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?
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.
How was the trip? President Trump's travels got less fun as he went from the Middle East to Europe.