Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly is a production of THIRTEEN Productions LLC for WNET. Visit www.pbs.org/religionandethics for additional information. Show #1953 will be fed over PBS at 5:00 p.m. EST on September 2, 2016 (check local listings).
Digital Addiction – Americans are increasingly dependent on their digital devices, and while this has undeniable benefits, many analysts say the negative impact must also be addressed. Kim Lawton talks with Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Sherry Turkle about how relationships are being harmed. She also interviews Tanya Schevitz of the Jewish group Reboot and Zen Master Jane Dobisz about efforts in the faith community that urge people to reassess their use of digital technology. (Original air #1934, 4/22/16)
The Singing Monks of Norcia – In Italy, in the town in which St. Benedict was born, there are Benedictine monks led by American Father Cassian Folsom. Their basilica was among the structures badly damaged in the recent earthquake in Italy. Last year, we visited the monastery  where the monks gathered nine times a day, every day, to worship God with their Gregorian chants and other prayers. Father Cassian spoke with Judy Valente about music and prayer —  and brewing beer, which is how the monks support themselves. Also, Father Cassian spoke about how he views the return of the cancer he thought he had overcome. (Original air #1848, 7/31/15)
Church Ushers – The spirit and discipline of church doorkeepers. We provide an inside look at the importance of these honored and highly trained ushers who help create the mood for worship at the Hemingway Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in District Heights, Maryland. (Original air #1932, 4/8/16)
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