The Spiritual Howcast

An editorial on the politicalization of compassion. For a full transcript: http://www.mattpopovits.com/blog/dear-christian-mercy-is-not-political

Fear is an unavoidable part of life. Sometimes it's quite helpful. Other times, not so much. And while science is great at telling us how our bodies respond in the face of fear, it's not so great at telling us how to manage and live with our fears. Enter spirituality.

For many, faith and science are two very different worlds. We’re often given the impression that you have to be one or the other: either a person of science and reason or a person of faith and belief. In this episode we’ll meet NASA Astronaut Jeff Williams, a man of science and exploration and a man with a deep and active Christian spirituality.

"Faith and laughter don't mix." At least that's what many assume. Yet for Susan Isaacs, an actor and comedian, nothing could be further from the truth. After a difficult season made her question her faith it was her humor and creativity that helped her reconnect with God and is now helping others do the same.

Why do churches, synagogues, and mosques always seem to be asking for money? In this episode we'll consider three legitimate motivations all religions share when it comes to requesting, teaching on, and receiving money from their followers.

Should parents choose a religion for their children, or should they wait and allow the child to choose it for herself when she is grown? In this episode we'll examine the logic behind forgoing the installation of a religion in children as well as look at 3 simple steps for nurturing faith.

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Over the next 50 years Islam is expected to expand by more than 1 billion adherents. Despite this growth, the basics of Islam remain a mystery to many. In this episode we look at the origins of Islam, some of its central beliefs, as well wrestle with the importance of befriending people of other faiths.

When tragedy strikes the first question we want to ask is "Why?" In this episode we examine the assumptions behind our desire to question God and offer a better question to ask in the face of tragedy and trouble.

For many outside the Christian faith Easter is a curious holiday. In this episode we offer insight on how the date of Easter is determined, the origin of "easter eggs" and why the resurrection of Jesus Christ, if true, is of such significance.

Many people find themselves at a loss for words when comforting another in the face of grief. In this episode we discuss the common mistakes people of faith make when comforting others and offer three things to keep in mind when walking someone through the difficulty of death.

Many are interested in studying the Bible, but they don't know where to begin or if it will be worth their time. In this episode, we answer some common objections to reading the Bible and suggest three simple steps to make your study more effective and fulfilling.

Life is full of important decisions. How can we know if what we choose to do is what God wants us to do? In this episode we'll explore the idea of discerning God's will for your life and offer 3 simple steps that you can take as you seek to make wise decisions.

Prayer is like exercise. Most people agree that they should do it more, but they struggle with just how to begin. In this episode we suggest some simple steps, as well as offer a basic format for prayer.

Everybody has questions about life after death. In this episode we give an overview of 4 main views of the afterlife.