The question posed by the interviewer was a simple one: Is religion still relevant?
During a televised panel discussion that included Father Stephan Isaac and faith leaders from other religions, the answer was a resounding “Yes.”
The show was Business Matters, a long-standing interview and discussion show on WFMZ Channel 69, hosted by Tony Ianelli.
Father Isaac, who is chaplain of Allentown Central Catholic High School and assistant pastor of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, appeared with a Jewish rabbi, a Muslim imam, and the pastor of a newly formed Christian congregation.
Among other questions, Ianelli asked Father Isaac about Catholic education, and the fact that it is “sought after because of its safe environment and better education.”
“We offer Christ-centered academic excellence,” Father Isaac said. “We want to form well-educated, well-rounded, missionary disciples of Christ who can go out and bring truth, beauty, and goodness into the world.”
Asked about the traditions of the Catholic Church, Father Isaac said, “Our whole faith is based on that personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ in and through His Church. So all of the traditions of the Church, liturgical traditions, and devotions are all oriented toward that personal relationship with Jesus,” and “are meant to help everyone grow in holiness.”
Other panelists were Rabbi Mark Shulman of the Congregation Beth El Gibor in Bethlehem, Rev. Dr. Gregory Edwards of the Resurrected Life Community Church in Allentown, and Mohamed H. Rajmohamed of the Al-Ahad Islamic Center in Whitehall.
The 30-minute program can be viewed here.
In the photo above, Father Isaac (right) appears with a panel of area religious leaders.
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