religion

Three-part cover story, ‘The Muslim American Way’
(Christian Science Monitor, 17 February, 2014):
 New generations of Muslim Americans seek their own ‘straight path’
 Brief history of Islam in the US
 The Five Pillars of Islam in brief

Tibetan Buddhism: the beautiful, ephemeral sand mandala
(Wall Street Journal, 1 July 2013)

Three-part cover story, ‘Was God Expelled?’
(Christian Science Monitor, 17 June 2013):
 50 years after the ban on school prayer, God and faith more present than ever
 After-school Good News Club is ‘Sunday school on steroids’
 Church-School Partnerships: A Faith-Inspired Caring Presence in Schools
more about this in an interview on C-Span’s Washington Journal (19 June 2013)
and yet more in an interview on Central Time, Wisconsin Public Radio (21 June 2013)

Did a chaplain’s fake Purple Heart erase good deeds?
 (Christian Science Monitor, 3 April 2011)
National Guard Capt. Kurt Bishop was a respected chaplain. But store-bought military
decorations – including a Purple Heart – ruined his career. Do they erase his good
deeds in an Afghanistan combat hospital?  

Six-part series, “Tour of Higher Duty”
(Christian Science Monitor, October-December 2007)
Series on US military chaplains in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Earned 2008 Best
In-Depth Reporting Award (1st place) from the American Academy of Religion and
2008 Supple Award for Religon Writer of the Year (3rd place) from the Religion
Newswriters Association.
    Marines in Iraq look to pastor for answers to tough questions
 (Christian Science Monitor, 30 October 2007)
From a buddy's suicide to a religious ritual, young troops count on
Navy Lt. Michael Baker.    
You can also watch the accompanying video.

 An Army captain keeps tough soldiers in touch with their softer side
 (Christian Science Monitor, 6 November 2007)
The divide between home front and front line is bridged by a chaplain's good ear and
ever-present video camera.
You can also watch the accompanying video.

 An Orthodox rabbi mixes faith and patriotism in Afghanistan
 (Christian Science Monitor, 13 November 2007)
Army Capt. Shmuel Felzenberg juggles outreach to local Muslims, interfaith counseling, and the kosher quest.
You can also watch the accompanying video.

    Being a cog of conscience in the military killing machine
 (Christian Science Monitor, 20 November 2007)
Navy Capt. James Fisher brings his evangelical Christian faith to work with
Afghan military mullahs.
You can also watch the accompanying video.

 A Presbyterian pastor patrols with his flock of soldiers in Iraq
 (Christian Science Monitor, 27 November 2007)
Army Capt. Ron Eastes carries a big responsibility - but no weapon - in his 'ministry of presence'
with the 82nd Airborne.
You can also watch the accompanying video.

 Prayer and humor hold a combat trauma unit together in Afghanistan
 (Christian Science Monitor, 4 December 2007)
National Guard First Lt. Kurt Bishop listens to medics letting off steam, nurses coming to terms with
death, and doctors showing stress.
You can also watch the accompanying video.  

Related Reporter’s Notebook
 Three months with US military chaplains in Iraq and Afghanistan
 (Christian Science Monitor, 5 December 2007)
Reporter on the job: Rockets in the shower, gravel in the rollers, and a mouse in the guard tower.

Did a chaplain’s fake Purple Heart erase good deeds?   (Christian Science Monitor, 3 April 2011) National Guard Capt. Kurt Bishop was a respected chaplain. But store-bought military  decorations – including a Purple Heart – ruined his career. Do they erase his good  deeds in an Afghanistan combat hospital? 

Muslims in the Military (Military Lifestyle, March 1994)  (pdf)