Viewpoint - A Production of WPBT2

Group Demands President Skip National Prayer Breakfast

In July 2009 Viewpoint aired, C Street's Influence over Politics, where the panel discussed a house on C Street in Washington, D.C. that is home to some members of Congress and is said to be a place for spiritual guidance. There were questions about this group, known as The Fellowship, and whether it was a secret organization with self-serving intentions or an innocent fellowship of Christian lawmakers seeking solace and comfort among one another. 

Now CREW, Citizens For Responsibility and Ethics in Washington is demanding that President Barack Obama skip this year's National Prayer Breakfast because it is organized by The Fellowship.

Read the article here.

This Month on Viewpoint - January

Sunday, January 31 @ 12:00 PM
Thursday, February 4 @ 7:30 PM

Religions’ Influence
The world’s religions have made headlines in recent weeks: the Pope was attacked at Midnight Mass, a foiled Christmas Day terrorist attack with ties to Al Qaeda and radical Islam, Evangelical Pat Robertson made controversial comments on earthquake ravaged Haiti and even Tiger Woods’ Buddhist faith has been questioned in light of his infidelity scandal.  What influence does religion have on our lives?  Should a person’s faith be kept private?
 
Guests:
Mary Carter Waren, D.Min., St. Thomas University
Rabbi Dr. Yaakov Thompson, Sunrise Jewish Center
Mohammad Shakir, Muslim Communities Association of South Florida
Whitney Bauman, Ph.D., Florida International University

Haiti: A Community Conversation

WPBT2's Pulse will be airing a special live call-in program, Haiti: A Community Conversation, Wednesday, January 20th at 8:00 PM.  The purpose of this one hour special is to be an outlet for members of the South Florida Community to share their thoughts, stories and other information regarding the tragic earthquake that has ravaged Haiti. 

Wednesday, January 20th, 8-9 PM on WPBT2

Community Call In: 1-800-222-9728

HAITI RELIEF EFFORT

PBS' NewsHour has put together a list of organizations accepting donations for those of you who are interested in contributing.

For the full list,click here.

December Program

Viewpoint was off for the Holidays and did not air a new program in December.  November's 'Hate Crimes Bill' episode was re-aired and can be viewed under Previous Programs.

The first episode of the New Year will air Sunday, January 31st @ 12:00 PM and Thursday, February 4th @ 7:30 PM.

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