Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
Americans Shifting Priorities, Remaining Positive
Americans have shifted their priorities from domestic to international issues in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, according to a recent Gallup poll. Also, trust in the government, the president and Congress...
Falwell Seeks Prayer Warriors, Claims Prayer is “Omnipotent”
Seeking to rally support for America's war effort, Jerry Falwell has launched a prayer campaign that verges on superstition. "God has burdened my heart to gather and galvanize 1 million prayer warriors to pray for...
What Motivates Osama bin Laden?
Osama bin Laden has made no secret of his goals. They are clear and simple, but involve several desired outcomes. Bin Laden wants the United States to withdraw military forces from Saudi Arabia. "Now infidels walk...
UK Citizens List
"Jedi Knight" may be a new, though unofficial, religion in the United Kingdom given the number of entries it received on the UK's 2001 census form, according to news reports. The UK Office of National Statistics (ONS)...
Who Would Ban the Koran?
On the bottom shelf in my home library sits a small, little-used paperback edition of the Koran. For years it has been nestled between "History of the Christian Church" and the "Book of Mormon," far from the books I...
But Who Do You Say that I Am?
In an effort to combat false images of Jesus as a white man, the Mennonite Central Committee has designed a new poster inviting "people of color to examine their ideas about Jesus' identity." The poster, which depicts...
The Coming Revival of Islam
The attacks on America sent many aftershocks: bankruptcy, unemployment, patriotism, spirituality and an international campaign against terrorism. But the most far-reaching may well be widespread conversion to Islam....
Pastor or Patriot?
As American patriotism swells, pastors face a new challenge of balancing God and country. "The role is difficult, demanding and thrust upon us," said Heather Entrekin, senior pastor at ABC-affiliated Prairie Baptist...
Churches Experiment with Patriotism
The American flag has replaced the cross as the most visible symbol in many churches across the country since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. At a Baptist church in Antioch, Tenn., the United States flag is wound...
Halloween Costumes Reflecting American Pride
Spooks and goblins will roam the streets on Halloween, but so will patriots. The Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington changed more than the country's mood. They changed Halloween retail. Politicians are out,...
Jihad vs. McWorld
Editor's Note: This article first appeared in the May/June 1996 issue of Ethics Report. We offer it today as another way to think about the events unfolding from Sept. 11. Benjamin Barber's book, Jihad vs. McWorld: How...
Ancient Flood Makes Headlines, Raises Questions
Recent archaeological evidence of an ancient catastrophic flood in the Black Sea region has sparked headlines about the truth of the Genesis account of Noah. "Did Noah's Flood Really Happen?" read an Oct. 16...
Getting Real Religion
When I was a child we would sing, "I've got that old time religion in my heart, way down inside." What is real religion? And how do you get it "way down inside"? Religion is not just about attending church, collecting...
The Show Doesn’t Have to Go On
Hollywood canceled Sunday night's Emmy awards for the second time in one month. And the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS), which gives the awards, and CBS, the Emmy telecast's network, deserve credit....
What is Islam?
Understanding people of all faiths is a valuable step in not only becoming a better citizen of the world, but in becoming a more understanding Christian as well. Islam is more than the faith of people on the other side...
Does Sunday Matter Morally, When Military Strikes Islamic State?
Many Christians stepped out of their pews into news about an American attack on Afghanistan Sunday. Millions of Americans went from the Good News to troubling news, from worshipping the Prince of Peace to learning...
Religious Freedom Going Too Far?
A prominent Southern Baptist pastor and educator is concerned that President Bush is going overboard reaching out to the American Muslim community. Mark Coppenger, pastor of Evanston (Ill.) Baptist Church, and former...
Talking with Children about Terrorism
The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America have captured the attention of adults nationwide. But, children are watching too. Judith Myers-Walls, human development expert at Purdue University, prepared some tips for...
“West Wing” Airs Special Episode on Terrorism
"The West Wing" took on terrorism during a special episode last Wednesday. But NBC's presidential drama used words, not weapons, to counter the Sept. 11 attacks on Washington and New York. "Isaac and Ishmael," a...
The Gospel according to The Simpsons
Don't simply wonder why The Simpsons remains a popular TV show. Read The Gospel according to The Simpsons: The Spiritual Life of the World's Most Animated Family and find out. Mark Pinsky, religion reporter for the...
Christians Have the Most to Lose When 10 Commandments Displayed
Judge Roy Moore is a man of his word. He promised that if elected chief justice to the Alabama Supreme Court, he would take the Ten Commandments with him to Montgomery. Two months ago, he kept that promise. A one-ton,...