Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
Christian Science: A Profile
Mary Ann Morse Baker was the sixth and last child of Mark and Abigail Baker, members of a strict Congregationalist church. Founded: Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910) Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts Membership: Not...
Sikhism: A Profile
The term "Sikh" comes from the Sanskrit word shishya meaning disciple, learner, a seeker of truth. Founders: Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1539) and nine successive gurus until 1708. Central Shrine: The Golden Temple in the...
Unitarian Universalist Association: A Profile
The term refers to the view that God is one person only, thus denying the doctrine of the trinity, the divinity of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts Membership: 220,000 Publisher:...
Urban Legends: The Terrorist Attacks
"You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars," reads Matthew 24:6. Rumors of wars abound these days as urban legends. The terrorist attacks on New York and Washington have sparked over 30 stories about the tragedy....
Urban Legends: Preaching
Read this "Pentagon Bible" e-mail that is actually circulating: From today's USA Today, page 5A, talking about the scene at the Pentagon: "Yet, as he looked up into the back chasm torn into the symbol of the mightiest...
One Million Afghans Face Starvation, Thousands Flee
An estimated one million Afghans will likely starve if the World Food Program fails to return staff to the country, according to Reuters. Three weeks' worth of food is still available in warehouses in major Afghan...
Forming Public Opinion Takes Time
Ask people how they feel about the Sept. 11 attacks on America and their response now--14 days later--is bound to vary from their initial response. That is because public opinion is not static. "People's views about an...
Bush Uses Various ‘Democratic,’ ‘Religious’ Buzzwords in Speech
President Bush addressed Congress and the nation from the Capitol building last night. His 3,000-word speech included demands on Afghanistan's Taliban regime, praise for the American people, and direction for the new...
Bush Makes Case for War: Analysis of Just War Theory
Speaking to a joint meeting of Congress, President Bush forcefully presented a case for a war against terrorism. His gaze was compelling. His voice was strong. His speech was clear with moments that represented the...
Falwell Apologizes for Blaming Feminists, Gays and Others for Terrorist Acts
In a statement released the evening of Sept. 18, Jerry Falwell apologized for remarks he made last week on "The 700 Club," in which he blamed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on feminists, gays and others. "After...
A Moment of Silence, or Prayer?
Moments of silence have proliferated in the days following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. One week to the minute after the initial attack in New York, White House officials observed a moment...
Catholic and Orthodox Leaders Differ in Views on America’s Retaliation
"The path of justice and freedom should prevail," Pope John Paul II urged a pilgrim audience in Rome Wednesday, calling for a peaceful resolution in the fight against terrorism, according to various news agencies. The...
Religious Leaders Sign Statement on Terrorism, Send it to The White House
Across the nation and different traditions, a thousand religious leaders have signed a statement offering a faith-based response to terrorism, according to Sojomail, an Internet newsletter from Sojourners magazine. "In...
Falwell and Robertson Issue Dishonest Disclaimers after Blaming Feminists and Others for Terrorist Attacks
Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson issued dishonest disclaimers related to their comments last week, which blamed certain Americans for the terrorist attacks. Both claimed their remarks were taken out of context and...
Falwell Blames Feminists, Gays and Others for Terrorist Attacks on American Cities
Appearing on a religious television program yesterday, Jerry Falwell blamed feminists, gays and others for the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. "The abortionists have got to bear some burden for this...
Americans Take Out Anger Over Attacks on Fellow Americans
Anger over the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on America has delivered a double blow to one group of Americans--Muslim-Americans. With blame continuing to point to militant Muslims linked to Saudi-born terrorist Osama bin...
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
In the wake of the heinous acts of terrorism against America, some are calling for swift retaliation, while others champion peace in place of further violence. Peacemakers everywhere are responding quickly to the...
Bush Proclaims Friday a Day of Prayer
"Scripture says: 'Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted,'" read the proclamation. In response to Tuesday's terrorist attacks, President Bush issued a proclamation today calling on Americans to observe...
The Rhetoric of Terrorism: Pray, Combat Evil
Leaders across the globe have struggled to articulate the nature of Tuesday's attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. In the 24 hours following the terrorist activity, prominent politicians and newspapers have spoken...
Recall the Sermon on the Mount with Horrific Attack on U.S. Cities
Massive evil clouds our understanding and covers us with ashes of anger. The images of burning and collapsing buildings now forever etched on our souls leave the nation thick-tongued and tired. Those in the Christian...
Tragedy Strikes America
Sept. 11, 2001, will go down in history as a tragic day for the United States. Around 8:45 a.m., EST, an alleged hijacked passenger plane crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center. Shortly after, a second...