Bill Maher's Anti-Gospel
Bill Maher is a well-known comedian whose satirical comments about politics and society have managed to get him in hot water more than once. His comments about religion, though are even harsher and will elicit much more negative reactions from the faithful.
Bishop Blasts Sunday Shopping
Helping to demonstrate just why his diocese is the most "godless" in Britain, Bishop of Manchester Nigel McCulloch has attacked stores that open on Sundays so people can shop. Presumably, if the stores all closed people would be back in the pews, listening to McCulloch preach.
Blogsnark: Religion Makes Sense?
Naturally, religious believers say that it makes sense to be religious. When they try to say how and why, though, they don't always come up very sensible explanations. Sometimes, the explanations are so bad that they almost seem designed to refute the original premise.
Boom for Christian Books = Bust for Christian Bookstores
Books like the Left Behind series represent a huge boom in the sales of Christian books. One might think that this would mean a similar boom for Christian books stores that sell all kinds of Christian-themed objects, right? Unfortunately, just the opposite is the case.
Britain: Cities Shun Church at Christmas
Churches in British cities don't see much of an increase in attendance on Christmas - but churches in rural Britain do. Rural increases can be as much as 200%. What accounts for this difference?
Britain: Sikhs Riot, Protest Play, Theater Closes
A Birmingham theatre tried to put on a production of Behzti, a play that involved sexual abuse and murder occurring in a Sikh temple. British Sikhs were so outraged at these depictions that they not only protested, but rioted - ultimately forcing the theater to close the play down. Let's hear it for free speech!
BTK Mass Murderer: Scout Leader, Church President
One of the most notorious serial killers in America has finally been caught, at least according to police in Kansas. What's interesting - and disturbing to many - is the fact that the alleged killer was also a Cub Scout leader and president of his Lutheran Church. At least he wasn't gay, right?
Bush's Disconnect From Reality
Apparently, Secretary of State Colin Powell was asked by President Bush for his assessment of situation in Iraq and Powell told him: "We're losing." Bush asked him to leave. Now that he is being replaced with Condoleezza Rice, will Bush ever hear any dissenting views? Will he hear anything critical or skeptical?
California: Pastor Used Fear of Devil to Get Sex
In California a pastor will go on trial for convincing women in his congregation to have sex with him by using their fear of Satan. Apparently this tactic was relatively successful.
Canterbury Cathedral Making Beer
Most churches don't serve beer, despite the fact that the brewing of beer was once a common pursuit of monks. Well, things are changing at the Canterbury Cathedral where beer will once again be made and made available.
Chaplains Ordered to Behave at Olympics
The Olympic Village of Athens houses around 15,000 athletes and a fair number of chaplains who are there to minister on behalf of the various religions represented. They are, however, under some restrictions because Greece doesn't allow proselytizing.
Chomping on Chocolate Crosses for Easter
Russell Stover Candies is selling chocolate crosses this Easter and some religious leaders are bothered by this. It seems that eating chocolate representations of one of the most gruesome and painful methods of execution in the history of humanity strikes some as... wrong.
Christian Businesses Growing in Numbers
All over America, more and more businesses are explicitly identifying themselves as "Christian" businesses. It's sparking a positive reaction among "values shoppers" who think that patronizing a "Christian" business is more moral.
Christian Conflicts in Jerusalem Threaten Easter
The Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is one of the holiest sites in Christianity, built over what many believe to have been Christ's tomb. It is also one of the most contested sites in Christianity, with various groups regularly coming to blows over it. Now those conflicts may threaten Easter events.
Christian Ethics and the Treatment of Prisoners
The conservative voice in America is typically a voice that resonates with Christian beliefs, Christian doctrines, and Christian values. In the controversy over the abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib in Iraq, however, conservatives have conveniently ignored basic Christians principles when voicing their reactions.
Christianity, Atheism, and Suicide
Christians sometimes wonder why atheists don't commit suicide, as if life weren't worth living in the absence of their god and their heaven. They don't commit suicide in order to get to heaven more quickly, though, because suicide is a "sin." But where does it say that suicide is a sin?
Christian School Orders Mom to Spank Son
It's well known that many conservative Christians consider the use of corporal punishment to be valuable and even biblically mandated. What's unusual is for Christians to consider corporal punishment to be required - as in, there is no choice but to hit a child.
Christians Driven from the Middle East?
Christians are having a tough time in the Middle East. It appears that many feel compelled their leave their homes. Between Islamic extremism and the U.S war on terror, Christians are simply being squeezed out.
Christian Turf War in Jerusalem
The Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is one of the holiest sites in Christianity, built over what many believe to have been Christ's tomb. It is also one of the most contested sites in Christianity, with various groups regularly coming to blows over it.
Church Air Poses Health Risks
If you were wondering about some of the disadvantages to being religious and attending church, researchers have come upon a new one: breathing church air is bad for your lungs. All of those burning candles and incense make church air worse than the air by a busy road.
Churches Debate Flying the American Flag
Some Christians are having trouble reconciling their allegiance to their faith and their allegiance to their nation. If their religion is supposed to be "above" nationality, then presumably churches shouldn't send messages of national allegiance. For some, though, religion and patriotism go hand-in-hand.
Church of England Might Restructure
Both insiders and outsiders of the Church of England are concerned that it is becoming "top heavy" - too many bishops at the top, too few people in the pews. Thus, there is some indication that they might end up restructuring in the near future.
Church of Meth
Methamphetamine is a popular drug in part because it doesn't have to be imported (thus eliminating the threat of border patrols) and it doesn't have to be grown (thus eliminating many other means of detection). With the right ingredients and equipment, you can cook it up at home. Or in church, if you prefer.
Coming European Christian Coalition?
The Christian Coalition was set up in America in order to push a Christian agenda that opposed modernity and secularism. Something similar may be in the works in Europe as conservative Christians are finding it more and more difficult to dominate or control public policy in a more united Europe, something they were used to in their home nations.
Crucifixion of AWOL Police - Literally
Every year, a number of people in the Philipines crucify themselves on Good Friday to imitate what they believe Jesus experienced. This year, AWOL police are being given a special offer: if they do the same, they won't be dismissed.
Da Vinci Code Plagiarized?
Dan Brown's book The Da Vinci Code has been hugely popular all around the world - in large part because Brown has been able to convince people that what is a work of fiction is actually based upon facts and history. It's not, but he's convinced people of it. Unfortunately for Brown, two others did the same thing a few years ago and they accuse him of plagiarizing their work.
Dehumanization & Sanctified Violence in Iraq
One of the more curious aspects of Christian history is how, despite it being a religion of "love" and "peace," it has still managed to develop the means for sanctifying violence. Christians can pray to their god one minute and then attack or kill other human beings the next without missing a beat.
Desperately Seeking Faith without Fakery
In the "war on terrorism," both sides are accustomed to using religious language that justifies their cause. Both Americans and Muslim extremists act and speak as though they were on a mission from God to cleanse the planet of a godless enemy. Isn't it curious how the two extremes manage to mirror each other so well?
Don't Spare 'The Rod'
Is your child misbehaving? Are you having trouble coming up with the proper means of discipline? If you spare the rod, you'll spoil the child - and there exists the perfect "rod" that will keep your child from being spoiled: a 22-inch nylon whipping stick that will put the fear of God into the little blighters.
Donate a Kidney for Jesus
Jesus wants your kidney! Well, perhaps not. Dave McKay, leader of the Australian group Jesus Christians has admitted that they used the internet to solicit donations of kidneys and parts of livers in order to get around Australian laws prohibiting strangers from donating organs.
Errors in the Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code is a wildly popular book and many people believe that much of what the book says is true, even though it is classified as a work of fiction. This is unfortunate because there is very little fact and a great deal of fiction in the story - something that even Christian apologists recognize.
Fisking the 'Purpose Driven Life'
Rick Warren's bestseller The Purpose Driven Life has been attracting a lot of attention recently, but just what is in the book? Does Warren offer sound advice or nonsense?
Genocide or Miracle?
There are many horrible, awful events described in the Old Testament. Because they are part of "sacred history," though, religious believers tend not to regard those events are being really so bad. After all, if they were the what God wanted, then they shouldn't be criticized - never mind the suffering that must have occurred if those events were real.
Gluttony and Americans
American Christians tend to be rather selective in the sins they focus on. Abortion is a big deal for conservative Christians, despite not being condemned in the Bible, but gluttony is hardly ever addressed despite having been considered one of the Seven Deadly Sins for centuries.
God Endorses Moe's
In Orlando, Florida, Moe's Southwest Grill has erected a billboard suggesting that God endorses them. The white text ("Welcome to Moe's! - God") on a black field echoes those "inspirational" billboards that were supposed to give people messages from God. For some strange reason, local Christians aren't happy about this one.
God Strikes Down Idolatry
Apparently God has made his views known about a large cross in Florida that caused a lot of controversy a couple of years ago. A lo, a great wind came down and smote the idolatry that offended the Lord!
Hagia Sofia Mosaics Treated Shabbily
The Hagia Sofia in Istanbul, Turkey, is one of the most important architectural monuments in existence. It's been called the 8th wonder of the world for its design and artwork; unfortunately, those charged with taking care of it don't seem to have been doing an adequate job.
Hell-Bound Pope Sign: Not a Good Idea?
In Newport, Tennessee, the Hilltop Baptist Church put on their sign the message "No truth, No hope Following a hell-bound pope!" and "False hope in a fake pope." Coming just after the death of Pope John Paul II, many people took offense at this. But why?
Holy Lands Curing People of their Religion
Some who visit the Holy Land succumb to the Jerusalem Syndrome, an obsession with religion that causes them to believe they are religious figures themselves. Some who already live there, however, find that the pervasively religious environment actually pushes them away from religion.
How Can Religious Theists Explain Disasters?
For a long time many believers have recognized that massive natural disasters, like earthquakes, are difficult to reconcile with the existence of a loving God. Earthquakes in particular lead to large numbers of deaths and terrible suffering afterwards. In 1755, the earthquake that leveled Lisbon caused many to reconsider the existence of God. Today, that's a question many seem eager to avoid.
How Would Jesus Vote?
When Christians make decisions about politics and social issues, they typically consult sources of religious inspiration - like the Bible, for example. Many pray for guidance. Others make an active effort to figure out what God or Jesus would have them do. Instead of making their own decisions, they'd rather just follow orders like meek sheep.
Humanism and Respect
Religions generally encourage commitment to one's community, but do they also discourage respect to other communities - especially when "one's community" is defined very narrowly? That seems to be the case in at least some cases and points to a basic flaw in many religious ideologies.
Humanistic Buddhism Growing in Brazil
Brazil is the world's most populous Catholic nation. Brazil has one of the fastest growing Pentecostal populations in the world. So, what's going on that Buddhism is growing in Brazil as well?
Illinois: Controversy in Methodist Church over Mary Statue
Roman Catholics often pray to and venerate the Virgin Mary; Protestants do not. Why, then, did the Amor de Dios United Methodist Church in Little Village, Illinois, introduce a "Virgin of Gauadelupe" statue into their sanctuary, causing many members to leave?
Increasing Divisions Within American Churches
It's become conventional wisdom that America is split politically between the religious and the irreligious - but conventional wisdom is wrong. American communities are increasingly polarized and homogeneous along political lines and the same is happening to churches. America is, in fact, split between conservative and modernist religious visions.
Indecency and TV Evangelists
Preachers on television often assume the mantle of protectors of the nation's morals, leading with calls to enforce stricter standards of "decency" on what one can watch on television. But what about their own programs? Shouldn't standards of "decency" be applied to them as well?
Iowa: Church Split Over Transgender Couple
In Charles City, Iowa, a couple married for 40 years has been asked to leave. The reason? Renee Usher used to be Michael Ussher before having a sex change 10 years ago. The church council made the decision to kick the couple out, but that has led to strife because not everyone agrees - not even the pastor.
Irreligious Widow Badgered for Church Bequest
Churches commonly ask for money from parishioners and it isn't common for a church member to leave a bequest to their church in a will. It's unusual, however, for a church to pressure an elderly lady who isn't a member to change her will and leave her estate to a church - but that seems to be what happened to one 99-year-old woman in England.
James Ossuary Still Being Debated
Believe it or not, there are still debates going on over the authenticity of the "James Ossuary." The man who "found" it has been indicted for widespread forgery and it looks pretty clear that he forged his as well, but that doesn't seem to matter to the true believers.
Jamestown Excavation Uncovers Wine Bottles
An excavation at Jamestown has come across a wine cellar with 11 unbroken bottles of wine that could date back to the 1680s. Unfortunately, all the bottles were empty - the most archeologists will be able to get out is some residue. That's no small matter, but can you imagine what the actual wine might have been like?
Japan: Weakening Faith in Shinto
Shinto is the dominant, native faith of Japan. Shinto is fundamental to the definition of Japan's history, culture, and national identity. Shinto is also falling by the wayside as something that the Japanese actively believe in or follow in anything more than a very perfunctory manner. What's going on?
Jerusalem: Clergy Caught in Scandal
The city of Jerusalem is the holiest city for Jews and Christians; it is one of the holiest cities for Muslims. For some reason, in addition to being a major source of religious and political tension, it's also becoming a source of scandals for various clergy.
Jerusalem: Priests Brawl Outside Shrine
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem is generally considered the holiest shrine in all of Christendom. That is why it is so ironic that two priests, one Greek Orthodox and one Franciscan, got involved in a brawl outside it after an argument over whether a door should be open or closed during a procession.
Jesus to Rescue the Democrats?
It is being argued by some that in order to win more elections, the Democrats need to get more religion. American values are discussed in religious language and, therefore, Democrats need to bring that language into what they do. They risk, however, becoming just like the GOP if they try.
Killing Civilized Christianity
Has Christianity become too "civilized"? Pastor Erwin McManus thinks so, arguing that Christianity should challenge people and make them think differently rather than make them feel secure and comfortable in what they already want to believe or do.
Lebanon: Da Vinci Code Banned
A fictional account of conspiracies spanning centuries, The Da Vinci Code does not paint a very flattering picture of the Catholic Church. Because of that, Catholic officials in Lebanon complained - and the government agreed to ban the popular book.
Looney Moon, Uncensored
Rev. Sun Myung Moon strikes many observers as a bit unstable. Most people in America probably aren't aware of all the bizarre things he says because official transcripts of his speeches leave out the most controversial material. You have to go to unofficial transcripts to find out what he really thinks and believes.
Male-Only Branch of Anglican Church in Works?
Much of the news about the Anglican Communion these days tends to focus on the controversy over homosexuality and gay bishops, but there is another debate lurking just under the radar: the status of female priests and whether any can become bishops. It's serious enough that some are talking about an Anglican branch that is restricted to male clergy.
Michael Jackson Accuser: Chosen By God?
You've probably heard about the criminal case against Michael Jackson, accused of sexually abusing a young boy. In a strange twist, the mother of the boy has announced "God hand-picked me and the kids because he knew that we weren't going to fall for any of their money."
Minnesota: Cross Removed from Hospital Chapel
Regions hospital in Minnesota has removed a large cross from its chapel and many Christians are upset. Apparently, they believe that a hospital chapel exists for the exclusive use of Christianity and if people of other faiths want a place to pray or think, they either have to deal with Christian symbols or find someplace else.
Missouri Court to Decide on Circumcision
Will Ethan Azar be circumcised? His mother doesn't want it. His father, who has full custody of the child, wants it. Now Missouri's Supreme Court will have to make a decision about the matter: should a parent be allowed to have this done to a child even if the other parent disagrees?
Misunderstanding Religion, Atheism
One of the reasons why I have such extensive resources on the definition of atheism and the definition of religion is that, wherever I go, I find such extensive misunderstanding about those topics. Why? I'm not sure - but one apparent commonality is that so many don't seem to have done any research on the topics, aside from perhaps a quick glance at a short dictionary.
More Questions About "The Question of God"
I wrote a couple of days about doubts and questions I had regarding PBS' recent show "The Question of God." Turns out I'm not the only one, especially where the author of the original book is concerned.
Museums Advised to Check Bible-Era Relics
All around the world, museums have been warned to take another look at Bible-era relics because some of the most significant finds during the last few decades have likely been forgeries. Who knows how many experts have been taken in by frauds?
National Witches Days of Prayer
The creators of the National Day of Prayer designed it as a specifically and explicitly Christian day - but as the nation increases in religious diversity, other groups will want to make use of it as well, or at least of the general idea. Wiccans have created a "Witches Days of Prayer," for example.
New Theories Questioning Dead Sea Scrolls
Everyone knows that the Dead Sea Scrolls were written by a community of Essenes living at Qumran... right? Well, maybe not. Recent research suggests a very different story about the scrolls and the community that lived in the area.
No Arabization of Greek Orthodox Church?
Palestinians evidently want Arab Orthodox Christians to break away from the Greek patriarchy, thus leading to the Arabization to the Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem. That would fundamentally alter religious relations there.
Ohio: New Ashland U. Faculty Must Be Christians, Jews
Ashland University in Ohio was founded by the Brethren Church in 1878 and has always had references to religion in their constitution, but now they are getting more serious. From here on out, all new faculty members will have to be Jewish or Christian. Apparently Buddhists and Muslims can't be trusted to teach things like science or history.
Only American Christianity Will Survive
Christianity in Ameica is vital, powerful, and constantly renewing itself. Christianity in Europe appears to be moribund and faltering. What's the cause of these differences? Why is America so much more religiously devout than Europe?
Political Divisions Among American Christians Increase
Pundits write about how divided America is, politically, even though there is little evidence for this. On the other hand, there is some evidence for the growth of political divisions within American churches - as well has between American churches and their counterparts elsewhere. Could politics become a driving force for religious schisms in various denominations?
Power, Democracy, and Politics in South Africa
Many people have criticized America's Republican Party for abuses of power and a refusal to work sincerely with Democrats. Curiously, something similar has been occurring in South Africa where the African National Congress has behaving in a dictatorial manner.
Priest Informs Kids that Santa Doesn't Exist
During a Wednesday morning Mass in Santa Fe Springs, California, Rev. Ruben Rocha informed a group of children that Santa Claus didn't really exist. Parents, of course, are outraged that a priest chose to tell them the truth and burst their bubble of deception. The irony of the situation, though, doesn't seem to have occurred to anyone there.
Protestant Churches in Germany
A few days ago I wrote about the financial problems being experienced by Catholic churches in Germany. At the time I said that "I'd be interested to learn whether the Protestant churches are experiencing the same thing." Happily, a reader from Germany wrote back with some information.
Protestant Ministers Unfamiliar with Other Religions
Many Protestant ministers teach that Christianity and Jesus are the only ways to get to heaven. It's curious, then, that they are so ignorant about other religions. Doesn't it make sense to first learn about a religion before claiming that it is false?
Questioning Liberal Religion
How tolerant should atheists be of liberal religion? It's true that liberal religious believers arrive at conclusions that atheists tend to agree with (tolerance of minorities, religious liberty), but shouldn't the reasoning process and origins of these beliefs matter at least as much as the conclusions?
Rediscovering the Etruscans
Everyone has heard of the Roman Empire, but how many have heard of the Etruscans? Far fewer - and it's no surprise, considering how little we have left from their civilization. This is unfortunate because they laid the groundwork for the Romans: founding Rome, creating roads, and much more. Today, study of them is growing as fresh artifacts come to light.
Religion & Moral Absolutes
Many religious people like to portray themselves as the defenders of moral absolutes and, therefore, of morality itself. In doing so they tend to ignore the history of religion, the history of moral debates, and reality itself - their arguments are self-serving, fallacious, and fatally flawed.
Religion & Mothers Who Kill
Why is it that so many mothers who kill their children - especially those who do it in ways that capture media attention - are also so religious? People like Andrea Yates and Deanna Laney claim that God or Satan or some supernatural being gave them orders that they followed. What role does religion play in their mental illnesses?
Religion & the Death Penalty
Do religions support or oppose the death penalty? The truth is that there is no unified position on capital punishment, even within any religions much less among them. Because of this, there is a lot of confusion and diversity on people's views of capital punishment.
Religion Among Unitarian-Universalists
The Unitarian Universalist Church is experiencing something of a division over what direction it should take in the future. Over time it has become much more humanistic and much less supernatural in its orientation. Some say that's a good thing; others lament the distance between the denomination and its Christian roots.
Religious Fascism at Yankee Stadium
Tolerance of compulsory participation in religious ceremonies, particularly those which merge religion with patriotism, seems to be growing. At least that's the impression I get from the recent news that no one is allowed to leave Yankee Stadium during baseball games when the song "God Bless America" is being sung.
Religious Identity Decline in U.S.
Traditional wisdom has it that America is not only highly religious but is getting more religious as time goes on. But is this true? There are in fact more nonreligious people in America than most realize - and their numbers seem to be increasing.
Religious Messianism in Marx
Many Christians today absolutely hate Karl Marx and his ideas — there are few, if any, historical figures who have become the objects of so much vitriol. Marx's connections to modern communism make this understandable, but if more Christians were to actually read his writings they might find some familiar themes.
Revealing the Secrets of an Ancient Bible
The Codex Sinaiticus is the world's oldest Bible. It's been around for over 1,600 years and it's pages are scattered in museums around the world. It contains the earliest record of what Christians believed their canonical scriptures to be - and soon all its secrets will be revealed as well as preserved.
Rolling Stone Rejects Bible Ad
Rolling Stone magazine at first accepted and then rejected an ad from Zondervan touting their new, "hip" Bible translation. Zondervan was evidently relying upon the exposure they would get with this ad and so are disappointed. Was rejecting the ad legitimate?
Rootedness, Conservatism & Community
One of the most common critiques of modernity may be that of alienation: from work, from self, from family, from nature, and from traditional communities. Such critiques are most often delivered from post-modernist perspectives, but arguably this is exactly the sort of critique which conservatism has always been offering.
Shame On Target?
I've written before about the decision of Target to start enforcing their "no solicitation" policy fairly and consistently, even though that means not having Salvation Army bell ringers outside their stores during the holidays. There's little basis for objecting to this decision, but it doesn't stop some from trying.
Should the American Revolution Be Celebrated?
Most Americans almost automatically celebrate Independence Day every year on the 4th of July. But should they? It might be arguable that many things in the world would have been better had America remained a part of Great Britain, at least for a little while longer.
Sierra Leone: What Would Jesus Do?
Christians often like to ask "What Would Jesus Do" as a guide for their actions, but they may not like it when others ask that question and expect Christians to live up to that standard. Tax officials in Sierra Leone recently argued that Jesus would pay his taxes and that has Christians outraged.
Site of Jesus' First Miracle Found?
Just in time for Christmas, news media are reporting that archaeologists have found the site of Jesus' first miracle: turning water into wine. Anyone who reads the reports closely, however, will notice that there is little support for these claims.
South Africa: Church of Chains
There was a time when Christians used theological justifications for treating the mentally ill very, very poorly. For the most part that has ended but there are still places where people haven't gotten the news that mental illness is biological, not a sign of demon possession.
Sudan: Defrocked Bishops Form Rival Church with Muslim Funds
In Sudan, two bishops have formed the Reformed Episcopal Church of the Sudan after they were deposed by the nation's House of Bishops. The RECS is being funded by the Muslim government, which is very unusual.
Sundays Changing in America
There was a time in America when Sunday was unique among the days of the week: just about everything was closed, people attended church services, and the rest of life simply slowed down to a relaxing crawl for a few hours. Not anymore, though. Today Sunday is pretty much like every other day.
Surgeons Save Baby, God Gets Credit
In Oklahoma City doctors performed emergency surgery on an infant just moments after being born - if they hadn't, the baby would have died from a rare heart condition. This is the first time an infant has survived this operation, one that usually takes five hours but was performed here in just three minutes. So why are the parents thanking God instead of the doctors?
Target Stores Ban Salvation Army Bell Ringers
The Salvation Army bell ringers are a standard feature in front of many American stores during the holiday season, but not if you shop at Target. Rather than single out the Salvation Army for special treatment, they decided to enforce their "no solicitation" policy fairly and consistently. This, however, has angered more than a few people.
The God Who Wasn't There
There's a new movie out there that challenges commonly held assumptions about Christianity, Jesus Christ, and theism itself. Is it any good? Have you seen it?
The Purpose Driven Life an the Future of American Religion
Rick Warren, author of the popular book The Purpose Driven Life, is having a big impact on people's religious beliefs - but will he also have an impact on politics? That's a question which many are asking, but there are no clear answers as of yet.
There's Not Enough Self-Righteous, Religious Hate in the World
Many people believe that one of the root causes of all the problems in the world is hatred - especially hatred that is motivated by religion. Others, however, disagree and argue that just the opposite is the case: there isn't enough religiously motivated hatred in the world. If there were more, we'd be better off.
The Religious Mind
One of the interesting ways in which religious people interpret events around them is how anything that happens is taken as evidence of the truth of what they already believe. It seems that there is no state of affairs that is inconsistent with their faith. If that's the case, though, their beliefs can't be said to be held rationally.
Tsunami Was a Message From Above
Massive natural disasters like earthquakes and tidal waves were once commonly explained as divine retribution for people's sins. Today science more readily explains such events via natural processes, but people continue to imagine that gods must be involved - and that those affected must deserve it, somehow.
Utah: College Course on The DaVinci Code
The Utah Valley State College will be offering a course on The Da Vinci Code - or at least the various religious and historical themes raised in the novel. Given how popular the book is, it makes a lot of sense to try to translate that interest into interest in more scholarly work.
Utah: Polygamist Cop Challenges Bigamy Law
A Utah man already convicted of polygamy is challenging the state's ban on plural marriages. According to Rodney Holm, the ban infringes on his religious rights. Holm is a member of a Mormon sect that continues to practice polygamy as it was originally promoted by Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism.
Virus of Religious Moderation
Many believe that the best antidote to religious extremism is religious moderation. Many believe that religious extremists can be held back by greater action by religious moderates. While it is true that religious moderates aren't themselves the same threat that extremists are, what exactly do they bring that will stop extremism?
Washington: Man Charged for Circumcising Son
Circumcision has long been an accepted practice in Judaism and Christianity, but today it usually isn't done at home with ice and a large knife. A man in Washington has been charged with doing just that to his son, even though there is a long tradition of circumcisions being done privately.
Weddings: It's All About the Sexual Tension?
Does it matter whether a couple getting married have had sex before or not? Does it matter if they have been living together? For some it does. It seems that there are people who only find enjoyment at weddings and wedding receptions if they know that the couple is choosing to spend time with guests rather than running off and having sex for the first time.
What's the Use of Religion?
There have been quite a few attempts to explain why religion exists and why it is able to persist. In recent decades there has been more focus on biological explanations and Richard Dawkins has argued that religion is an evolutionary error in that it's a bad consequence of a necessary and otherwise good adaptation.
What Does God Sound Like?
A common criticism of the Christian Right is the arrogance they display when claiming to speak to God, to hear from God, and/or to know exactly what God's will is. Liberals are far more reasonable, right? Maybe not. In fact, it's not that uncommon for religious liberals to make similar claims about knowing God oh so much better than others.
Where Was God at Beslan?
Great evil in the world can lead to great doubts about the existence of an all-good God who upholds the moral order of the universe. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, admits to having had such doubts in the weak of the slaughter of children at Beslan, Russia - and offers a very weak response to those doubt
Yale Ends Church Affiliation
Yale University was founded in 1701 by Congregational ministers. The association was transferred to the United Church of Christ in 1961. Today the Yale chapel serves the local community almost exclusively, not the students on campus, so the administration is severing the affiliation and making the chapel non-denominational (but still Protestant).
