The claims that the ten plagues of Egypt are natural phenomena doesn't really answer the question of their Creator's intent. As anyone knows, timing is everything, and it makes sense (to me at least) that the Creator of the universe (and by extension the natural laws that govern it) would operate within the framework that …
The Connection Nobody Makes
Bob Marcotte's recounting of the story of Episcopal minister Algernon Crapsey reminds us of many things. The first is that the storm in the Episcopal Church that is now the spectacle of the world didn't start with Vickie Gene Robinson's being made a bishop. It didn't even start with James Pike's journey to nowhere. It …
Scientology: Germany May Be A Special Case
I am uncomfortable on general religious freedom grounds with Germany considering a ban of Scientology. But given the German's history in the last century, they may just be a special case. Problem number one is Germany's unenviable track record in handling modernity. As I note in my own commentary on modernity: Part of the problem …
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More Than Dreams In Expanded Formats
One of the more popular features of this site is the More Than Dreams video series, from the Muslim world. For some--especially those with slow internet connections--downloading these took a long time, if possible at all. For others, the screen size and quality left something to be desired of. Now these riveting videos are offered …
Admitting the Obvious, in a Biblical Way
In a conference call earlier this week, Pat Robertson fielded a question he gets often these days: why did he endorse Rudy Giuliani for President? He reiterated the whole business of the importance of national security (which I brought up back in February and he stated in his endorsement speech) but then he made two …
Think Before You Review
The fact that Catholic bishops ordered a favourable Golden Compass review off of their web site shows that someone in the US RCC is definitely "asleep at the switch" concerning this whole business. Having been covering this since early November (the original review, the follow-up and a comment on the whole business of the "magisterium,") …
Mike Huckabee’s Ice Storm
The clean-up from the ice storm in the Midwest brings back memories of the Arkansas ice storm of 2000, when Mike Huckabee was governor and Bill Clinton was going out as President. A photo from the aftermath of that ice storm, in central Arkansas. From Delayed For My Appointment: But for me Christmastime took a …
What Our Country Has Become
The Mogambo Guru has hit the nail right on the head: Now, pick up that remote control and hit the "fast-forward" button from 1776 to the last half of the 20th century, where we see that we have finally overruled the Jeffersonian republic that made America into the world power that it became, in favor …
Jeanne Assam: When All Of The Pieces Fit Together
The breathtaking story of Jeanne Assam's quick termination of the massacre at New Life Church illustrates something that most people--Christian and non-Christian alike--don't think about, and that's the vital role of support personnel in the life of any church or parachurch organisation. The people "up front"--pastors, preachers, music leaders and the like--get all of the …
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Some Thoughts on the Exit of the San Joaquin Diocese
It's unsurprising but monumental all the same: the Diocese of San Joaquin in central California finally votes to leave the Episcopal Church (also covered here.) Although both sides (especially the orthodox) have had a lot to say, a few observations are in order. First, it's not quite a done deal yet. TEC will surely fight …
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Positive Infinity 