News items from the past week include questions about why draft-age war supporters don't help the war effort by enlisting, an analysis of media reactions to John Paul II's death, abortion rights supporters who don't want abortion to be too easy to get, arguments against the idea that sex exists only for procreation, and questions about the future of the American military.

Popes of the 16th Century
Here is a list of all of the popes who reigned during the sixteenth 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 American Religion, Religious History
Religion plays an important role in American society, just as it does in most societies. Religion in America is not, however, quite like religion in other countries. It has it's own unique history and it's own understanding of the nature of religion, of Christianity, and of civil society. Learn here about some of the best recent books published about religion in America.

Atheism, Agnosticism, and Freethought: News and Events
Curious about what has been going on with the atheism and atheists both in America and around the world? What are atheists themselves saying about atheism, religion, and politics? Atheism doesn't come up very often in the media, but that doesn't mean that there isn't anything to say or to report about. There are very regular stories involving atheists and atheism if you look closely.

Christian Right Reactions to Air Force Scandal
Very telling and informative

Why Don't War Supporters Go To War?
Perhaps they don't support it that much

American Military Superiority
Can it be maintained?

Sex & Survival
Is sex only for procreation?

Why Did the Media Fawn Over Pope John Paul II?
No critical evaluations...

Abortion Shouldn't Be Too Easy?
With friends like this...

Populism and Democracy
Can they conflict?

 

User Polls:

1) Is America at War with Terrorism?
Some argue that the United States of America is engaged in a global war against terrorism and, therefore, many of the rules that regulate war (like secrecy) should apply. Others say that while we need to fight terrorism, this isn't a declared war and is more like the War on Drugs in nature. What do you think?

2) What Would Cause You to Stop Being an Atheist?
Is there anything that might cause you to stop being an atheist and start believing in some sort of god, even if you didn't convert to a specific religion? Many theists ask this question and it can reveal something interesting about what a person thinks about the question of gods' existence.

3) Religious Monuments in Public Areas
Many people fight to have religious monuments installed in public areas, like parks and court houses. All these monuments are, coincidentally, Christian in nature - there's no outcry for Muslim or Hindu monuments. Do you think that these monuments should exist and, if so, should they only be Christian?