Christian or Not? Unpacking America’s Religious Identity

Can America guarantee free expression of religion in public as an officially secular, but culturally Christian nation? Expressing religious faith in public is both protected by law and socially acceptable. As a secular nation, the US has no official religion, but since two-thirds of American are Christian, most of the displays of religion in public places we see represent one faith. For example, Christmas is the only religious holiday observed by the that’s also a federal holiday when all government services and most private businesses are closed. And some argue that, because of our history and founding, America was intended to be a Christian nation.

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Christmas

In this episode we’ll talk about topics related to Christmas. We’ll start with a discussion of Old Testament prophecies that Jesus Christ would be the hope of Israel, delivering them from spiritual bondage. We’ll talk about how receiving hope and comfort in this life is an active choice. We’ll also review the appearance of Gabriel to Mary, including Mary’s faithful reaction to his annunciation. We’ll talk about how Mary, understanding her purpose, received great strength as she proceeded into the unknown. We’ll also review the story of the wise men, and how by looking for heavenly signs of happiness and peace in our own lives, we can be led to amazing destinations. 

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Desperate Times of Need

Patrick Mason of Utah State and Melissa Dalton-Bradford of Their Story is Our Story share moments when angels stepped in to support them during moments of trauma and tragedy. Light the World is a campaign from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that runs every Christmas season, inviting people to contribute to their communities, in ways that will change people's lives.

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The Comfort of Swaddling Bands

The ties that bind us—family or community—may sometimes feel restrictive, but they actually hold us safe and keep us calm, like swaddling bands, according to Hannah Anderson. Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

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Choir Christmas

Welcome to a special Christmas episode of In Good Faith. Today we’ll share Christmas carols from local choirs—and it was quite a treat to be in the recording sessions as this music came together. We’ll hear from Bridge Creek Bell Choir, as well as Amplifyre and 1Achord, two A Cappella groups. We also have Utah Baroque, the BYU Jazz Ensembles (there are 2!), and the Irish band An Rogaine Dubh. We hope you enjoy our Choir Christmas and that this holy music brings light and peace into your December.

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