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Faith Matters Each week on Tell Me More, the program explores how matters of faith and spirituality shape the lives of everyday people.
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Faith Matters

'Ripped Reverend' Finds Joy In Bodybuilding

Amy Richter was slathered up in oil and wearing a sparkling red bikini when she competed in her first bodybuilding contest a few years ago. That was quite a change for an Episcopal priest. Host Michel Martin speaks with the "Ripped Reverend" about keeping the body and spirit strong.

'Ripped Reverend' Finds Joy In Bodybuilding

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Five Years Of Faith: Leaders Look Ahead
Alex Motrenko/Alex Motrenko

Five Years Of Faith: Leaders Look Ahead

Tell Me More has regularly reached out to people of faith to hear how religion and spirituality affects our everyday lives. As host Michel Martin wraps up celebrations for the program's fifth anniversary, faith leaders of different traditions, backgrounds and generations offer their blessings for the next five years.

Five Years Of Faith: Leaders Look Ahead

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Party Of Reagan? No, Party Of Falwell, Writer Says

Rev. Jerry Falwell was a typical kid, more interested in pranks than church or politics. But he went on to create some of the country's most important Christian fundamentalist institutions and leave an indelible mark on today's Republican party. Host Michel Martin speaks with Michael Sean Winters about his biography on Falwell, God's Right Hand.

Party Of Reagan? No, Party Of Falwell, Writer Says

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Parishioner Takes Church Case Straight To Vatican

After Bishop Richard Lennon of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese announced he was closing several churches, one parishioner took her church's case straight to the Vatican and won. Host Michel Martin speaks with Christine La Salvia of St. James Catholic Church.

Parishioner Takes Church Case Straight To Vatican

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Goodbye, Manischewitz; Hello, Cabernet?

The sauvignon blanc 2010 (left) is from the Ella Valley Vineyards in Israel and has a fresh, vibrant and fruity flavor. The Herzog 2007 Special Reserve cabernet sauvignon (right) is from the Alexander Valley of California. It's a mevushal bottle that remains kosher even if served by a non-Jew. Amy Ta/NPR hide caption

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Goodbye, Manischewitz; Hello, Cabernet?

These days, there are hundreds of quality kosher wines, so there's no need to dread the four glasses involved in the ceremonial Passover Seder. Host Michel Martin discusses the expanding world of kosher wine with Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld of the National Synagogue, and wine aficionado Yossie Horwitz.

Goodbye, Manischewitz; Hello, Cabernet?

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In Midst Of Hard Times, Finding Hope, Rebirth

The period before Easter is a time of sacrifice and reflection. It's when Christians find hope in conquering earthly challenges by considering Christ's sacrifice. But perhaps some people feel they've already sacrificed plenty just to stay afloat. On Good Friday, host Michel Martin talks about finding hope and rebirth with Pastor Rudy Rasmus.

In Midst Of Hard Times, Finding Hope, Rebirth

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Member: Opus Dei Focused On Religion Not Politics

Rick Santorum's ties to the Catholic group Opus Dei have been recently highlighted in news reports. Guest host Jacki Lyden continues the conversation about Opus Dei with long-time member, John Coverdale. They discuss the role of religion in politics and address claims that the group promotes a conservative political agenda.

Member: Opus Dei Focused On Religion Not Politics

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Santorum Puts New Spotlight On Opus Dei

Recent reports highlight GOP presidential hopeful Rick Santorum's connections with the Catholic group Opus Dei. Critics say the group has an extreme agenda, others say it simply has a strong mission. Guest host Jacki Lyden takes a look at the group's influence on American political culture with John Allen, author of the 2005 book Opus Dei.

Santorum Puts New Spotlight On Opus Dei

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I Confess Because I'm A Sinful Man, Author Says

Host Michel Martin talks with author Paul Wilkes about confession, or to be exact, The Art of Confession. That's the title of his new book. He's Catholic, but the kind of confession he calls for doesn't need you and a priest, separated by a thin wall. Wilkes says people of all faiths can have honest conversations with themselves.

I Confess Because I'm A Sinful Man, Author Says

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Reality TV Villain Finds New Calling In Faith

Omarosa Manigault made feisty appearances on The Apprentice and The Celebrity Apprentice, but now she is serving as a Baptist reverend. She talks about her career change with host Michel Martin.

Reality TV Villain Finds New Calling In Faith

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American Muslim Women Lift The Veil On Love Lives

Love InshAllah features personal essays from 25 women of different backgrounds and circumstances. Fans of love stories are curious and fascinated, but critics say the collection is salacious and sensational. Host Michel Martin and the book's contributing editor Ayesha Mattu discuss these stories of faith, love and the will to open up.

American Muslim Women Lift The Veil On Love Lives

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Mixed Reactions To First Native American Saint

The Vatican recently announced that Kateri Tekakwitha, a Mohawk woman who lived in the 17th century, will be canonized as a Catholic saint. Many Native Americans say this is an honor, but others feel it legitimizes the abuses of colonialism. Host Michel Martin speaks with WCPN reporter Brian Bull, who has been covering this issue.

Mixed Reactions To First Native American Saint

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Contraception Provision Sets Off Firestorm

The Obama administration reaffirmed its position that certain religious institutions have to provide health coverage that offers free contraception. U.S. Catholic bishops are vowing to fight this rule in Congress, in courts, and in churches. Host Michel Martin speaks with Laurie Goodstein of the New York Times.

Contraception Provision Sets Off Firestorm

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A Lawyer, Not A Sage, Creates Talmud Index

Generations of scholars have studied the ancient, 63-volume central text of Jewish faith, law and practice without the help of an index. But Daniel Retter has recently created what is believed to be the first comprehensive index for the Talmud. He speaks with host Michel Martin about spending seven years on the massive project.

A Lawyer, Not A Sage, Creates Talmud Index

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'You Lost Me': Young Christians Rethink Faith

Nationwide, many 20-somethings are leaving their churches behind. David Kinnaman and his staff at the research company, The Barna Group, interviewed more than 5,000 Christians, and he says the dropout issue is real and urgent. Host Michel Martin speaks with Kinnaman about his book You Lost Me.

'You Lost Me': Young Christians Rethink Faith

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