On Religion in "Far-Flung 21st Century Lives"

By Ted Resnikoff

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Krista Tippett Speaks at the 2016 Ware Lecture

by John Newhall

Krista Tippett, the host of On Being and author of three books, will deliver the Ware Lecture at General Assembly this year. As the host of a radio show focused on spirituality and living fully, she is a logical choice for an Assembly focused on interfaith dialog and connection. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Brown University and a won a Fulbright scholarship to study politics in Europe during the Cold War. Her time in Germany shaped her in unimaginable ways. Upon her return, nearly a decade later, she began attending Yale Divinity School after which she, “saw a black hole where intelligent coverage of religion should be.” She received the 2014 National Humanities Medal for her focus on fostering intelligent discussion of spirituality and religion.

I first encountered her radio show, Speaking of Faith (later to become On Being), from my parents who’d listen to her show consistently on the radio. Her show has featured such spiritual giants as Parker Palmer, Eboo Patel, Mary Oliver, and John O’Donohue. In her new book, Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living, Krista Tippett brings together the words of prophetic people tirelessly working to make the world a better place.

For youth and young adults her writing and show are especially important. I have personally found them to be incredibly inspiring and moving on my own spiritual journey. She seamlessly weaves together journalism and spirituality on a journey of discovery.

I encourage you to attend the 2016 Ware Lecture on Saturday, June 25, at 7:30PM. Click here for offsite live streaming of the event.

Learn more about Ware Lecturer Krista Tippett.


John Newhall served as Youth Caucus 2015 Worship Coordinator and currently serves as Outreach Intern at the Unitarian Universalist Association.