Bonus. Religion in the Public Sphere, a Christian View (Zachary Davis)

Living Our Beliefs

Episode 43.
Zachary Davis, a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormons), has been deeply involved in producing podcasts and other media about religion. In this Bonus episode, we discuss the role of religion in the public sphere. He talks about the importance of bringing your whole self into the community, and makes the distinction between scholarly work and devotional practice. Part of his own public expression of his faith is through the various podcasts and publications he produces and manages, including the Ministry of Ideas podcast and Faith Matters magazine.
Highlights:
· Zach’s first HarvardX work with professors at Harvard Divinity School led to years of ‘swimming in religion’ and thinking more deeply about the role of faith.

· The Ministry of Ideas podcast and Faith Matters magazine are both vehicles for discussing religion in the public sphere.

· The separation of church and state really means not establishing a state religion.

· Scholarship on religion and religious devotional practice are two different things, and not at odds.

· The US is a unique country, given the diversity of religions. Living together peaceably and respectfully is important.

· Attending services and reading the holy scriptures of other religions are ways we can each learn about other paths.

Social Media links for Zachary:
Website – https://www.zacharystevendavis.com/about
Ministry of Ideas podcast – https://www.ministryofideas.org/about/
Faith Matters – https://faithmatters.org/about/
Wayfare Magazine –http://wayfaremagazine.org/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/zacharysdavis
Note: The Ministry of Ideas podcast and Wayfare magazine are both vehicles for discussing religion in the public sphere.
Social Media links for Méli:
Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271
Transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13129045-bonus-religion-in-the-public-sphere-with-zachary-davis
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The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.
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The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/