Today on Kresta - September 3, 2010

Talking about the "things that matter most" on Sept. 3

4:00 – Five Ways to Talk to the Left About Same-Sex “Marriage”
As hard as it is to express the truths about abortion, euthanasia, and embryonic stem cell research to Democrats, it can be even harder to talk about homosexuality. Many people wrongly equate opposition to same-sex marriage with opposition to racial equality during the civil-rights movement, applying the emotional power of race issues to homosexuality. The conversation can become even more personal and heated if they have family or friends who are gay. To reach supporters of same-sex marriage, you have to understand how they approach the issue, what their valid points and concerns are, and where they may misunderstand the opposition. Finding areas of agreement, and building on those, will help you avoid the standard pitfalls that accompany these discussions. To that end, Eric Pavlat is here to give us 5 ways to talk to the left about same-sex marriage.

4:30 – John F. Kennedy Speech to the Southern Baptist Convention Turns 50
This September 12 marks the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s historic speech to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association in which he countered religious objections to his candidacy and promised to honor the separation of church and state. This speech played an important role in Kennedy winning the closely contested 1960 election and helped set the stage for reducing religious prejudice in politics. To understand Kennedy’s speech, the historical context must be examined. We do that with Gary Scott Smith and Paul Kengor, both of Grove City College.

5:00 – The Imam at Ground Zero
The debate over the mosque at Ground Zero and Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf is of particular interest to Catholic law professor and frequent Kresta guest Ron Rychlak. He knows Imam Rauf. Five years ago, he and Ron were participants in an interfaith dialogue event that took place in Rome. Ron spoke with him over the course of several days. Ron has read his book, What's Right with Islam Is What's Right with America. In fact, he signed Ron’s copy with the inscription: "To Ron Rychlak, may God bond us in deepest spiritual kinship." As a law professor, especially one who teaches Constitutional Law, he knows that Rauf has the right to build his community center/mosque in any appropriately zoned area -- so he legally can build it at the location in question. Of course, if it is located at Ground Zero, it will be also inextricably tied to terrorism that was motivated by Islamic extremism. So what to do? Ron joins us.

5:20 – Direct to my Desk