Viewpoint - A Production of WPBT2

This Month on Viewpoint - November

Sunday, November 29 @ 12:00 PM
Thursday, December 3 @ 7:30 PM


Hate Crimes Bill
In October, President Barack Obama signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act with the purpose of strengthening existing federal hate crimes law.  Several religious groups have expressed concern that this will hinder religious liberty and free speech, while supporters are hailing it as the first major federal gay rights legislation.  How is a hate crime defined and will this bill make a difference?

Guests:
David Barkey, Esq., Anti-Defamation League
Brandon Park, D.Min., Wayside Baptist Church
Robert Rosenwald, Esq., ACLU of Florida
James Summers, Northwest Baptist Church

Washington Post: Catholic Church gives D.C. Ultimatum

The Washington Post is reporting that the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. says "it will be unable to continue the social service programs it runs for the District if the city doesn't change a proposed same-sex marriage law, a threat that could affect tens of thousands of people the church helps with adoption, homelessness and health care."

Read full article here.

This Month on Viewpoint - October

Sunday, October 25 @ 12:00 PM
Thursday, October 29 @ 7:30 PM

Patient Rights vs. Provider Conscience
Healthcare has been the hot-button issue for the country this summer.  As the healthcare debate rages on, so has the argument to include moral provisions for healthcare providers.  Should these healthcare professionals reserve the right to deny medical care based on their religious beliefs?

Guests:
Bruce Berkowitz, M.D.., Orthopedic Center of South Florida
Paul Copan, Ph.D., Palm Beach Atlantic University
Mary Lou Pfeiffer, L.L.M.., Florida International University
Robert Schwartz, M.D., University of Miami

This Month on Viewpoint - September

Sunday, September 27 @ 12:00 PM
Thursday, October 1 @ 7:30 PM

Origins of Marriage
The battle to define marriage as a civil right or as a religious sacrament has been raging in this country for quite some time.  Who has the right to define marriage? And has this definition changed throughout the years?

Guests:
Daniel Alvarez, M.A., M.T.S., Florida International University
Elsie Miranda, D.Min., Barry University
Aisha Musa, Ph.D., Florida International University
Rev. Dr. Priscilla Felisky Whitehead, Church by the Sea (UCC)

This Month on Viewpoint - July

Sunday, July 26 @ 12:00 PM
Thursday, July 30 @ 7:30 PM

C Street’s Influence over Politics
Recent news of extra-marital affairs by some politicians have drawn unwanted attention towards a house on C Street in Washington, D.C. that is home to some members of Congress and said to be a place for spiritual guidance.   Is this a secret organization with self-serving intentions or an innocent fellowship of Christian lawmakers seeking solace and comfort among one another?

Guests:
Daniel Alvarez, M.A., M.T.S., Florida International University
Rev. Ralph Curtin, D.Min., Trinity College
Sean Foreman, Ph.D., Barry University
Rabbi Dr. Yaakov Thompson, Sunrise Jewish Center

This Month on Viewpoint - June

Sunday, June 28 @ 12:00 PM
Thursday, July 2 @ 7:30 PM

Boundaries Between Government and Faith
The struggle to honor personal faith that contradicts medical advice raises difficult issues of religious freedom, ethical behavior and public policy.  Should religious belief or government authority be the basis for a family's life and death decisions?

Guests:
Kenneth Goodman, Ph.D., University of Miami
Christine Gudorf, Ph.D., Florida International University
Mary Jo Iozzio, Ph.D., Barry University
Mary Carter Waren, D.Min., St. Thomas University
 

What Does the Future Hold for Christian Media?

A story published in Newsweek asks the question, "Have the days of the Christian media come and gone?"

Read the full article here.

Twitter Gets Religious

One pastor is using Twitter to spread His Word.

Read the full story here.

Archdiocese of Miami's plans to close 13 churches

Many of the closing churches are located in some of Miami's poorest neighborhoods. How do you think these shut downs will impact South Florida? Read the full story here.

This Month on Viewpoint - May

Sunday, May 31 @ 12:00 pm
Thursday, June 4 @ 7:30 pm

The Burden of Leadership
In the wake of the recent scandal involving Father Alberto Cutie of the Archdiocese of Miami, panelists discuss the high expectations placed upon spiritual leaders of various faiths, while exploring such issues as celibacy, preparation of clergy for ministry, and how the church reacts to scandal.

Guests:
Mary Carter Waren, D.Min., St. Thomas University
Lesley Northup, Ph.D., Florida International University
Rev. Dr. Priscilla Felisky Whitehead, Church by the Sea (UCC)
Daniel Alvarez, M.A., M.T.S., Florida International University