The Plot to End the World
Writer Michael Baigent talks about his latest book, Racing Toward Armageddon.
Mark D. Jordan’s recent RD op-ed garnered a response from Peter Steinfels, whose final New York Times column was referenced in the article. Here are both Steinfels’ letter, and Jordan’s response.
Religion at Decade’s End
In which we take the long view, considering the place of religion in the twenty-first century so far. What stands out is our confusion—about religion, about the secular sphere, and about the future of both as embodying forms of political commitment capable of peaceable coexistence.
The Gospel of Contradiction: An Interview with Mary Gordon
Why is the character of Jesus so powerful? Why is he such a hit? Bestselling writer Mary Gordon re-reads the Gospels, asking these questions, among others, and trying to figure out why fundamentalist readings of scripture, grounded in fear and rage, have come to dominate the understanding of religion in this country.
Atheists Gather in Burbank: A Humanist’s Response
An atheist convention, attended by premier nonbelievers Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett, inspires some reflections on the virtue of a positive, productive humanism, rather than the anti-theism that dominates the discourse.
Purpose Driven Atheism: Secular Maharishis Seeking True Believers
Do Richard Dawkins, Bill Maher, and other true believers really offer a different path, or are their methods and manner merely a mirror image of the fundamentalism they so despise? We are spiritual animals and must learn to live with the complexities and paradoxes of religion—and of the natural world as well.
On Religion, Abortion, and Politics: Dr. George Tiller's Christian Ethics
A Lutheran pastor explains how the murdered abortion provider could have been a Christian in good standing with his church and faith community—and how the politics of abortion is tied to the history of racism.
Op-Ed: The Real Muslims?
We all know by now that there are some who would like to claim the term “Christian” for their own particular brand of belief. Is there an analogy to this in the contemporary North American Muslim community?
Why the Obama/Hillary Clinton Approach to Middle East Peace is Doomed to Failure
There is a method to the madness indicated by the incoming Obama Administration but what kind of solution would it be?
Even After an Obama Victory Reports of the Death of the Religious Right are Greatly Exaggerated
While it won't be the same as it ever was, an Obama presidency will give the Religious Right an opportunity to bask in the glow of martyrdom and seize the mantle of underdog, while it raises hundreds of millions of dollars for its political campaigns and the never-ending ‘culture wars.’
One Nation, Many Bibles: Obama vs. Dobson
Americans wrestle with the biblical text, but there is no one correct way to read scripture.
Interview with Karen Armstrong
The best-selling scholar says that the Bible is more violent than the Qur’an, that religious fundamentalism is political, and more.
After his highly publicized break with McCain, John Hagee retains powerful friends.
A Lone Blogger vs. the McCain-Hagee Alliance
A blogger exposed Hagee’s hate-speech and challenged McCain’s hypocrisy in seeking the controversial pastor’s endorsement.
What should be more offensive to a political candidate, a claim that God is fully in charge of history, or a claim that the biblical text, not human thought, is the source of truth? It’s the latter that violates the spirit of the first amendment...
McCain’s repudiation of Hagee has made news while a remark from a Georgia Republican has gone unnoticed...
The court found little hard evidence that minors were in physical danger or were victims of abuse. Critical media compare raid to Guantanamo Bay...
RDBook: The Lost Scopes Archive
A new book on the Scopes “Monkey Trial” reveals history through people, images, and good old soap opera.
In Vienna a museum gave in to pressure from the religious right and pulled a picture...
“Culting”: From Waco to Fundamentalist Mormons
When the media labels a religious group a “cult,” it fans the flames of intolerance and can endanger the group’s most vulnerable members.
Saudi Arabia cracks down on Valentine's Day and the reflection of an American Muslim...