Strengths in Diverse American Families of Faith | Episode 01

In this episode, we explain the research process of the American Families of Faith project and discuss the concept of "holy envy" for our friends of various faiths.

Black Christian Families | Episode 02

In this episode, we discuss the general life strengths, marital strengths, and parenting strengths of Black Christian families. Prayer and having faith in (and a personal relationship with) God are two of the permeating strengths of Black Christian families. The majority of Black Christians we interviewed believed God was present and actively involved in their lives--a belief that positively influenced marriage and family relationships, commitment, and cohesion.

Jewish Families | Episode 03

In this episode, we discuss the general life strengths, marital strengths, and parenting strengths of Jewish families belonging to various branches of Judaism. The fabric of ritual and tradition is interwoven in marriage and family life for the observant Jewish families who shared their experiences with us. These rituals, traditions, and observances seem to foster a sense of duty and unity among families in the Jewish community.

Surmounting the Empathy Wall | Episode 04

In this episode, we briefly share the unique strengths of seven of the religious-ethnic communities featured throughout this podcast. We reflect on our experiences of learning from many exemplar families and find ourselves experiencing both deep respect and holy envy.

The Inner Logic of Religion(s) | Episode 05

In this episode, we discuss how religious thinking and acting is important to understand on its own terms and not simply as merely psychological or sociological in nature. Compared with most of the other episodes of this podcast, this one is unique in that it focuses on some very big ideas about understanding and exploring religion from a social science perspective but in ways that are true to religion.

Asian Christian Families | Episode 06

In this episode, we discuss the general life strengths, marital strengths, and parenting strengths of Asian American Christian families. For many of these families, their religious beliefs, practices, and faith community play a significant role in the complex and interrelated process of religious, cultural, and familial adaptation and acculturation. Asian American Christian families live a life where faith is not only influential, it is central.

Catholic & Orthodox Christian Families | Episode 07

In this episode, we discuss the general life strengths, marital strengths, and parenting strengths of Catholic and Orthodox Christian families. For many of these families, their religious faith is a source of comfort and strength as they seek personal growth and interact with family members and others in society. At the core of the transformative influence of faith in the family lives of Catholics and Orthodox Christians is the concept of forgiveness.

Evangelical Christian Families | Episode 08

In this episode, we discuss the general life strengths, marital strengths, and parenting strengths of Evangelical Christian families. These families perceive that hallmarks of Evangelical Christian faith such as reliance on Holy Scripture and a personal relationship with God are foundational for building and maintaining healthy relationships.

Latter-day Saint Families | Episode 09

In this episode, we discuss the general life strengths, marital strengths, and parenting strengths of families in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For Latter-day Saint families, the doctrine that marriage and family life can be perpetuated beyond the grave is a central part of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. This eternal nature of the family is a key component driving family relations among Latter-day Saints.

Mainline Protestant Families | Episode 10

In this episode, we discuss the general life strengths, marital strengths, and parenting strengths of Mainline Protestant families. For some Mainline Protestant believers, God's relationship with them serves as a model for their relationships with their spouses and children. In addition to giving meaning to their lives and providing a unique set of tools and resources to draw from, Mainline Protestant families draw additional power and strength from their relationship with God.

Muslim Families | Episode 11

In this episode, we discuss the general life strengths, marital strengths, and parenting strengths of Muslim families. Our experience was that many of the families who shared their homes and stories with us were of a quality of character that any neighborhood or nation might welcome. Their relationships seemed structured but strong; hierarchical but warm. For many of these families, actively living what they believe and teach to their children is extremely important. They feel that Allah is involved in their daily struggles and marriage is a gift.

Meet the Hosts: Loren and Dave | Episode 12

In this episode, we introduce ourselves to our listeners. We are a couple of guys who grew up in California and Oregon and are now professors of family life at Brigham Young University. We study how couples and families from many faiths draw on their religious beliefs, spiritual practices, and faith communities to strengthen their marriage and family life.