Religion at the Crossroads Part Four of Four

One of religion's great values is the comfort it provides to those who suffer. But how do believers retain their faith in God when horrible things happen? Debbie Morris, author of "Forgiving the Dead Man Walking," explains how she came to forgive her rapist. Also, journalist Liz Trotta, author of "Jude," describes the appeal of St. Jude, the patron of lost causes. China Galland, author of "The Bond Between Women," describes her spiritual pilgrimage to Nepal, India and Brazil to meet women of "fierce compassion." And storyteller Lorraine Johnson-Coleman, author of "Just Plain Folks," weaves her magic as she describes the pivotal role of the black church during years of oppression.

The film "Dead Man Walking" told the story of Sister Helen Prejean's work with convicted rapist and murderer Robert Willie. One of Willie's victims was Debbie Morris, whom he abducted and raped. Morris survived, and has now written a book called "Forgiving the Dead Man Walking." Morris tells Steve Paulson the story of her assault, its impact on her life and her faith, and how she recovered her belief in God. Also, journalist Liz Trotta tells Jim Fleming why St. Jude is considered the saint of last resort, and why he's so popular in America. Trotta's book is "Jude: A Pilgrimage to the Saint of Last Resort."

China Galland tells Judith Strasser about the Buddhist idea of "fierce compassion" and profiles some of the women whom she sees as modern counterparts of the Buddhist goddess Durga, who saved the world from demons. Galland's heroines battle poverty and child prostitution. Her book is "The Bond between Women: A Journey to Fierce Compassion."

Lorraine Johnson-Coleman is a storyteller who draws on her background in the Black church for inspiration. She tells the story of "Miss Lullubel, the Devil and the Sunday Hat," and talks with Steve Paulson about the role of the church in the African American community.

Distribution dates:

• week of 10/18/98 - hour 1
• week of 06/27/99 - hour 1