IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

Time is running out for

"Religion in the 21st Century"

because the site will "shut down"

and updates will be discontinued

on Sunday, 22 November 2009.

Atheists on Campus!

This article suggests that college campuses are fertile ground for atheism. Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

The Manhattan Declaration

This article explores the Manhattan Declaration, an agreement among church leaders who have decided that they will take unequivocal positions in response to various social, cultural, and political issues.

If you want more details about the Manhattan Declaration, you can read about it here and here in postings from separate sources.

Obama and the Bible

This is worth reading. Make sure you also read the comments that follow the news article. Then, when you are sufficiently provoked by the arguments in the article and the comments, let me know what you think.

A Video Worth Watching

This YouTube video offers a provocative, disturbing argument. Here are a series of questions that you ought to consider: Is this video presentation persuasive? It is credible? Is it true? Is it propaganda? Is it inflammatory? Is it cautionary? What is its purpose? What is its source? What is its effect (on you)? How might it influence others?

Awkward Questions About Jesus

Enjoy this YouTube video in which the vicar is put on the spot by the children.

"There Ought to be a Law!"

Here is an article that describes a grass-roots political movement that would outlaw blasphemy. Let me borrow a word from beyond the politics and religions involved in the argument and say simply, "This sure as hell does not seem kosher to me!" Comments?

The Power (and Weakness) of Faith and Belief

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"Up here at the grotto, you get a lot of people that are very, very faithful, and they do things you and I would never attempt to do. "

--William Tronolone, director of the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, Md., after a woman left $40,000 in rare coins near the shrine so the Virgin Mary could guard them. He was quoted by The Associated Press.

So, I have this question: What do you think of the woman who left the coins at the grotto?

WWJD? - Comments Invited

"What Would Jesus Do?" is the banner on this image. The message (argument) that builds upon that banner is provocative (to say the least). So, does it provoke you to making comments? Let's hear them.

"Violence is Incompatible with the Nature of God"

The cartoon drawing included below asserts an interesting argument that is based on certain warrants (i.e., underlying assumptions). Please comment on your understanding of the thesis and warrants of the argument.

PR and Islam

A Danish newspaper ran into problems a few years ago when it published cartoon drawings featuring Muhammad. This worldwide Islamic reaction was noteworthy. (If you are not familiar with the incident, please feel free to Google-search the topic.) Now, let me offer this cartoon drawing and ask a question: What is the most significant "image" problem facing Muslims in the 21st century?

Deprivation and Depravity

This article includes some interesting (and some foolish) arguments that attempt to explain violence and terrorism. Yes, I will admit that some parts of the article (and argument) are reasonable; however, some parts are beyond and beneath stupid. (Note: I'm reminded of a line from the 1950s musical West Side Story in which one of the gang members says, "Gee, I'm depraved on account of I'm deprived." In the case of the gang member, though, deprivation was an economic condition rather than a physical (romantic and sexual) condition.) At any rate, I look forward to your assessment of the "excuse" for depravity proffered in the article.

Clootie Well: The Pagans Are Alive and Well

Here is the link to an article at Wikipedia, the posting of which is something of a heresy committed by me since I have so little respect for the notorious inaccuracy that plagues much the error-prone site's contents. Nevertheless, because I recently read something about clootie wells in a separate article (in a British newspaper), I thought you might like to discover something rather bizarre from the U.K. Read about this oddity, and tell me what you think.

Reading Suggestions

Here is the link for you if you like to read books that focus on religion and spirituality. You can see what the editors at BookList have chosen as the top ten books for the year.

(Note: I've made a pledge to myself that I am going to read all of the listed books during the next several months. Does anyone care to take up the challenge and also read them?)

Reactions?

(Click on image to enlarge.)

The Beginning of the End?

Here is an article that motivates me to ask you a question:

Is the end near?

If your answer is "yes," then I have another question:

How should I plan?

Hip-Hop Gospel?

This brief article explores an interesting new musical concept: hip-hop gospel. Carefully read the article, and you--like me--might discover some things that seem incompatible with Christian orthodoxy. Pardon my use of a term from another religion, but one or two comments in the article do not seem kosher. What do you think?

"We Christians, but we party, too. "

--Terverius Black of Huntsville, Ala., who co-founded the Xist entertainment company to promote Christian hip-hop, which produces music, films, a reality TV show and a cruise. He was quoted by the Associated Press.

Religion in the News

Here is a link to a site where you can seek out links to a wide variety of news articles. Explore and comment.

Christmas as Battleground

This article demonstrates that the "culture wars" over Christmas (between some Christians and some retailers) have not been resolved. It seems as though another battle is being waged this year. So, what do you think? What is the problem? What is the solution?

Do Not Insult Islam!

Obviously, the folks in the photo are serious about their religion.

Comments Anyone?

(Click on image to enlarge.)

SIgns of Religion

This raises an interesting question:

What do people expect to gain from religion?

(Click on the image to enlarge and read the signs.)

Religion and Prayer

Perhaps this says something interesting about prayer and religion. Comments?

Shout Down Your Doubts!

I have an ironic and cynical view of some things, so--to me--this cartoon says more than the artist probably intended. For example, how are "religion" and "doubts" related? This is not a simple question, and there is no simple answer, so give it some thought. Now, if you've thought about it for a while, what is your answer?

Crime and Punishment - 2009

Here is an interesting argument (in the form of a brief video) about the issue of crime and punishment. So here is my question: What is the role of religion in any argument over crime and punishment?