“We are not in a good place now, but give us time." North Dakotan on religion, Trump and Christian nationalism in his state

 

Manitobans and North Dakotans have long enjoyed good relations as neighbours. We share a border, a river and the weather. Grand Forks and Fargo are places for Winnipeggers to enjoy a weekend getaway. (Or, at least, we did until Trump started his tariffs and talk about invasion or annexation.) 

Over all the time I’ve lived in Manitoba, I never thought much about the religious make up of North Dakota. That is, until I saw a recent poll by the Public Religion Research Institute that showed that it was one of the top states in the U.S. for Christian nationalism—the belief that the U.S. is a Christian nation that should be governed by Christian values and laws. 

I decided to do a little digging; how deeply do people in that state actually believe it? And who is against it? My recent column in the Free Press explores those questions.

Freedom, family and faith: How religion is being used by some Albertans to justify separation from Canada

Albertans who want to separate from Canada cite various reasons for wanting to leave: Economic unfairness, political alienation from Ottawa, conflicts over energy and environmental policies.

 

Some also cite faith. That's the message from the Alberta Prosperity Project, the group leading the effort to leave Canada. It says it right in its crest: Family, faith and freedom.

 

It’s also the message proclaimed by Tim Stephens, pastor of the evangelical congregation Fairview Baptist Church in Calgary. In his view, separation is supported by four biblical principles: liberty, justice, vocation and belonging.

 

I had a chance to talk to Stephens recently about his views. And I spoke with church leaders and others who feel the opposite way when it comes to mixing faith and politics in that province.

 

Read my story in Canadian Affairs.

A different lens, a bigger picture: Teacher and students share about importance of learning about other religions

In January, the Manitoba government announced a new resource for schools to address Islamophobia. Two years ago, it announced the creation of a new curriculum about the Holocaust.

Those are good things. They will help students know more about Islam and Judaism, and the challenges facing members of those groups. But I wondered: What resources are available to help students develop an even broader sense of religious literacy?

As it turns out, the province has an optional grade 12 course titled “World of Religions: A Canadian Perspective.” But not many schools use it. I was able to speak to a teacher who is teaching it, and some students who are taking the course. “It’s given me a different lens,” said one. "It gives me a bigger picture,” said another. 

Read my column here.

New book aims to help Christians learn more about Islam, combat Islamophobia

Ramadan began last week. It runs until March 19. For Muslims, it’s a sacred time when they pray and fast daily from dawn to sunset, seeking to grow closer to God. 

While Ramadan is for Muslims, other religious groups can see it as a good opportunity to learn more about Islam — including during Christian worship services. 

That’s the view of Anna Piela and Michael Woolf in their new book, Confronting Islamophobia in the Church: Liturgical Tools for Justice. (Judson Press.) 

In the book, the married couple say that taking time to learn about Islam at church can help Christians combat Islamophobia and be better neighbours to Muslims in their communities. As a bonus, it can also help them develop a deeper understanding of their own Christian beliefs. 

“By studying Islam and engaging with Muslims, you can be a better Christian,” said Piela. “By engaging with other traditions and their scriptures, you are better able to better define what your own beliefs are.” 

Read about the book in my Free Press column.

The Olympics and Religion: Like a church, but without the dogma

 

The winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are just about half-way over. So maybe it’s a good time to explore the pivotal role religion played in the creation of the ancient Olympics, how religion caused those ancient games to come to an end, and how religion influenced the modern revival. As Baron Pierre de Coubertin of France said when he revived the modern games, it was to be like a church, but without the dogma. He did include a hymn, though!

 

Read about it in my latest Free Press column.

(Photo above: OSV News photo/Guglielmo Mangiapane, Reuters)

The religious roots of Valentine's Day

Feb. 14 is the feast day of St. Valentine. As everyone knows, right? 

Maybe not. That’s why the CBC Radio asked me to share nationally about the religious roots of this annual day for giving chocolates and cards—and how this martyred saint came to be linked to this romantic day. (Hint: It involves the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer).

Along the way I also talk about what some other religions do to promote the idea of love (e.g. the Jewish Valentine’s Day), and a list of Christian feast days that haven’t yet been commercialized in the same way. (At least, not yet.) 

You can read it here, in Canadian Affairs, or listen to it at CBC Manitoba Information Radio.

Are you dead? Popular app in China serves people who live alone, but maybe we already have an "app" for that here in places of worship

Are You Dead? That’s the name of the most popular paid app in China, according to the BBC. 

The app is designed for the estimated 200 million or so people in that country who live alone, and who don’t have family or others to check on them regularly. 

By clicking a button on the app every day, users confirm they are alive. If they don’t click it, the app will get in touch with an appointed emergency contact and tell them to check to see if the person is in need of assistance. 

Said a user: “There is a fear that people living alone might die unnoticed, with no one to call for help. I sometimes wonder, if I died alone, who would collect my body?” 

The app is only available in China. But with over four million Canadians living alone in Canada. It might be useful here. 

Or maybe we already have an app for that: Being involved in a place of worship. I asked faith leaders what their groups do to make sure people—especially seniors—aren’t overlooked and alone. 

Read my latest column on this topic in the Free Press.

Photo above from Home Health Companions.