The 'Brights' and the Role of Godliness in Public Life

White House supporters are accusing Senate Democrats of trying to prevent Catholics from becoming judges. Catholic Democrats call that a -despicable smear.- Despite the Constitutional separation of church and state, some non-believers claim they-re the ones who are suffering from discrimination. The flap over the role of religion in American public life springs from President Bush-s nomination of Alabama Attorney General William Pryor to an appellate judgeship. A conservative Catholic, Pryor has denounced the Supreme Court for upholding the right to abortion. Is belief in God a qualification for public acceptance? Are Americans as religious as they claim to be? In this archived edition of To the Point, we consider the role of religion in public life with philosophers, religious scholars, and advocates on both sides of the judicial selection process. (This segment was originally broadcast on July 25.)

• Making News: Foreign Aid Worker-s View of Daily life in North Korea
  The escalating tension between North Korea and the US reportedly stems, in part, from North Korea-s failed economy and its leaders- realization that their regime is in danger of collapse. Dr. Norbert Vollertsen spent 18 months in North Korea with a German aid organization before being expelled in December, 2000. Now, an independent aid worker who helps refugees from North Korea, Vollertsen gives us a look at daily life in that country. (This segment was originally broadcast on March 10.)
• Reporter's Notebook: 25 Years of Pope John Paul II
  In October, worshippers and world leaders descended on Rome for the Pope's 25th anniversary. Despite the effects of his Parkinsons' disease, the Vatican says John Paul II is upbeat about the beatification of Mother Teresa, the creation of 31 new cardinals, and other planned ceremonies. Seth Armus, professor of history at St. Joseph-s College in New York, looks at the Pope's most notable achievements and impact on world affairs. (This segment was originally broadcast on October 15.)

On KCRW, this rebroadcast of To the Point will be pre-empted by holiday programming.

The Brights

American Jewish Congress' opposition to Pryor nomination

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