November 28-29, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, we give thanks for a year of wonderful interviews with a look back at some highlights from 2009! Host Welton Gaddy speaks with actress Judith Light on her role in the film, Save Me. Pulitzer Prize winning author Jon Meacham discusses American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House. Plus, Kamran Pasha, author of Mother of the Believers, weighs in on the feminist roots of Islam and don't miss journalist Jeff Sharlet on Christian evangelicalism and the armed...
November 21-22, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, Ali Eteraz, author of the new memoir, Children of Dust, tells Welton about his childhood in Pakistan and his current hopes for reform within Islam. Plus, Scott Flipse from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom recaps President Obama's trip to China and weighs in on the state of religious freedom in the country.
November 14-15, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, what role did the Catholic Church play in the passage of a controversial amendment to the House health care bill? Host Welton Gaddy finds out when he speaks with Frances Kissling, former head of Catholics for a Free Choice. Plus, New York University scholar Irshad Manji joins Welton to talk about Islam, media coverage, and the Fort Hood shooting.
November 7-8, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, we head out to the ball game for a look at the growing influence of evangelical Christian ministries in professional sports. Host Welton Gaddy speaks with journalist Tom Krattenmaker about his new book, Onward Christian Atheletes: Turning Ballparks into Pulpits and Players into Preachers. Plus, a landmark decision for members of the Sikh religion who want to serve in the armed forces.
October 31-November 1, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, host Welton Gaddy gets some insight into humanism when he speaks with Harvard University Humanist chaplain, Greg Epstein. Greg is the author of the new book, Good Without God: What a Billion Nonreligious People Do Believe. Plus, interfaith leader Samir Selmanovic tells us what allthe world's religions need to remember about God.
October 24-25, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, theology professor Paul Knitter talks with host Welton Gaddy about his new book, Without Buddha I Could not be a Christian. Plus,a monumental First Amendment case before the Supreme Court. American Prospect senior correspondent, Paul Waldman, and Welton recap oral arguments in Salazar v. Buono, a case involving a large cross in the Mojave DesertNational Preserve.
October 17-18, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, host Welton Gaddy speaks with one of the most important and prolific writers on religion in the modern world. Karen Armstrong is the author of more than 20 books and she returns to State of Belief for a lively conversation about her latest best-seller, The Case For God.
October 10-11, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, host Welton Gaddy takes a look inside the world of conservative Christian homeschooling with Robert Kunzman, author of the new book, Write These Laws on Your Children.And,from the Dude to A Serious Man, what the films of the Coen brothers say about spirituality.
October 3-4, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, tune into to hear host Welton Gaddy's conversations with two very different guests who each in their own way will leave an impact on American society. Gay rights activist Judy Shepard joins Welton to talk about her new memoir, The Meaning of Matthew: My Son's Murder in Laramie, and a World Transformed. And a man who has been called the most important liberal theologian of the last half century, Harvard professor Harvey Cox shares insight from his new book,...
September 26-27, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, a look inside the lives and work of the Religious Right's key players. Host Welton Gaddy speaks with journalist Max Blumenthal about his best-selling book Republican Gomorrah: Inside the Movement that Shattered the Party.
September 19-20, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, is religion reporting an endangered beat? Host Welton Gaddy speaks with The Boston Globe's Michael Paulson about the future of religion coverage in newspapers around the country. Plus, pollster Robby Jones shares the results of his recent survey on clergy attitudes and gay and lesbian issues.
September 12-13, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, host Welton Gaddy discusses President Obama's health care speech with Rabbi Irwin Kula, president of the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership. And, Welton shares his own thoughts on the level of incivility in public discourse.
September 5-6, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, who is footing the bill for Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal's trips to church services aroundhis state? Host Welton Gaddy speaks with journalist Mark Ballard fromTheAdvocate (Baton Rouge)aboutthe controversy heating up down south. Plus, a look at top-secret religious organization The Fellowship.
August 29-30. 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, host Welton Gaddy reflects on the legacy of Senator Ted Kennedy. And, Mike Papantonio, host of Ring of Fire, joins Welton for a look at how health care reform will fare without one of its chief supporters.
August 22-23, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, Ron Kampeas of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency weighs in on the controversy surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's supposed remarks about Jewish American officials. And don't miss host Welton Gaddy's take on the health-care debate.
August 8-9, 2009
The leadership of the Episcopal church recently voted to resume ordaining gay clergy and to begin blessing same-gender unions. Join host Welton Gaddy for a very special look inside the controversy surrounding homosexuality, equal rights and this historic denomination.
August 1-2, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, a look at what gets left out in the traditional telling of the history of Christianity. Plus, a lawsuit in Texas pits a kindergarten student's religious freedom against a school's zero tolerance policy. And, Welton shares some thoughts on the passing of Walter Cronkite.
July 25-26, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, we revisit Reverend Gaddy's 2006 interview with Walter Cronkite. Plus, a look at a collection of unique memoirs about religion - from a Bible camp saboteur to a teenage messiah in Brooklyn. And, a Jewish history museum gives you the chance to play curator for an upcoming exhibit.
July 18-19, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, join host Welton Gaddy for a look at Judge Sonia Sotomayor's record on the First Amendment. Plus, how faith groups could influence the healthcare debate and a best-selling author traces the changing nature of God.
July 10-11, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, we revisit some of our favorite moments from past shows, including a look at the economy as a moral issue and Jewish humor in the 21st Century.
July 4-5, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, a celebration of freedom in honor of the Fourth of July. Host Welton Gaddy speaks with the owner of an original copy of the Declaration of Independence. Plus, some insight into what the Founding Fathers got right when it comes to religious liberty. And, don't miss Welton's own thoughts on what this national holiday means to him.
June 27-28, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, religious leaders call on President Obama to institute a Commission of Inquiry into the Bushadministration's interrogation practices. Plus, a look at the relationship between television and religion and host Welton Gaddy shares some insight from a recent trip to Cuba.
June 20-21, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, we take a road trip to some of the most important landmarks in the history of church/state relations. Plus, a new film explores Islam, hip hop and social activism. And what a recent report can teach religious progressives about the fight for marriage equality. Find out more.
June 13-14, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, a look at the fight for gender equality in Islam at a West Virginia mosque. Plus, Welton shares his own thoughts on violence, hate speech and religion.
June 6-7, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, host Welton Gaddy speaks with celebrated religion writer Huston Smith about his life, work, religion and politics.
May 30-31, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, host Welton Gaddy speaks with NPR religion correspondent, Barbara Bradley Hagerty, about the science of spirituality. Plus, a look at President Obama's upcoming address to the Muslim world and are the two sides of the abortion debate headed toward common ground? We find out...
May 23-24, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, a look at what a new Supreme Court justice could mean for church state issues before the court. Plus, from faithful football fans to cult film followers, has America's relationship to popular culture begun to resemble religion? And, don't miss our Intersection Awards...
May 15-16, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, host Welton Gaddy examines religion and the environment - from a look at one faith group's campaign for green jobs to a conversation with a leading Christian advocate for creation care.
May 9-10, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, what does it mean to be a practicing Catholic if you don't agree with the Pope on most issues? Best-selling author and former priest, James Carroll shares some personal insight into that question. Plus, a look at the intersection of religion and technology and don't miss host Welton Gaddy's own thoughts on a recent poll about religious groups and torture.
May 2-3, 2009
This weekend on State of Belief, host Welton Gaddy gets some personal insight into the importance of new hate crimes bill from one of its leading congressional supporters. Plus, a look at the birth of Islam from a female perspective and we take a trip to Indiana for a report on how the economy is affecting the Amish.