New Show on AAR: State of Belief, Examines Religion + Politics, Activism

[bettyellen]

".... State of Belief, premieres on Air America Radio this Sunday, January 15, from 5 to 6 PM EST. Hosted by Rev. Welton Gaddy, State of Belief is religion and radio, done differently. In the very first show, Welton declares, "I believe that religion should -- and can -- serve as a positive and healing force in this nation—the most religiously diverse nation in the world. But that grand possibility will be tossed on the trash heap of history unless we stop manipulation of religion for partisan political purposes and the manipulation of politics for sectarian gains."

Through interviews with newsmakers and celebrities and field reports from around the country, State of Belief explores the intersection of religion with politics, culture, media, and activism. Each week, Welton offers critical analysis of the news of religion and politics, and seeks to provide listeners with an increased understanding and appreciation of religious liberty.

State of Belief talks about religion and politics in public in all the ways you're not supposed to. Welton believes that religion and radical freedom are best friends. And that the Religious Right is wrong – wrong for America and bad for religion.

This Sunday's show features legendary journalist Walter Cronkite. When asked what in his illustrative career he was most proud of, Cronkite replies: "I was pretty proud that I took a public role about the Vietnam War.... I thought it was so important to say that we really had done our best in Vietnam but now was time for us to get out. And I think I had some influence in that case. It might be that under the present circumstances in the Middle East there might be somebody who will stand up and say that there."

Diana Eck, of the Pluralism Project, also offers a compelling commentary on how, in a post- 9/11 world, Americans "have acquiesced the very values we hold dear." And, as you will hear every week, voices of activists across the nation, working at the intersection of religion and politics, are featured.

State of Belief
5:00 to 6:00 PM EST each Sunday
Air America Radio Network

To see where Air America is broadcast, go to www.airamericaradio.com/stations. (It is likely that State of Belief will be on the air this Sunday at 5 PM EST on your local Air America Radio affiliate. In the New York Metropolitan area, that's 1190 WLIB AM. Or, you can listen on line or on XM Satellite Radio, channel 167).

To listen online, go to: www.airamericaradio.com/listen

To stream State of Belief on Monday, go to www.StateofBelief.com

Podcasts available soon!

I welcome your feedback, your ideas for guests, and your suggestions, in particular, of grassroots activists around the nation with stories about how religion and politics have intersected in their lives.
Thanks, in advance, for your listenership!"

If anyone has feedback/ ideas, I'll pass them along.