The Politics of Faith
In a world that seems increasingly secular, the role of religion remains surprisingly strong. Across the globe, nearly nine out of 10 people say they have some affiliation with religion. Yet, at the same time, conflicts because of religion are on the rise.
“People value the ability to practice their own religion more highly than they do the ability of others in their country to practice their religion. So you could call that somewhat of a religious intolerance gap.” –Brian Grim, Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion and Public Life
Nearly a third of the world's population faces restrictions on how they worship, risking arrest, imprisonment or even death. This hour, we head to Egypt, Malaysia, China and Russia to examine the religious undercurrents that are sharpening societal divides.
Executive Producer: Aaron Lobel / Producers: Anya Ardayeva, Monica Bushman, Mallory Durr, Noel King, and Jennifer Pak / Intern: Andreana Lefton / Additional production help: Flawn Williams / Director of Broadcasting and Station Relations: Steve Martin / Web Producer: Javier Barrera / Photo credit: Jennifer Pak / Special thanks to Feature Story News / Host: Katherine Lanpher / Airdate: Nov 2011
+ Field Report From Cairo
Noel King examines the political and religious forces that are competing for influence in Egypt as the country transitions from dictatorship to democracy.
Story Transcript: Field Report from Cairo.pdf
+ Elections In Egypt
Katherine Lanpher speaks with Professor Khaled Fahmy of The American University in Cairo about what’s at stake in Egypt’s upcoming parliamentary elections and the future role of religion in Egyptian society.
Story Transcript: Elections in Egypt.pdf
+ Field Report From Kuala Lumpur
Jennifer Pak reports from Kuala Lumpur on escalating tensions between Muslims and Christians in Malaysia.
Story Transcript: Field Report from Kuala Lumpur.pdf
+ Faith In China
Katherine Lanpher and Ambassador Stapleton Roy discuss the politics of religion in China.
Story Transcript: Field Report from Kuala Lumpur.pdf
+ Field Report From Moscow
Anya Ardayeva reports from Moscow on the growing ties between the state and the Russian Orthodox Church that are causing tensions with other faiths in Russia.
Story Transcript: Field Report from Kuala Lumpur.pdf
+ Rising Religious Conflict
Katherine Lanpher talks to Brian Grim, author of “The Price of Freedom Denied: Religious Persecution and Conflict in the Twenty-First Century,” about the rise of religious conflict and persecution around the world. -
Story Transcript: Rising Religious Conflict.pdf