Sharing love in an interfaith world

Monday, November 7th, 2011, 9:00pm EDT

 

Audio only

Why is religion too often at the heart of conflict? What makes us afraid to discuss our faith with others? How can interfaith dialogue heal the world of stereotypes and prejudices? These are some of the questions we’ll be exploring in this edition of Time4Thinkers Live. Joining the discussion is Brooks Rakos, who spent thirty years as a Trappist monk before plunging into Christian Science and taking a job at a hospital; Nina DeCordova, a relentless spiritual explorer who grew up in a Jewish/atheist home—nurtured by a devoutly Christian nanny—and who’s now praying for others using Mary Baker Eddy’s writings as a guide; and Brian Talcott, a Christian Science practitioner, teacher and lecturer who served as a military chaplain and has devoted decades to global healing and interfaith dialogue. Their personal stories will fascinate you and inspire us all to see our spiritual and religious neighbors in a whole new way.

Nina deCordova has had many spiritual adventures while searching for healing. In her own words: “I dove head first into a quest for spiritual healing. Acupuncturists blasted my meridians with bright bolts of chi. Shamans fetched back lost fragments of my psyche. Baptist friends purified me in the shallows of a glittering estuary. Buddhist monks taught me ancient chants at sunset on top of a dusty mountain, wrapping me gently in their vast cloak of peace. Still a joyful and productive life eluded me until I started studying Christian Science. There’s light everywhere. In the Kundalini chant. In the shaman’s drum. But Christian Science healing has become my focus because the light here is so bright that it constantly leaves me dazzled and amazed.”

Brooks Edward Rakos joined a monastery at age 18 and spent his next 30 years living there as a Catholic Trappist monk. Since leaving the monastery, Brooks has dedicated himself to the service of humanity. He served as a Salvation Army Officer and has been a staff member in a hospice facility and at a men’s shelter and soup kitchen. He is currently employed in environmental services at a hospital and aspires to be a Christian Science nurse.

Brian Talcott received a Master of Theology in Biblical studies from Boston University in preparation for service as a Protestant Chaplain in the US Air Force. Christian Science was a firm foundation for his healing ministry to those of all faiths in the Air Force, where he was able to bring a spiritual perspective to addressing marital challenges, substance abuse, child abuse and domestic violence. Brian is now a Christian Science lecturer and teacher who has had the opportunity to explain Christian Science to various audiences, including those critical of this Science. He has addressed a wide variety of professional, religious, interfaith and medical groups, including medical ethics boards, hospice nurses, medical students, and practitioners of alternative therapies.

Amy Richmond is more comfortable behind the scenes than in front of a mic, but she loves connecting with people of different faiths so she’s excited about this chat. During a time when she’d stepped away from Christian Science, she found it easier to talk about it than ever before. She was less defensive, less uncomfortable because she wasn’t trying to convince anyone to “get on board.” And that’s when the really deep conversations started to happen-with Jews, Catholics, agnostics, atheists, and Wiccans. Amy is on TMC Youth’s management team where she nurtures a community of spiritual thinkers on our website tmcyouth.com.