There's new Muslims on the block. Check out Eteraz: States of Islam. A Scoop-based blog, the content already makes for very informative and prophetic reading.

Ali Eteraz writes:

"Unlike some of my fellow believers I don't think that the recent glut of Westerners calling for the reformation of Islam is due solely to an imperial Western ambition. I believe that some of non-Muslim engagement with Islam is premised upon a well-intentioned impulse. I believe that some Western antipathy towards Islam is due to decency. It is quite plausible that a generation that faced off against two totalitarianisms might be right about a third. It is also plausible that for every Westerner who calls for the destruction of Islam in order to defend the Western status-quo, there is another Westerner who agitates for change in Islam because has a Muslim friend who has been hurt by what passes for Islam, or has a glimpse (in Hafiz, perhaps in Ibn Rushd), of what Islam could be; and as such, is upset by what Islam today is not."

Provoke podcasts makes for stimulating listening. Check out this piece on the Ignatian Volunteer Corps. "Guests are: IVC volunteers, Mr. Tom Tiffany, Ms. Duffy Laws, and Mr. Jerry May. Their stories will bring a smile to your face and entertain you. And, as always, you will be inspired by their humility and commitment. Also interviewed is Mr. Bill MacSherry, a regional director of the IVC."

Chris Tessone, always pointing out that Even the Devil's Believe, takes on "burqas, feminism, and democratic values."

And as always, Pam's House Blend takes no prisoners here.

On a spiritual guest, Danny Fisher, an American Buddhist Chaplain posts a picture of blessing from India.

Mik Moore is JSpot on justice! He asks, "Does Anyone Care About Domestic Poverty?" Mik adds: "there clearly needs to be a much greater effort made to fight extreme poverty and the global health crisis. But it’s hard not to feel like Americans are more comfortable tackling poverty overseas than poverty here at home."

Faith in Public Life will return Monday. Until then, check out our A Time to Give Thanks letter in appreciation for the thousands of folks working for justice and the common good.