Religion and Faith

This weekend between 500 to 1,000 Muslims from around the Midwest are expected in Minneapolis for a convention called, "Islam, a Way of Life."
A first-generation Pakistani-American scholar says her American culture is perfectly compatible with her Islamic beliefs. She's become an inspiration for many young American Muslims and believes that most Americans are eager to learn more about the teachings of Islam.
Duluth Mayor Herb Bergson today signed a resolution that could result in the removal of a Ten Commandments monument from city property. But the fight is far from over. Residents are circulating a petition asking for a referendum on the issue. The St. Louis County Board is offering to take over the monument, along with the lawsuit against it. And the former mayor is raising money to help pay legal expenses to keep the marker in place.
Movies rarely open on a Wednesday -- unless, of course, it's Ash Wednesday and the movie is "The Passion of the Christ." Mel Gibson's film about the crucifixion of Jesus opens in 64 theaters across Minnesota. Christian and Jewish leaders are preparing for intense dialogue, though the things they want to talk about are very different.
Local governments are becoming more protective of farmers. In southwest Minnesota a county board struggled with a proposal to locate a Buddhist temple in an agricultural area.
An epic production is unfolding at Bedlam Studio on the West Bank of Minneapolis. Mercurius Lumen features an orchestra of international musicians and a cast of more than 50 puppets. Not a word of dialogue will be spoken. The play's primary purpose is to help audiences re-engage their imaginations, and explore the ancient roots of humanity.
Julie Amacher hosts an hour of holiday memories and traditions with the hosts of Minnesota Public Radio. Guests include Cathy Wurzer, Scott Simon, Gary Eichten, and Lianne Hansen.
Minnesota Public Radio's Julie Amacher hosts an hour of Christmas music that you might not have heard in the malls this season. American Routes host Nick Spitzer and conductor Bill Eddins bring in some of their holiday favorites, including Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, George Winston, and Joni Mitchell.
Good and Evil. Redemption. Life and Death. Forgiveness. More and more the overtones of religion and spiritual faith are making their way into popular culture. Lessons of faith abound. From Harry Potter and the Da Vinci Code to blockbuster movies like Lord of the Rings, religion is surfacing in unexpected places.