USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalistm
Knight Chair in Media and Religion at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and publisher of Religion Dispatches, a website that covers the intersection of religion, politics and culture
The Pope, the Palestinians and Middle-East Peace Pope Francis has recognized a Palestinian State , but it's not clear if he means Hamas in Gaza, the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank or both. And he may or may not have called PA President Mahmoud Abbas "an angel of peace." Vatican diplomacy is full of uncertainties. One hundred thirty-five members of the United Nations have recognized a Palestinian State, but the US and Europe say there can't be one until Israel and the Palestinians settle their differences. Israel is not happy about it — or the prospects that Europe may be following suit. Nevertheless, with the US-backed "peace process" dead in the water, some Palestinians call the Pope's action "a flicker of light in a sea of darkness."
The Cost of Ignorance: Teaching Religion in Public Schools Public nativity scenes and debates about language dominate the culture wars this time of year but, amid the skirmishes over proper greetings and public displays of religious belief, one of the most overlooked casualties is the fact that Americans are surprisingly ignorant about the world's major religions. While America's separation of Church and State prohibits teachers in public schools from lead students in prayer, what about teaching about prayer and the world's major religions? Is there a need for comparative religious studies and critical analysis in an era when religious values play an increasing role in global conflicts? How should schools be educating children about religion?
The Cost of Ignorance: Teaching Religion in Public Schools Public nativity scenes and debates about language dominate the culture wars this time of year but, amid the skirmishes over proper greetings and public displays of religious belief, one of the most overlooked casualties is the fact that Americans are surprisingly ignorant about the world's major religions. While America's separation of Church and State prohibits teachers in public schools from lead students in prayer, what about teaching about prayer and the world's major religions? Is there a need for comparative religious studies and critical analysis in an era when religious values play an increasing role in global conflicts? How should schools be educating children about religion?
Terrorism and tweets, hate speech and murder Just days before an election, Britain is coping with a rash of deadly terrorism, and Prime Minister Theresa May is on the defensive. And again today, President Trump has tweeted criticism of the Mayor of London. Later, a double murder in Portland, Oregon has revealed the ugly past of a supposedly “progressive” city. One immediate question: is “hate speech” protected by the First Amendment?
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?