Monthly Archives: April 2009

Disclosure on the missing history of the Shroud of Turin

Wall Street Journal post on new findings about the Shroud of Turin. The Shroud of Turin underscores an essential aspect of religion. Believers suspend their rational processes and undertake an act of faith. Yet the power of holy relics is … Continue reading

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Handwringing over the Newsweek article

Matt Taibbi weighs in.

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Mixed celebrations

Although I don’t have such a mixed family, I certainly can relate to the rivers of tradition Judith Warner describes here. Writing this – while my mother shops and cooks, polishes silver, sets the table, decants the wine – I … Continue reading

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Church shopping for the Obamas

The New York Times reports on the Obama family’s search for a church home. Mr. Obama’s search for a church home has touched off a frenzied competition among ministers of various colors and creeds who are wooing the first family. … Continue reading

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First black man to lead prayers in Mecca

In the New York Times, this article on a black man leading prayers in Mecca. Sheik Adil is black, and the son of a poor immigrant from the Persian Gulf. Leading prayers at the Grand Mosque is an extraordinary honor, … Continue reading

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The inner lives of biblical characters

The old joke goes that a new course was being offered in a university religion department: “The Bible of Religious Document”. A “new” course because of the more typical “Bible as literature” classes. James Wood thinks biblical characters lack inner … Continue reading

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Religious influence in America

Ken Blackwell and Christopher Hitchens recently engaged in a debate (of sorts) on the influence of religion in American history. I feel sorry for Blackwell and it was refreshing to find Hitchens‘ not so belligerent or disrespectful. I say that … Continue reading

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Doubting the divinity of Christ

Salon has a review of Bart Ehrman‘s recent book “Jesus Interrupted“. Definitely will be reading this one. To the author of “Jesus Interrupted,” the man from Galilee was a radical Jewish prophet, not God. But in an interview, Bart Ehrman … Continue reading

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Twitter and religion

I’ve just begun using Twitter, almost every day. Politicians, educators, artists, business people, and many  others use Twitter for networking and for learning all sorts of new stuff. But religious groups are using it, too. I recently came across “tweet-a-thons”, … Continue reading

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One Nation Under God?

A recent Newsweek article and poll discussing The End of Christian America.

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