Program: Religion and Diplomacy
Reflection:
I am really happy to hear you get to interview Dr. Johnston. I am going to order his latest book.
If I could ask a question maybe it would be: How can Americans in our respective communities concretely act towards making religious understanding/perspectives a part of this nation's diplomatic effort? (it is such a national thing which is very hard for people to see themselves a part of).
Has Dr. Johnston ever thought of turning this into a movement using the Internet to organize?
How does Dr. Johnston overcome the usual objections to involving religion in state affairs - separation of church and state - AND how does Dr. Johnston envision safeguarding that those implementing effort do not represent the intolerant and right-wing religious views causing so many problems today? I like the last one best.
Patrick Briggs, Pasadena, CA

Program: Religion and Diplomacy
Reflection:
Doug, how would your "engagement of religion as part of the strategic solution to global conflicts" look like in the reality of today's world? I guess you're not talking about another crusade (Bush's terminology during the early stage of the Afghan war, later retracted by him). But what else? Fostering a reformation of Islam? Islam, having been founded 600 years after Christianity, would be ready for a reformation, were it to parallel the history of the church. However, every reformation begets fervent reactionaries that would be even more willing to use the ultimate violent means to defend "orthodoxy", if they saw that the majority as losing faith in their fundamentalist "sacred" principles and traditions. Just think about the 30-year war in central Europe, conducted with nuclear devices... I'd rather see us taking a rational, outspokenly secular approach in taking all necessary military, economic and public relational steps to defend our legitimate interests, values and safety. Acting decisively in such a rather cool demeanor would avoid the pitfalls of coming across as missionary or of sliding into an ideological vengeance. Moreover, it will ultimately attract the intelligent part of the leadership of the Islamic world that banks on the benefits of science that can only bloom in an open society.
Achim Jung, Santa Monica, CA

Program: General
Reflection:
Thanks for doing these radio programs; I think it's important.
Roena Oesting, Coronado, CA

Program: Courage and Commitment
Reflection:
With his example, Friar Vitale shows us that it takes great courage to persue nonviolence. Unfortunately, our society keeps teaching us that only carrying a gun makes you a tough man (or woman).
Jochen Strack, Pasadena, CA