For over three decades, WPBT2’s Viewpoint has brought various religious leaders and scholars together for discussions on topics of religious, moral and ethical importance to both South Florida and the world.
The goal of this monthly religion roundtable program is to provide a means by which the numerous religions of our community can come together to openly discuss timely and vital issues.
As communities grow and diversify, faith becomes an increasingly significant factor, and each religion offers a unique solution to the concerns of the community. How do today’s young adults view religion and spirituality? Is religion hampering science? Who hates in the name of God?
Spearheaded by host Steve Gushée, Viewpoint attempts to answer these and other questions in an effort to foster communication within the community and help educate viewers on different points of view.
Sunday, May 19 @ 12:00 PM Sunday, June 2 @ 12:00 PM
Guest Host: Lesley Northup, Ph.D., Florida International University
Being Muslim in America The April 2013 Boston marathon bombings opened old wounds for many Americans – including Muslim Americans who are frequently scrutinized after terrorist attacks. What is it like being Muslim in America?
Guests: Michael DeDonno, Ph.D., Barry University Muhammed Malik, WZAB 880 AM Shaikh Shafayat Mohamed, Darul Uloom Institute Karen Shah, Broward Interfaith Council
Sunday, April 21 @ 12:00 PM Sunday, May 5 @ 12:00 PM
Guest Host: Henry Mack, Ph.D.
Constitutional Warfare From Obamacare to gay rights, many of today's important civil issues are being decided by the U.S. Supreme Court – but should they be? How should judges interpret the law and can they remain objective?
Guests: Charlton Copeland, J.D., University of Miami Howard Wasserman, J.D., Florida International University Charles Zelden, Ph.D., Nova Southeastern University
It is with a heavy heart that I post this sad news. Viewpoint's long-time host, Steve Gushee, died over the weekend from his battle with inoperable cancer.
As our regular viewers are aware, Steve retired in December 2012 after 13 years with WPBT2.
Steve was a pleasure to work with and an absolute wealth of knowledge; he will be dearly missed.
Sunday, March 17 @ 12:00 PM Sunday, March 31 @ 12:00 PM
Guest Host: Lesley Northup, Ph.D.
Pope Francis I Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church after just two days of voting. His appointment represents many firsts for a pope, including the first Jesuit and the first from the Americas. But was this the right choice for the Church?
Guests: Daniel Alvarez, M.A., M.T.S., Florida International University Monsignor Franklyn Casale, St. Thomas University Henry Mack, Ph.D., Florida International University Elsie Miranda, Ph.D., Barry University
Sunday, February 17 @ 12:00 PM Sunday, March 3 @ 12:00 PM
Guest Host: Lesley Northup, Ph.D.
Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI The sudden news of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation shocked Catholics around the world. After 600 years, the Pope’s decision to depart from tradition has left many with unanswered questions: who will be the next pope and what does this mean for the future of the Roman Catholic Church?
Guests: Henry Mack, Ph.D., Florida International University Mary Carter Waren, D.Min., St. Thomas University Elsie Miranda, D.Min., Barry University
Sunday, January 20 @ 12:00 PM Tuesday, January 22 @ 7:30 PM
Guest Host: Mary Carter Waren, D.Min.
Religion and the 113th Congress The recently sworn-in 113th Congress contains many firsts, including the first Buddhist Senator, first Hindu from either chamber and the first member to identify their religious affiliation as “none”. Our panel discusses how the religious make-up of Congress reflects the diversity of the American people and what role does religious affiliation plays in politics.
Guests: Sean Foreman, Ph.D., Barry University Ken Loukinen, American Atheists Lesley Northup, Ph.D., Florida International University Edward Sunshine, Ph.D., Barry University
Sunday, December 23 @ 12:00 PM Tuesday, December 25 @ 7:30 PM
The Ethics of Christmas 'Tis the season once again for shopping, long lines and short tempers. This is the only Christmas many Americans know. How have we become so detached from one of the holiest days on the Christian calendar?
Guests: Daniel Alvarez, M.A., M.T.S., Florida International University Mary Jo Iozzio, Ph.D., Barry University Lesley Northup, Ph.D., Florida International University Edward Sunshine, Ph.D., Barry University
Sunday, October 28 @ 12:00 PM Tuesday, October 30 @ 7:30 PM
Florida’s Religious Freedom Act On this month’s program, we take a look at Amendment 8, or Florida’s Religious Freedom Act. This proposal, appearing on the November 6th ballot, moves to repeal the “Blaine Amendment” which is the current constitutional ban of tax dollars used for religious purposes. Our panelists debate the pros and cons of this controversial initiative.
Guests: Dan Gelber, Former State Senator Mike Hill, Citizens for Religious Freedom and Non-Discrimination The Rev. Canon Lesley Northup, Florida International University Most Rev. Thomas Wenski, Archdiocese of Miami
**For more information on Florida's Amendment 8, please visit the following links:
Sunday, September 23 @ 12:00 PM Tuesday, September 25 @ 7:30 PM
Rise in Middle East Violence The recent spike in violence in Northern Africa and the Middle East has resulted in the loss of both American and native lives. Our guests discuss the reasons behind the bloodshed and what these sectarian conflicts will do to the ‘Arab Spring’?
Guests: Daniel Alvarez, M.A., M.T.S., Florida International University Iqbal Akhtar, Ph.D.c, Florida International University
Sunday, August 26 @ 12:00 PM Tuesday, August 28 @ 7:30 PM
Mormons in America The presidential candidacy of Republican Mitt Romney has attracted both positive and negative attention to his faith, Mormonism. We gathered a panel of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help comprehend this growing American religion.
Guests: Albert Benzion, The Church of Jesus Christ of LDS William Current, The Church of Jesus Christ of LDS Charles Southerland Jr. DPM, FACFAS, The Church of Jesus Christ of LDS
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