Newsletter 03-28-05

News items from the past week include changes in the definition of marriage, threats to the future of potluck dinners in churches, attempts to legally protect Boy Scout bigotry and discrimination, a good Christian critique of Ten Commandments monuments, and more.

3rd Commandment: Don't Take the Lord's Name in Vain
What does it mean to 'take the name of the Lord thy God in vain'? That has been the subject of quite a bit of debate. Some have argued that this prohibition was limited to the use of the name of God in any frivolous manner. Others have argued that it was a prohibition against the use of the name of God in magical or occult practices.

Existentialist Psychology
Although the influence of existentialism on literature, art, and philosophy is not very surprising, its influence on psychology might be to some people. Understanding it better should help make it clear, however, that existentialism is less a philosophical school than a broader cultural movement that has involved a number of intellectual pursuits - all focused on the existence and importance of the individual human being.

Popes of the 2nd Century
Here is a list of all of the popes who reigned during the second century. The first number is which pope they were. This is followed by their chosen name, the starting and ending dates of their reigns, and finally the number of years they were pope. Follow the links to read short biographies of each pope and learn about what they did, what they believed, and what impact they had on the course of the Roman Catholic Church.

Defending Marriage Newspeak
Why redefine?

Church, State, and Potluck Dinners
What's happening?

Colorado: Free Speech vs. Patriotism
An immoral choice...

Boy Scout Bigotry to Get Protection?
Maybe...

10 Commandments: Dummy's Guide to Christianity?
A Christian analysis

Teen Pregnancy Epidemic...
Pharmacies Won't Stock Condoms, Pills

Gay Rights in Michigan
Interesting observations

 

Book Reviews:

1) The Last, Best Hope: a Democracy Reader
Just what is the basis of democracy - what are the conditions necessary for it and what is the relationship between morality and democratic ideals? Issues like these are critical for the future of democracy in the 21st Century, but you won't often find people discussing them.

2) Losing Faith in Faith: From Preacher to Atheist
Is it possible for a fundamentalist preacher, dedicated to spreading the Word of God, to have doubts about religion and even abandon it entirely, becoming an atheist activist? It certainly is - and if you are interested in learning more about how such a development can take place and what it means to a person, Dan Barker's book is exactly what you want.

3) Making Sense: Philosophy Behind the Headlines
There is a common prejudice which says that philosophy is an esoteric subject with little or no relevancy for daily life. If true, this would suggest that the study of philosophy would bring no practical benefits. But is it true? I don't think so, and a recent book demonstrates that it isn't.