deilogos

Psalm 109:8–A Prayer for Obama

the occasional buddha — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:38:51 +0000

There’s a new slogan making its way onto car bumpers and across the Internet: “Pray for Obama: Psalm 109:8.” The verse reads “May his days be few; may another take his office.” Beliefnet’s “Psalm 109:8–A Prayer for Obama” says the “Prayer for Obama” is meant to “entreat God to destroy the president.” Is this prayer a call for violence against the President? Does it accord with Christian principles?

On the Rachel Maddow show Frank Schaeffer warns against fundamentalist christians wanting to harm President Obama (YouTube).

U.S. Catholic bishops approve document on marriage

the occasional buddha — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:10:09 +0000

“U.S. Catholic bishops approve document on marriage.” “Since marriage and same-sex unions are different realities, it is not unjust discrimination to oppose the legal recognition of same-sex unions,” the letter says. “These unions pose a serious threat to the fabric of society that affects all people.” Such pronouncements come as no surprise, but should churches be responsible for setting such guidelines?

Is the Catholic church a force for good in the world?

the occasional buddha — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:47:27 +0000

Intelligence² Debate: Is the Catholic church a force for good in the world? Speaking for the motion, Archbishop John Onaiyekan and Ann Widdencombe MP. Speaking against the motion, Christopher Hitchens and Stephen Fry.

Faith-Based Discrimination

the occasional buddha — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:38:46 +0000

Should faith-based social service programs be required to abide by the same anti-discrimination laws as other organizations? “Faith-Based Discrimination,” a recent New York Times editorial, argues that President Obama should make good on his promise to prevent faith-based programs that receive federal funding from discriminating against employees on the basis of their religion.

James Ray Death Lodge?

the occasional buddha — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:20:06 +0000

James Ray Death Lodge? In the wake of two deaths and dozens of hospitalizations at an Arizona sweat lodge ceremony, should intense, physically demanding religious ceremonies be regulated more strictly?

Conservatizing the Bible

the occasional buddha — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:48:45 +0000

“The eager young men at Conservapedia are p.o.’d that the Bible might be seen as too liberal. So they’ve come up with the Wiki-style Conservative Bible Project, to make sure the Lord doesn’t go all wobbly on us.” From the Department of Old Tyme Scribology, Rod Dreher on “Conservatizing the Bible“.

Kirk Cameron’s “Origin Of Species”

the occasional buddha — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 20:10:50 +0000

Kirk Cameron’s “Origin Of Species”. In a plot to subvert “Darwin Day” on November 22, 2009, actor Kirk Cameron says that he and like-minded activists plan to deliver 50,000 copies of an altered version of Darwin’s book to students at dozens of U.S. universities.

Cameron explains that this “very special” edition of the “Origin of Species” will include an introduction explaining “Adolf Hitler’s undeniable connection” to the theory of evolution, and highlighting “Darwin’s racism” and “his disdain for women.” Cameron’s edition also exposes the “many hoaxes” of evolutionary theory, while presenting a “balanced view of Creationism.”

Need to know more? Read a pdf of the introduction or watch Kirk’s helpful video.

Man vs. God

the occasional buddha — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:49:27 +0000

Where does evolution leave God? Karen Armstrong says we need God to grasp the wonder of our existence. Richard Dawkins argues that evolution leaves God with nothing to do. “Man vs. God“.

Survey: Religious Conservatives and Progressives

the occasional buddha — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:24:14 +0000

The first comparative survey of U.S. conservative and progressive (or liberal) religious activists has just been published. Are one’s religious leanings a reliable indicator of what issues they care most about and even what faith they subscribe to?

Inequality and Religious Societies

the occasional buddha — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:50:41 +0000

Do certain qualities in a culture predispose it to being more religious than another? Dr. Tom Rees claims to have found evidence to show that religious societies tend to be the most unequal, and concludes that inequality leads to religion. Listen to an interview with Tom Rees on the BBC Radio 4’s “Thinking Aloud”.