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Archive: October 3, 2010 - October 9, 2010
Gay and Catholic: what the church gets right and wrong about being gay
As a lesbian and Catholic convert, I believe that our church has done a very good job of hiding our light under a bushel of indifference and ignorance.
By Eve Tushnet | October 8, 2010; 3:36 PM ET | Comments (14)
Honor women: honor Devi, the (Hindu) Goddess
During October, many events honor women. Another, less publicized, woman-centered event is happening around the United States this October: the Hindu festival of Navratri: nine consecutive nights dedicated to Devi, the Goddess.
By Saumya Arya Haas | October 7, 2010; 7:26 PM ET | Comments (20)
Should we fear Islam?
No serious journalist would ask a random black guy with a briefcase on the street to explain the pathology of an African American criminal because of the coincidence of shared skin color. But serious journalists called on ordinary Muslim Americans to explain the behavior of homicidal maniacs and extremists, thereby making the link between the crazies and the mainstream community.
By Congressman Keith Ellison | October 7, 2010; 12:26 PM ET | Comments (155)
Religious hate on Facebook
Parallel to the Jewish Holy Days, there's been a spike in virulent anti-Semitic Facebook pages, with over two- dozen titles like "Kill a Jew Year" and "Kill a Jew Day" this past week alone.
By Rabbi Abraham Cooper | October 7, 2010; 12:23 PM ET | Comments (4)
Demystifying "Shariah"
At its core, shariah is intended to develop and sustain a moral and just society.
By Nasim Rehmatullah and Amjad Mahmood Khan | October 7, 2010; 12:14 PM ET | Comments (28)
A Hasidic master for our times
At a time when inflexible adherence to dogma increasingly clashes with autonomous moral imperatives, the early 19th century teachings of Reb Simhah Bunim of Pshyskhe resonate far beyond the confines of Hasidic lore or even Jewish theology.
By Menachem Z. Rosensaft | October 7, 2010; 12:06 PM ET | Comments (0)
Does teaching the Golden Rule reduce homophobia?
The Golden Rule - treat others the way you want to be treated - can be found in all of the world's religions as well as in several secular philosophies. But, how much influence does it actually have in changing people's attitudes towards the important issues of the day?
By Amarnath Amarasingam | October 7, 2010; 11:29 AM ET | Comments (3)
Religious dimensions to the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations
Can religious Muslims permit an independent dhimmi state within the heart of the larger Muslim world? Conversely, can religious Jews allow a non-Jewish state to flourish within the land that they believe God intended for them to control? Can either population dwell under the political hegemony of the other? Can Christians be part of intermediating a solution or are they part of the problem?
By Ori Z Soltes | October 6, 2010; 3:35 PM ET | Comments (2)
Claims of pro-Islamic bias in textbooks are wrong
Textbooks should not project concepts broadcast by today's extremists onto centuries of history.
By Susan Douglass | October 5, 2010; 2:00 PM ET | Comments (16)
The good news about the end of Christian America
Only seven years ago, I was a part of the many Christians who, in many ways, had lost confidence in the faith. Today, thanks to a new generation of restoring "next Christians," I feel confident that our faith is finding new life in this century.
By Gabe Lyons | October 5, 2010; 8:35 AM ET | Comments (6)
Is there a faith instinct?
Every known society has some form of religion, so it might seem obvious that an instinct for religious behavior is an innate part of human behavior. But biologists and social scientists have for years ignored this possibility.
By Nicholas Wade | October 4, 2010; 8:18 AM ET | Comments (12)
Our puppy's keeper: Christianity and the care of animals
Isn't it telling that the holiest people in Christian history are often connected by their relationships with animals? It is humbling, but Christians need to de-center themselves to be relevant in the twenty-first century.
By Laura Hobgood-Oster | October 4, 2010; 7:59 AM ET | Comments (5)
Righteous talk vs. righteous living
tripped of religious trappings, faith, to me, and I think to a great many other people, is my relationship with God made visible. It's who I am and how I live. Surely, to be more meaningful than a club membership, faith has to have transformed me; nudged me toward being kinder and gentler, more open-hearted and open-minded, more curious and tolerant and truthful in my dealings with the world.
By Martha Woodroof | October 3, 2010; 8:56 AM ET | Comments (3)
