A bull market for religion

Reverend Dr. James Herbert Cooper is the rector of Trinity Church. He’s on "The Takeaway" and talks to host John Hockenberry about how his church is helping those affected by the economy by offering counseling on dealing with stress and looking for a new job: "Using the resources of [the] Psychotherapy and Spirituality Institute to provide programs on life in uncertain times and managing vocation … or job transition …"

According to Reverend Cooper Trinity Church serves, " … the average person who feels that this is a circumstance that is out of their control — and is out of control — and they’re looking for some place of beginning a step of recapturing control of their own lives in a very old church … sitting at the head of Wall Street, for those in that neighborhood is an iconic symbol of that hope."

As far as how religious faith can help people in this current climate, Reverend Cooper says, "Helping people restore confidence in their own ability to live life, and to be blessed by God. I think the idea that all things always work out is not the basic theological doctrine. The basic theological doctrine is that God will be with us — whether its in 9-11, or a hurricane, or in economic crisis — that that’s the primary promise. And out of that promise, by faith, we take some steps forward, and rebuild and come of the Ark and plant the stuff again, and get going."

"The Takeaway" is PRI’s new national morning news program, delivering the news and analysis you need to catch up, start your day, and prepare for what’s ahead. The show is a co-production of WNYC and PRI, in editorial collaboration with the BBC, The New York Times Radio, and WGBH.

More at thetakeaway.org