The Story of Black Mormons, The Blurry Line Between Grief and Depression, and More

Fighting the Myth of “The Curse of Cain”

In 1978, the leader of the Mormon Church had a revelation and lifted ban that had, for more than a century, prevented men of African descent from becoming full members. In so doing, he also refuted the belief that Africans are descended from Cain and therefore Biblically cursed. Still, the Church has yet to formally apologize for its history of racial discrimination.

Pictured: Elijah Abel, one of the black men ordained into the priesthood before the ban went into effect in 1852

Margaret Young and Darius Gray, co-directors and producers of Nobody Knows: The Untold Story of Black Mormons

In Times of Sorrow, Choosing Religion Over Prozac

May 18 marked the publication of the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, something of a bible for psychologists. This version erases the distinctions between normal bereavement and clinical depression. No stranger to traumatic grief herself, our guest argues that our society loses something fundamental when we rush to medicate and forget the solace faith can provide.

Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, professor and researcher at Arizona State University

An Ounce of Prevention, With Help from the Local Imam

Vaccines have spared millions of people around the world from diseases like measles, polio, and meningitis, sometimes for as little as fifty cents. Faith-based groups play an important role in promoting life-saving vaccines, spreading the word through trusted religious leaders.

Dr. Mercy Ahun, Special Representative for the GAVI Alliance

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