This is your place to publicly comment on the topics and issues addressed in Speaking of Faith programs. React in a personal way, and put into words what this program meant to you.

Submit Your Reflection about "Globalizing the Sacred."

Things are Different Today (August 22, 2007)
I don't know when this interview with Prof.Vazquez was done, but things are a bit different today in Jupiter now that the El Sol Jupiter's Neighborhood Resource Center has been open for almost one year. (This is the center for day labor that Prof. Vazquez referred to). The El Sol center has become a place where the Guatemalan Mayan community of Jupiter and the "euro" community really meet and learn about each other. It has become more than just a day labor center—it's a real community center. Also, Prof. Vazquez said something about the town giving $1 million or $100,000 for the day labor center—in our dreams, but unfortunately, not true! The town has contributed a building, for $1 of rent/year, and that has been tremendously helpful. But it was Catholic Charities that funded the first year of operation of the day labor program, volunteers who "funded" many of the other programs, the School District has helped out with an ESL program, and local businesses have made contributions.

Jill Hanson
Jupiter, FL (WQCS, WLRN 91.3 FM)

What About the Impacts? (August 6, 2007)
I thoroughly enjoy Speaking of Faith and look forward to it every Sunday morning. However, this last program on Latino Migrations bothered me. As someone who is deeply concerned about the environment, I look to people such as Krista who, during their interviews, will take on some of the harder and even politically incorrect issues that may speak to my concerns. So when looking at the impact of migration of Latinos I want someone to consider or at least ask about how its values (e.g. strong family and large families) interfaces with environmentalism. I know the politicians and religious leaders all desire more constituents/parishoners but what about the demand it creates upon the natural world? If we are looking at the impact of any culture or people shouldn't we have the courage to consider it in total?

Nic Zerebny
Deerfield, IL (WBEZ, 91.5 FM)

"Little Religions" (January 22, 2006)
While listening to "Globalizing the Sacred" I was struck with the parallel between the way Hinduism functions in India and Vásquez' recognition of the importance of "little religions," of practices that fall outside of the big institutional churches, mosques, etc., in the emerging, pluralistic religious scene. In Hinduism there is no central, hierarchical institution. Rather there are temples in every village and altars or pujas in each home, honoring the particular aspect of the divine, (deity) worshipped by that family and before which one performs rituals of worship, prayer, offering of the food before it is eaten, petitions asking for boons, help or guidance, etc.

In visiting India, I was immediately struck with the sense of the sacred throughout the country and with the amazing embrace of the sacred totality of life in all its messiness as well as in its sublime manifestations in the profound teachings of the sages, the epic stories of saints, gods and goddesses, and in the example and teachings of the many God-realized masters that have emerged from the Hindu tradition. Perhaps there is a connection between the flourishing of "little religions" and the deep spirituality that has permeated the Indian subcontinent.

Bevalyn Crawford
Minneapolis, MN (KNOW, 91.1 FM)

Never Heard It Put So Eloquently (January 22, 2006)
I loved this program. I think Vázquez himself represents precisely the homogeneity/heterogeneity of the changing nature of global religion and spirituality. I teach a class called Modern Latin America to college students where we address some of the various issues he discussed, but I don't think I have ever heard it put so eloquently. His view on the current exchange between the Americas is unique and insightful. I plan to purchase his book immediately after I finish this e-mail. Thank you, Krista, for having such provocative speakers.

Elizabeth Fonseca
Moro, IL (WSIU, 91.9 FM)

Immigrants and Faith (January 22, 2006)
I was disheartened to hear the glaring exclusion of the African-American experience in the U.S. and America. African Americans have been a part of the fabric of America for centuries. Indeed, African Americans are Americans. Ms. Tippett commented on the "American" experience as being one comprised of various groups or populations that immigrated to the U.S. and assimilated into mainListen Now society. I must point out that African Americans did not immigrate to America. The overwhelming majority of blacks were brought to this country against their will. Moreover, blacks have not assimilated into mainListen Now society. It is as if the black community/experience did not exist at all. I am disturbed by the obvious exclusion of the very real and important experience of the black American population in Ms. Tippett's comments.

For too long the black community has been overlooked, dismissed, and disenfranchised in American society. While it may take a little extra effort and perhaps a few more additional seconds in the broadcast, I think it is critically important not to exclude this integral part of American society. It might have been more appropriate to state that for some Americans the experience has been to immigrate to the U.S. and ultimately assimilate into the American culture and that for other groups, such as African Americans and American Indians, the experience has been quite different and these groups have, in some cases resisted and in other cases been prohibited from assimilating into the broader culture.

Also, Ms. Tippett and Mr. Vásquez discussed the Pentecostal movement which was birthed out of the Azusa Street experience in California. Of course this movement was started by Rev. Seymour, who was a black minister. The Pentecostal movement, not only in America, but throughout the world, has strong black influences particularly in the delivery of the message, musical experience, and forms of worship. I may have missed it, but I did not hear this important fact mentioned. Religion in America is so globalized that it also includes African and black influences.

Lisa Rice
Toledo, OH (WUOM, 90.3 FM)

The Charismatic Movement (January 20, 2006)
Quoting from the promo for this week's SoF:
"The charismatic movement began in the United States a century ago on Azusa Street in Los Angeles. It was quickly exported to Latin America and around the world, where it flourished and is now returning embodied in the lives and spiritual sensibilities of immigrants."

I suspect that the point Krista Tippett makes applies to Catholics in America. If so, that should have been stated. There surely have been other, similar movements whenever direct inspiration by the Holy Spirit was emphasized. For instance, in the 1850s a widespread spiritual revival started among northern Finns, Sami, and Swedes (called Læstadianism) which had marked charismatic behaviors that were known as "rejoicings." The movement was exported with Finnish emigrants to the U.S.

Clair Haugen
Moorhead, MN (KCCD, 90.3 FM)

Quality Radio (January 19, 2006)
I just wanted to send you all a note saying how much I love your show. I think it is one of the highest quality shows on NPR in terms of sophisticated yet accessible dialogue about important and fascinating issues in our world today. I am always stimulated and inspired by your shows. I'm listening to the show with Manuel Vásquez right now; I've heard that Guatemalan marimba music with the all-night saint festivals so many times it is just bringing me back out of this cold Vermont winter. So, thanks for such a great show and please keep it up!

Josh MacLeod
Burlington, VT (KCCD, 90.3 FM)