Common Threads: An Interfaith Dialogue

Fred Stella, Kaufman Interfaith Institute, WGVU-FM, Interfaith Dialogue Association, Grand Valley State University
  • 5.0 (3)
  • RELIGION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Rated as the #1 podcast on all matters interfaith by Feedspot (https://blog.feedspot.com/interfaith_podcasts/), this is a weekly program that airs on Michigan NPR affiliates WGVU and WGVK. These 2 stations cover the entire western portion of the state. The show is hosted by Fred Stella, President of Interfaith Dialogue Association, an affiliate of Kaufman Interfaith Institute, which operates out of Grand Valley State University, the license holder of both stations. Each week Fred invites clerics, authors, activists and the occasional mystic into conversation about the role of spirituality and religion in politics, world affairs, societies and individuals. The parameters are quite wide. Besides his passion for all things transcendent, Fred Stella has an extensive resume in the world of media. Since his graduation from college Fred has worked in multiple radio formats, including news/talk, where he developed his skills in the art of the interview. He also has extensive experience in TV, stage, web entertainment, audiobook narration and more. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

  1. 2D AGO

    If It Were Not For Buddha I Could Not be a Christian Parts 1 & 2

    Without Buddha I Could not be a Christian narrates how esteemed theologian, Paul F. Knitter, overcame a crisis of faith by looking to One more from the newly found archive! So let's set the Wayback Machine for 2009 again. This time we spoke to Dr. Paul Knitter, the author of "If It Were Not for Buddha I Would Not Be a Christian." I recall really enjoying this conversation. This book narrates how esteemed theologian, Paul F. Knitter, overcame a crisis of faith by looking to Buddhism for inspiration. From prayer to how Christianity views life after death, Knitter argues that a Buddhist standpoint can encourage a more person-centered conception of Christianity where individual religious experience comes 1st, and liturgy and tradition 2nd. Theme music "Nigal."

    55 min

  2. JAN 29

    Religion & Modernity:The 2009 Kaufman Conference Parts 1 & 2

    OK Kids, here's another classic Common Threads that was misplaced ages ago and is now available. The Kaufman Interfaith Institute (of which Interfaith Dialogue Association is an affiliate) holds conferences each year. In 2009 we hosted 3 thought leaders from the Abrahamic traditions to discuss the challenge of modernity and religion. We decided to interview James Carroll, a noted Catholic influencer (in '09 we did not even know that was a word, but that's what he was). As with most, if not all, of these archived episodes, the relevance of the conversation holds up against time. Theme music "Nigal."

    57 min

  3. JAN 23

    No Enemy Left to Conquer: Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World Parts 1 & 2

    Dipping into our newly discovered tranche of old episodes once more, we have another 2009 pair that explores a very power book about the power of forgiveness. Michael Henderson is a British freelance journalist and author of numerous books including Forgiveness: Breaking the Chain of Hate and All Her Paths Are Peace. He is convinced that forgiveness is like a muscle that must be exercised. He has gathered inspiring and edifying stories of individuals and organizations around the world who have sought to advance reconciliation among enemies and to bring about peace rather than sustain enmity. In the foreword, His Holiness the Dalai Lama writes: "When something terrible happens, instead of finding some individual or group to blame, fostering hatred and a desire for revenge, we should try to take a broader view and consider the long term. Much more constructive than stoking feelings of resentment and revenge is to forgive and transform the negative event and its consequences into a source of inner strength." Theme music "Nigal."

    54 min

  4. JAN 23

    In Living Color: Calvinism Explained Parts 1 & 2

    Another one from the newly discovered batch of old recordings. I'm assuming this is from 2009 as most of them are. This 2-parter is a conversation with Daniel Hyde, a pastor in the United Reformed Church. We invited him to discuss his book on Christian images "In Living Color," but also delved into the Calvinist movement within Protestantism. You see, Common Threads is produced in Grand Rapids, Michigan. And this part of the state is an epicenter of Calvinism (also known as Reformed Theology). I think these episodes are the most in-depth dive we've taken on this show. Sorry it's taken so long to get online. Theme music "Nigal."

    57 min

  5. JAN 22

    Islam: The Basic Tenets Parts 1 & 2

    Once again we delve into the vault of recently discovered recordings that never made it to the podcast universe. These come from 2009. So please disregard any information about the conference on Islam that is being promoted. I've thought about these conversations over the years. I'll tell you why. As you might know, while I may ask probing questions, and on occasion uncomfortable ones, I'm not out to go all 60 Minutes on a guest, right? But every once in a while someone does say something that I just can't ignore. Well, in this case I did. At some point (either in Part 1 or 2, I can't recall) I ask our guests if there was any country on earth that they would put up as an example of a model Muslim nation. There wasn't much discussion. Immediately one of them said it would be Saudi Arabia. Wait...what...? Saudi Arabia? You mean that repressive state that controls personal behavior in almost every aspect? Where women were not allowed to drive until 2018? Seriously? I can't believe I let that go unchallenged. But I did. My bad. But other than that it was a reasonably good discussion. You will notice that the terrorist attack of 9/11/01 took up a fair amount of time. Obviously, only 8 years from that date the incident was still quite present in our minds as we continued to deal with the trauma. Theme music "Nigal."

    56 min

  6. JAN 20

    The Halakhah of Jesus According to the Gospel of Matthew Parts 1 & 2

    Here we go again! As mentioned recently, I discovered a trove of old recordings on CD and cassette tape that I was not aware of. So now I'm posting these here. These episodes of Common Threads originally aired in 2007. They have to do with the very "Jewishness" of Jesus. The book in question is "The Halakhah of Jesus of Nazareth According to the Gospel According to St. Matthew." Scholars agree that it is the most Jewish of all the Gospels. It was written by Rabbi Phillip Sigal, who held the distinction of being a rabbi with an advanced degree in New Testament studies. Since he died prior to the release of this 2007 version of the book we discuss its contents with 3 people who know this material well: Lillian Sigal (Phillip's widow and scholar in her own right), Rabbi Simcha Prombaum and interfaith academic Leonard Swidler. Yes, a cassette from almost 20 years ago might not sound as crisp as we'd like, but we think it's still quite a good listen. By the way, Lillian Sigal is a co-founder of Interfaith Dialogue Association and still a dear friend. Theme music "Nigal."

    59 min

  7. JAN 18

    Crimes Against India Parts 1 & 2

    Hey All, we've got ourselves a blast from the past! For those of you who have been following us for a few years you might recall that not long after we started podcasting we decided to go into The Vault and grab as many old analog recordings that survived over the decades, digitize them and add to our podcast library. So if you're not aware already, keep scrolling down and you'll see episodes from as far back as the late 90s. I really thought we were done with all that, but in cleaning out a desk drawer I found a few more. This one dates back to 2009. Here we interview Stephen Knapp, a brilliant writer on Vedic culture. We discuss his new (at the time) book called "The War Against India." Here's how he explains it: India has one of the oldest and most dynamic cultures in the world. Yet, many people do not know of the countless attacks, wars, atrocities, and sacrifices that Indian people have undergone to protect and preserve their country and spiritual tradition over the centuries. Neither do many people know of the numerous ways in which this profound heritage is being attacked and threatened today, and what we can do about it. Therefore, we should carefully understand: How there is presently a war against Hinduism and its yoga culture. The weaknesses of India that allowed invaders to conquer her. Lessons from India's real history that should not be forgotten. The atrocities committed by the Muslim invaders, and how they tried to destroy Vedic culture and its many temples, and slaughtered thousands of Indian Hindus. How the British viciously exploited India and its people for its resources. How the cruelest of all Christian Inquisitions in Goa tortured and killed thousands of Hindus. Action plans for preserving and strengthening Vedic India today. How all Hindus and concerned people must stand up and be strong for protecting the universal spiritual traditions of Vedic culture. Theme music "Nigal."

    57 min

  8. 12/27/2025

    The Fox Hunt: Trapped in Yemen Parts 1 & 2

    Born in the Old City of Sana’a, Yemen, to a pair of middle-class doctors, Mohammed Al Samawi was a devout Muslim raised to think of Christians and Jews as his enemy. But then he started connecting with Jews and Christians on social media, and at various international interfaith conferences, Mohammed became an activist, making it his mission to promote dialogue and cooperation in Yemen. Due to his work, Mohammed found himself fighting for his life amidst the sectarian strife in Yemen. The story of his escape, which is recorded in his new book The Fox Hunt, is at once thrilling and disturbing. Fred Stella speaks with Mohammed Al Samawi, discussing the backstory of this compelling account as well as Mohmmed's interfaith work here in the U.S. that was inspired by the TV show Friends. Theme music "Nigal."

    1h 5m
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About

Rated as the #1 podcast on all matters interfaith by Feedspot (https://blog.feedspot.com/interfaith_podcasts/), this is a weekly program that airs on Michigan NPR affiliates WGVU and WGVK. These 2 stations cover the entire western portion of the state. The show is hosted by Fred Stella, President of Interfaith Dialogue Association, an affiliate of Kaufman Interfaith Institute, which operates out of Grand Valley State University, the license holder of both stations. Each week Fred invites clerics, authors, activists and the occasional mystic into conversation about the role of spirituality and religion in politics, world affairs, societies and individuals. The parameters are quite wide. Besides his passion for all things transcendent, Fred Stella has an extensive resume in the world of media. Since his graduation from college Fred has worked in multiple radio formats, including news/talk, where he developed his skills in the art of the interview. He also has extensive experience in TV, stage, web entertainment, audiobook narration and more. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Information

  • Creator
    Fred Stella, Kaufman Interfaith Institute, WGVU-FM, Interfaith Dialogue Association, Grand Valley State University
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    348
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2020-Interfaith Dialogue Association
  • Show Website
    Common Threads: An Interfaith Dialogue