Category Archives: Current Events
Giving Sacred Thanks without God
A fellow scholar and a good friend of mine recently pointed me to this article, in which the conservative religious world apparently recycles its concern over the perceived religious vacuousness of Obama, based on the fact that he did not … Continue reading
September 11th Remembrance
I tell my students that I evaluate their work not only on its qualities, but its character. In academic work, that usually means that I need to see that they show a concern for academic virtues like honesty, judgment, and … Continue reading
Posted in Current Events, Reflections
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More on beliefnet
Paul Harvey has an additional comment on BeliefNet, re-framing it into the discussion of religion in the marketplace. Studying large media institutions, especially commercial ones like Beliefnet, is a significant contribution to examining religion in America, but I often find … Continue reading
Posted in American Religion, Current Events, Teaching
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BeliefNet
I learned today from the Wild Hunt that BeliefNet has been sold to BN Media. Jason does a good job of identifying some affiliations of BeliefNet’s new owners and the potential shake up this might bring for alternative religions. Honestly, … Continue reading
Posted in American Religion, Current Events, Media
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The Mandeans
Nathaniel Deutsch, of Swarthmore College, recently wrote an op-ed piece in the New York times advocating that the State department help Mandeans in Iraq re-settle in the United States. He points out that because of the turmoil produced by the … Continue reading
Posted in Current Events
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Prison Books Update
A little while back, I posted regarding a decision by the Federal Prison Bureau to remove all religious books not fitting a small set of lists. The New Yorks times reported yesterday that they have decided, at least temporarily, to … Continue reading
Posted in American Religion, Current Events
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Ahmadinejad Aftermath
Well, conservative critics are having troubles rallying an outcry against Columbia. I have to say, they played their cards well, both emphasizing the need to engage even radically contrary views and having the president of the university give a grilling … Continue reading
Posted in Current Events, Teaching
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Ahmadinejad
In demonizing Mr. Ahmadinejad, the West has served him well, elevating his status at home and in the region at a time when he is increasingly isolated politically because of his go-it-alone style and ineffective economic policies, according to Iranian … Continue reading
Posted in Current Events, Teaching
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