tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132154322011-04-21T21:23:55.998-05:00Politics, social issues, religion and all the other topics people love to discuss around the dinner table.Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.comBlogger521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1152488209841217362006-07-09T18:36:00.000-05:002006-07-09T18:41:35.606-05:00

Columnist MichaelKinsley reasons that those who oppose embryonic stem cell research need to oppose the work of fertility clinics: Stem cells used in medical research generally come from fertility clinics, which produce more embryos than they can use. This isn't an accident -- it is essential to their mission of helping people have babies. Often these are "test tube babies": the product of an egg

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1152311469544718392006-07-07T16:25:00.000-05:002006-07-07T17:32:44.523-05:00

When my friend Brad spoke lovingly of ukulele music, I scoffed, I laughed, I thought "You've got to be kidding me."But youtube has shown me that Brad is right on this one - or that it actually is possible to make good and even incredible music on a ukulele.First there is my musical hero, Bruce Springsteen playing the uke (He's playing a song from his first album):Here's a rock version (sans uke)

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1151167284806563222006-06-24T11:38:00.001-05:002006-06-24T11:41:24.806-05:00

Is Ann Coulter the right wing version of Hunter Thompson?An anti-Thompson?An alternate universe Thompson?

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1151126188698209252006-06-23T22:36:00.000-05:002006-06-24T00:16:28.753-05:00

Some thoughts while watching the news and perusing the internet re: the Iraq war.We are disgusted with videos posted by insurgents blowing up vehicles with roadside bombs. We get a rush, or at least feel good, watching planes blow up vehicles and buildings that contain insurgents. How are we different? I must repent.We are disgusted when insurgents and other Iraqis rejoice over American dead

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1142386885854997392006-03-14T19:33:00.000-06:002006-03-14T19:41:25.893-06:00

A Republican candidate is second in his party's gubernatorial primary despite running fake headlines under the mastheads of real newspapers in his commercials, a poll shows. According to factcheck.org - Jim Oberweis launched the ads against the frontrunner in the state's GOP gubernatorial primary, Judy Baar Topinka. He accuses her of being part of a "culture of political corruption." Besides

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1142363517464455622006-03-14T13:07:00.000-06:002006-03-14T13:11:57.486-06:00

The excellent Chicago Sun-Times writer asks the question in her recent column. Here is an excerpt;in an age of pluralism, multiculturalism, and (some say) secularism, what constitutes blasphemy?Is it an image of the Buddha adorning a flip-flop?A Hindu deity on the front of a skimpy tank top?Madonna and Guy Ritchie praying at the tomb of the Matriarch Rachel in Israel?Jesus as a namby-pamby

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1137204821326833062006-01-13T19:49:00.000-06:002006-01-13T20:30:42.233-06:00

January 10 marked my one year anniversary at my current place of employment in the Windy City. Here are 10 things I am proud of accomplishing since arriving here.10. I was able to be here a whole day before having the CD player stolen out of my car.9. I was here two whole days before I got my first parking ticket.8. I no longer have a car.7. I have figured out how to use the public transit system

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1136425670873722112006-01-04T19:30:00.000-06:002006-01-04T19:47:50.916-06:00

Actually, he's been discovered. After leaving Nightline, he's found his way to the Discovery Channel to do documentaries, which I will never see because I don't have cable.I miss Koppel. The new Nightline isn't awful, but not particularly good or interesting either. It has all the depth of a People magazine article on the Simpsons (Nick and Jessica).Loved his comment on why he didn't even talk

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1136312692834120042006-01-03T12:16:00.000-06:002006-01-03T12:24:52.846-06:00

I saw on the CD rack the other day a tribute album to Ashlee Simpson. Of course, no one actually sings on the album.I've included the picture lest you think I'm kidding. If you should want to buy the CD, I encourage you to go through Amazon by first going to Brad Boydston's blog. Brad gets a few cents to help out his church with each purchase. Besides, he'd be glad to know that he is helping to

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1135994253382219652005-12-30T19:30:00.000-06:002005-12-31T14:07:20.843-06:00

Like many others as they begin the New Year, I am resolving to improve my prayer life. I am starting with committing to the Divine Hours for two weeks for morning and evening. For lunch, I will read a devotional on the Rule of St. Benedict. (I know people generally don't make these kinds of commitments for just two weeks, but when you have an adhd brain, it can be....Hey look! there's a bird out

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1135985687374265262005-12-30T17:29:00.000-06:002005-12-30T17:46:49.293-06:00

I noticed on Craig's list that there is a group for shy people that meets together about once a month here in Chicago for dinner, coffee, etc.I would think that would be a difficult group to pull together.They are meeting at Ann Sather's next month, though, so I just might join them. (In my best homer simpson voice) - mmmmmmmmmmm cinnamon rolls.

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1135972343504247172005-12-30T13:51:00.000-06:002005-12-30T17:21:07.806-06:00

So why don't more Christians?The question is explored at Godspy.com in an article by Thom Parham. The article includes the following:"If you want to send a message, try' Western Union," said Frank Capra, a Christian who made hugely popular mainstream films. Film excels at metaphor—forging a connection between dissimilar objects or themes. It doesn't fare as well with text messaging. Show, don't

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1135216205558665272005-12-21T19:48:00.000-06:002005-12-21T19:50:05.570-06:00

Bill Tammeus at the Kansas City Star has a column on how other faiths view Jesus.

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1135213832980192182005-12-21T19:08:00.000-06:002005-12-21T19:10:33.006-06:00

STATEMENT BY DON FEDER AT JAACD PRESS CONFERENCE - "Jews For It’s OK To Say ‘Merry Christmas'" Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Don Feder and I’m the president of Jews Against Anti-Christian Defamation. Our organization was founded to provide a Jewish response to anti-Christian bias in the news media, entertainment, government and the culture.Our board of advisors includes

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1135211540885200852005-12-21T18:17:00.000-06:002005-12-21T18:34:22.530-06:00

Cathleen Falsani, the religion writer for the Chicago Sun-Times and a good one at that, has a wonderful column of encouragement for Cheasters - those people who attend church only on Christmas and Easter.The article begins: You know who you are. Twice a year, you find yourself in unfamiliar and discomforting surroundings in a church pew, on Christmas and Easter. You try to blend in, try to

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1134691244432681482005-12-15T17:54:00.000-06:002005-12-15T18:03:43.036-06:00

Voters at Beliefnet have eschewed the big names and voted for a little known person to be the most inspiring person of 2005. Victoria Ruvolo outpolled the likes of Bono and Rick Warren, who didn't make it to the finals.It is refreshing and dare I say hopeful in a "Christian" sense that it was the relatively unknown with no media machine behind them who proved to be the most inspiring. (That is

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1134690615800901102005-12-15T17:47:00.000-06:002005-12-15T17:50:15.800-06:00

Slate magazine is running a story on a study that says women in their 20s can dramatically improve their lifetime income potential by delaying having children even a year. The story comments on the methodology as well as the findings. I have no way of judging this story or study but found it interesting.

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1134690118375012022005-12-15T17:37:00.001-06:002005-12-15T17:41:58.376-06:00

The San Diego Union has a well-written article on the incredible promise and terrifying possibilities that come with "synthetic biology. The first graphs are below: For decades, biologists have modified plants and animals by snipping genes from one organism and popping them into another in a process called genetic engineering. Corn will produce its own pesticide – a toxin harmful to caterpillars

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1134688688754413572005-12-15T17:15:00.000-06:002005-12-15T17:46:24.866-06:00

Though I love living in Chicago, this is a reason I wish I lived in Wheaton, IL. Lindy Scott, a professor at Wheaton College is running on the Democratic ticket for the 6th District. He is running on a consistently pro-life platform. His views are similar to those one might read in books by Ron Sider or Jim Wallis.

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1134430465535788432005-12-12T17:25:00.000-06:002005-12-12T17:34:25.550-06:00

In denying clemency for Stanley Tookie Williams, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger discussed issues of atonement and redemption, which have been at the heart of most pleas for the execution to be halted. "Stanley Williams insists he is innocent, and that he will not and should not apologize or otherwise atone for the murders of the four victims in this case," the governor wrote. "Without an apology

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1134229589483681762005-12-10T09:10:00.000-06:002005-12-10T09:57:26.736-06:00

As a person with a bipolar disorder, I cringe every time it is reported that a person who has committed a crime or presented a threat to others has a mental illness. The latest case to hit the news is the story of Rigoberto Alpizar, who was shot by an air marshall. I know the stories will only cement the myth that those of us who suffer with a mental illness are bound to be violent.Some facts:1

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1134179953507191282005-12-09T19:56:00.000-06:002005-12-09T19:59:13.520-06:00

George Will has an excellent column on Congress' plan to allocate $3 billion to help people buy digital converter boxes so they can watch TV in 2009.

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1134178437245041742005-12-09T18:59:00.000-06:002005-12-09T19:33:57.256-06:00

I was excited recently to find a music site - Pure Music - that takes artists seriously and has great interviews - avoiding all that "People," "Entertainment" magazine shallow garbage.Pure music has excellent reviews of artists whose music is well known and obscure. But the interviews are a highlight.I am a big fan of Buddy and Julie Miller and there is an excellent interview from 2001 that still

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1134175564490892682005-12-09T18:38:00.000-06:002005-12-09T18:46:04.506-06:00

I'm wondering if I'll be able to go to the Narnia flick and just enjoy it, given all the hype. I've been looking forward to seeing the film for a long time, but I'm about tired of it, and it's just coming out today.Back in November, Hollywood Jesus ran an excellent piece bythe site's senior editor Greg Wright that addressed the marketing of the movie.It concludes with the words below.It would

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1126373548956087062005-09-10T12:23:00.000-05:002005-09-10T12:43:58.813-05:00

I remember when nearly every red-blooded male had "The Poster." Just when she was aging well -- if not a little weirdly -- Farrah went to some quack plastic surgeon. Why, Farrah, Why?

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1126363565033467502005-09-10T09:43:00.000-05:002005-09-10T12:04:18.193-05:00

Scientists hoping to battle genetic diseases get approval for developing embryo from two mothers. Once again, how far is too far in the pursuit of good.The Washington Times reports that births to unmarried women hit a record 1.4 million in 2003, while births to teens fell for the 12th consecutive years. The paper reports that social conservatives are worried because they say the out-of-wedlock

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1125522450126304202005-08-31T15:08:00.000-05:002005-08-31T16:19:51.866-05:00

As my friends know - more than they probably care to - I am a huge Bruce Springsteen fan. His music has deeply influenced my life and even played a role in my spiritual journey toward becoming a Christian. His work has become the subject of scholarly inquiry in a number of fields. Theologians also have written frequently about his use of religious imagery.Now 14 papers will be presented on "

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1125098709452847872005-08-26T18:12:00.000-05:002005-08-26T18:25:09.463-05:00

Ted Haggard, the president of the National Association of Evangelicals has criticized Pat Robertson's comments, although saying they were overblown. Below is a part of a post from CT. I am confused as to how Haggard can offer a pseudo-justification for Robertson's remarks by saying he wasn't speaking in the portion of the show that was focused on "Christian exhortation" but in "another section

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1125020985417484132005-08-25T18:17:00.000-05:002005-08-26T16:29:52.520-05:00

In a rare and exclusive interview with Under The Radar today, Jesus said that Pat Robertson was right to call for the assassination of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez."In fact, I told him to say it," said the Prince of Peace, smiling, "Pat would never tell anybody that. He likes to keep it a secret about how close we are."But Jesus is speaking out about the relationship, even if Robertson never

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1124489523636542202005-08-19T17:07:00.000-05:002005-08-19T17:12:03.643-05:00

Columnist David Ignatius - who I'd never heard of before - questions where are the Democrats? Good Question.When will the party return to standing for something, putting forth proposal rather than just saying we don't like George Bush?Jim Wallis also has written an excellent column on the topic, cautioning the Democrats to be sure they have substance behind whatever language they use to reach

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1123876657661636172005-08-12T14:51:00.000-05:002005-08-12T14:57:37.666-05:00

Clowns on the left:Having been caught in their lies, the folks at the National Abortion Rights Action League pulled their ads which falsely claimed Supreme Court nominee John Roberts supported people who bombed abortion clinics.Jokers on the right:Some prominent evangelical Christians are holding their second justice Sunday to urge people to pray and fight for a (very) conservative court. It's a

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1123640097718406102005-08-09T20:59:00.000-05:002005-08-09T21:14:57.723-05:00

Brian McLaren, one of the leading thinkers in the Emerging Movement has started a three-part series on Becoming Convergent. The series will extend the rest of the week.

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1123626016420803262005-08-09T17:14:00.000-05:002005-08-09T17:20:16.423-05:00

FactCheck.org, a non-partisan organization that investigates claims from across the political and social spectrum says the National Abortion Rights Action Leagues isn't even close to telling the truth about Suprement Court nominee John Roberts.An abortion-rights group is running an attack ad accusing Supreme Court nominee John Roberts of filing legal papers “supporting . . . a convicted clinic

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1123542596534457302005-08-08T17:59:00.000-05:002005-08-08T18:09:56.540-05:00

Jim Wallis writes in a NY Times piece that Democrats need to back up any newfound god-talk with substance. "Because the Republicans, with the help of the religious right, have captured the language of values and religion (narrowly conceived as only abortion and gay marriage), the Democrats have also been asking how to "take back the faith." But that means far more than throwing a few Bible

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1123509997506711282005-08-08T09:05:00.000-05:002005-08-08T09:06:37.513-05:00

Peter Jennings will be missed.He was an excellent journalist and one of the few mainstream journalists who tried to put news "in context."

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1123199807944287852005-08-04T18:54:00.000-05:002005-08-04T18:56:47.950-05:00

I'm guessing Abraham might have thought so at the time.This makes for light-hearted reading because these people are serious.

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1121901575633312482005-07-20T18:12:00.000-05:002005-07-21T12:32:48.893-05:00

Scot McKnight is a widely respected Biblical scholar who came to more people's attention with his excellent book, The Jesus Creed. He blogs daily on two different sites. Jesus Creed tends to fairly heavyweight theological discussions, often having to do with the Emergent movement. On his other Divine Hours blog, he comments on the morning liturgy put together by Phyllis Tickle. I make use of this

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1121900436587689522005-07-20T17:54:00.000-05:002005-07-20T18:00:36.596-05:00

To hear the reaction of some folks, you would think that the Judge Roberts was the incarnation of Satan himself. Of course many of these critics wouldn't have liked anyone George Bush chose. Their statements against Roberts might as well have been written ahead of time. All that was needed was to fill in the blanks with the nominee's name.It was interesting that some supposed feminists have

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1121636595916554282005-07-17T16:33:00.000-05:002005-07-17T16:43:15.923-05:00

Politicians who say they want to make abortions rare but are not ready to pass legislation that would overturn Roe vs. Wade should get behind the Democrats for Life 95-10 proposal, which aims to cut abortions by 95 percent in 10 years. The proposals are focused on more than just getting the woman through her nine months of pregnancy, but also call for assistance after the birth of her child.

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1121471729503566502005-07-15T18:47:00.000-05:002005-07-15T18:55:29.506-05:00

I attended the Cornerstone Festival earlier this month and had a great time. An abundance of Christian bands (How I hate that phrase but don't know what else to use) ranging in genre from Goth to Folk.A highlight for me was discovering several new singers and bands. One of the best times with regards to music came when Ashley Cleveland on stage for several songs, including the gospel song, "I'll

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1121296511918507792005-07-13T17:49:00.000-05:002005-07-13T18:15:11.923-05:00

Some interesting posts at thinklings blog in which Bono talks explicitly about his Christian faith and need for grace. Another rocker complains Bono has been trying to convert him.Sides are being taken in the Rove-Wilson story about Rove's supposed outing of Wilson's wife. People seem to need and enemy and victim, with one being all evil and the other all good. One is a patriot and other engaged

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1118444170761413092005-06-10T17:14:00.000-05:002005-06-10T18:06:42.766-05:00

I've recently been introduced to Real Live Preacher. I have been enjoying his writings because they are honest. He recently has been sharing about his battle with depression as well as other subjects.I've also been listening recently to Ashley Cleveland, who has such a great bluesy voice - sort of a cross between Janis Joplin and the Indigo Girls. There is raw honesty in that voice as well as the

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1118441638192436622005-06-10T16:57:00.000-05:002005-06-10T17:13:58.196-05:00

I recently have been reading the Rule of St. Benedict online as well as an accompanying commentary. This week, the readings have focused on humility, especially with our speech.The readings have me re-thinking this blog and asking myself questions.Have I written with humility? Sometimes yes, and other times no.Is the blog saying anything that can't easily be found elsewhere by people seeking to

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1117910164953961622005-06-04T13:17:00.000-05:002005-06-04T13:36:04.956-05:00

There seems to be a bit of angst in the mainline and evangelical camps over how they should define themselves. Both are concerned about how they are perceived by the "outside world." The mainliners don't seem to be as concerned as the evangelicals. I'm not sure why that is, but here are some thoughts off the top of my head:1. The evangelicals have been in the news much more, and many in the media

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1117837134093660242005-06-03T17:14:00.000-05:002005-06-03T17:18:54.100-05:00

In an interview with Christianity Today, Chuck Colson says Mark Felt could have put an end to the Watergate had he gone to President Nixon. Colson says he would have made sure Nixon met with Felt.Colson doesn't believe Nixon would have stopped the coverup out of a sense of morality but simply from self-interest. Had Nixon done nothing, Felt could have resigned and THEN gone public with what he

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1117640091010758662005-06-01T10:30:00.000-05:002005-06-01T17:05:45.453-05:00

How ironic that some of those who were in the Nixon administration are upset at Mark Felt's "improper" behavior in supplying information to Woodward and Bernstein. Chuck Colson and G. Gordon Liddy - both of whom were convicted for actions related to Watergate -- have decried Felt's actions. Patrick Buchanan has referred to Felt as a "traitor."I love irony.Has Stein lost his Mind: Actor, economist

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1117582294046346842005-05-31T18:16:00.000-05:002005-05-31T18:31:34.053-05:00

A post on another blog takes a cheap shot at Priscilla Owen for attending a church that left the Episcopal church over the denomination's stance on homosexuality. The church believed it was an issue of scriptural authority.But Mark Pritchard, who publishes Too Beautiful decides to rail against the church as "reactionary" and calls Owen a "homophobe." Seems Pritchard is the one being reactionary

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1117579571123939012005-05-31T17:40:00.000-05:002005-05-31T17:46:11.126-05:00

A judge has ordered parents in a divorce case not to educate their son in the ways of Wicca as they have been doing. The parents were barred from having the boy engage in "non-mainstream beliefs and rituals."The parents also had been sending their son to a Catholic school, which the judge said was OK.Perhaps the judge should read the Consitution.

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1117506546142979792005-05-30T21:13:00.000-05:002005-05-30T23:22:47.836-05:00

Frederica Matthews-Green is one of my favorite writers. In a recent (lengthy) article she discusses the real meaning of sex.Taking hints from how our bodies have been formed, Matthews-Green discusses how for the human being, the sexual act has deeper implications for us than for any other creature.Here are a couple of quotes:"Looking at faces meets a very deep human hunger. I think it’s

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1117218285535198542005-05-27T13:20:00.000-05:002005-05-27T13:24:45.536-05:00

Here's a recent sample of The Daily Dig from the Bruderhoff Community.You can click on a devotional link that accompanies the quote. All Things New C. F. Blumhardt And he who sat upon the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” - Revelation 21:5A darkness has come over Christianity in regard to this matter of renewal. We are so easily

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1117217620182825462005-05-27T13:02:00.000-05:002005-05-30T22:35:50.916-05:00

I hope the rest of the party is listening and will get on board. Unlike the Republicans, who have allowed pro-choice politicians to address their national conventions, the Democrats have not allowed the opportunity among their own ranks. What they don't seem to realize is that there are plenty of us who don't consider ourselves Republicans and don't want to be equated with the Religious Right but

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13215432.post-1117215908428663522005-05-27T12:42:00.000-05:002005-05-30T22:34:01.726-05:00

First Things has a lengthy article raising the question of how the conservative interests fit together.A clipping:Social conservatives, fiscal conservatives, libertarians, agrarians, communitarians, foreign-policy hawks—who can figure them out? Neocons and theocons and paleocons, to say nothing of soccer-mom Republicans, country-club Republicans, and just plain, garden-variety Republicans: If you

Stan F.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18137990962239475938noreply@blogger.com0