Many years ago, when the first episode of MTV’s “My Super Sweet Sixteen” aired, I thought that the network had taken a daring step by reflecting this generation’s craven consumerism and narcissism back at them with the depictions of half-a-million dollar birthday parties and teens with no concept of the value of money or hard…

At the end of every year, Beliefnet selects, with help from our readers, a group of 10 individuals who have made a difference in the world for our Most Inspiring Person of the Year Award. Nominees include celebrities who use their high profile positions to raise awareness for a cause and ordinary people who’ve done…

It’s no secret (ha! I am already making puns) that Oprah Winfrey is many an American’s spiritual guide. There is even a book, “The Gospel According To Oprah” by Marcia Z. Nelson, that “praises Oprah for using her entertainment pulpit to promote such positive spiritual values as gratitude, empathy, forgiveness and self-examination.” And, earlier this…

If Jesus came back today, which television show would be his favorite? A clue comes from Mike Zak, youth director at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in St. Charles, Ill. According to the Chicago Tribune, Zak, a fan of “Home Makeover: Extreme Edition,” asked parishioners to nominate a family that desperately needed a home renovation,…

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