News items from the past week include questions about Christians who place sin above forgiveness, Tom Cruise's recent comments about Xenu, criticism of the idea that non-Christians should have to reinterpret theistic language in order to avoid taking offense, and more.

Popes of the 14th Century
Here is a list of all of the popes who reigned during the fourteenth 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.

Book Reviews: Books on Atheism, Religion, Philosophy
Hundreds of books on a wide variety of subjects are reviewed on this site, including books on: atheism, agnosticism, humanism, religion, Christianity, Islam, philosophy, politics, science, the separation of church and state, evolution, creationism, and much more. The most recent book reviews appear at the top; older book reviews are are organized according to topic in folders along the side.

Skepticism and the Paranormal: Recent News
Wondering about what has been going on in the world when it comes to skepticism and claims of the paranormal? It seems like there is always something new going on - crop circles, bigfoot, psychics, astrologers, faith healing, etc. Staying current on what is happening isn't easy, but here you have a handy index about all sorts of news stories dealing with paranormal claims and general skepticism.

Tom Cruise Denies Xenu
How horrible....

Parental Notification for Contraceptives?
Some want it - but why?

The Trouble with Private Reinterpretation
Language means something...

Jerusalem (Fails) to Ban Gay Pride Parade
Good news...

Humanism, Definitively
Someone recognizes its value

Onward, Christian Leaders?
Why not secularists and atheists?

Forgiveness & Sin in Christianity
Which is most important?

 

Daily Polls:

1) Quality of Life vs. Length of Life?
Modern medical technology has been able to extend life a great deal - but a longer life is not always the same as a better life. Many people are concerned that when death draws near, it will be painful, debilitating, or otherwise miserable. Some would rather die a bit sooner than face that. Would you?

2) Why did America Really Invade Iraq?
Many different reasons have been offered to justify the American invasion of Iraq: to stop their production of weapons of mass destruction, to topple Saddam Hussein, to encourage the spread of democracy in the Middle East, etc. Which, if any, of the reasons used so far do you think were genuine?

3) Is Saudi Arabia Helping or Fighting Islamic Terrorism?
Saudi Arabia has done a great deal to foster the growth of extremist Islam around the world. Currently they are supposed to be partners in the fight against the Islamic terrorism that has grown out of that extremism. Is Saudi Arabia really doing enough to fight terrorists or are they actually doing more to help them?