Episode 48. As a columnist (The New York Times, the Daily Beast and elsewhere), speaker, published author, recovering attorney and practicing Muslim, Wajahat Ali brings a sharp eye and thoughtful commentary to the issue of religion in our modern world, especially the USA. The current political dissension and aggressive efforts by the right wing and Christian nationalists to impose their values regarding education and health care on all Americans, as well as the ceding of religion by liberals, raises critical issues. In this lively discussion we address a few of the related challenges, including religious liberty and illiteracy, religion as a cocoon against modernity, how to bridge the divides, and the role of fear in driving antagonism and protectionism. Discussing these issue and how religion plays a role is timely. Highlights: 00:04:00 Post-9/11, Muslims face discrimination and fear. 00:17:30 White Supremacy fuels bigotry against Jews, Muslims. 00:23:36 Traditions and identities shaping multicultural society. 00:28:28 Living in fear activates stress, impairs judgment, and turns people inward, selfish, and ignorant. Privileged individuals fear the gays and trans community, forgetting they face the same hate. Religion can act as a cocoon, but also as a sword against perceived enemies. 00:35:33 Take control of your actions and intentions. 00:41:06 Religious weakness of liberals and Democrats explained. 00:48:33 Intentionality in Islam leads to selfless love. References: Mallory McMorrow, Democratic State Senator (Michigan) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLWo8B1R0MY Social Media links for Wajahat: Website – https://www.wajali.com NY Times opinion piece, 23 June 2023 – https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/23/opinion/lgbtq-muslims.html?searchResultPosition=1 NY Times opinion piece, 16 Aug. 2023  – https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/16/opinion/albuquerque-shia-sunni.html?action=click&module=RelatedLinks&pgtype=Article Social Media links for Méli: Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271 Transcript:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13500414 Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.  Comments?  Email  Méli – [email protected] The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project. For information on talks, blog posts and more, go to – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/