July 6. 2025 Special: Ask Us Anything

A Show of Faith

What happens when ancient wisdom meets modern questions? When a rabbi, priest, professor, and millennial tackle your deepest spiritual curiosities, the result is a fascinating exploration of faith that transcends traditional boundaries.
Tonight's episode takes a different approach as our interfaith panel responds to listener questions about everything from biblical serpents to the limits of government authority. The conversation begins with a poignant acknowledgment of the devastating floods in Central Texas, reminding us that even amid theological discussions, real human suffering demands our attention and response.
Diving into Genesis 3, we discover striking differences between Jewish and Christian interpretations. Rabbi reads the serpent narrative literally—snakes are just snakes—while our Christian panelists see something more sinister lurking beneath the surface. This seemingly simple difference opens a window into how various faith traditions approach sacred texts and reveals the roots of theological divergence that has shaped centuries of religious thought.
The most provocative moments emerge when we grapple with the relationship between faith and governance. Can virtue be legislated? Our panel unanimously recognizes the limits of law in creating moral citizens while acknowledging its role in protecting shared values. "A society that doesn't recognize there is a law above the law becomes tyranny of majority will," quotes Rudy, capturing the delicate balance between religious conviction and civil authority.
Perhaps most relatable is our honest examination of religious practices across traditions. When a listener questions whether giving up meat on Fridays during Lent truly compares to the rigorous fasting of Ramadan, Father Mario candidly admits the criticism has merit. The conversation reveals how easily meaningful spiritual disciplines can devolve into empty rituals when divorced from their purpose.
Whether you're questioning the divine inspiration of scripture, wondering about religious conversion, or simply curious about how different faiths approach self-discipline, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives without easy answers. Join us in this candid interfaith dialogue where difficult questions lead to deeper understanding.

Chapters

1. Opening Song and Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Texas Flood Tragedy Discussion (00:02:47)

3. Biblical Questions on Genesis 3 (00:06:19)

4. Virtue, Law and Government (00:18:16)

5. Religious Expression in Secular Settings (00:28:03)

6. Self-Discipline Across Religions (00:36:35)

7. Divine Inspiration of Religious Texts (00:48:45)