stuart Federow, Fr. Mario Arroyo, Dr. David Capes and Rudy Kong

We talked last week about death and finding meaning in tragedy. This week, we will focus on the different aspects of pleasure: mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical. Join us for another great episode this week!By Rabbi Stuart Federow, Fr. Mario Arroyo, Dr. David Capes and Rudy Kong