Monthly Archives: August 2011

Leading research institute lists UK with China, Nigeria, Vietnam for significant and increasing hostility to religion

Posted on 31/08/2011 by

The UK is now listed with China, Nigeria, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam as a country of significant and increasing social hostility towards religion: Rising Restrictions on Religion Regarding the UK in particular, the Pew report found the following about the government … Continue reading →

Posted in Popular Culture, Society, Secularism | Tagged , , , , , , ,

Sculptor agrees to improve hideous statue of Pope John Paul II at Rome’s main train station

Posted on 30/08/2011 by

The sculptor of the controversial statue of the late Pope John Paul II that now stands at Rome’s main train station says he’s open to making minor changes in the work.  Some have called his depiction of John Paul’s head “excessively … Continue reading →

Posted in Visual Arts | Tagged , , ,

The Roman Catholic Church has its own version of science-denying Creationists: small group of geocentrists

Posted on 29/08/2011 by

Amazingly, there are still people out there who believe — for theological reasons i.e. biblical literalism — that the Earth is the center of the universe and the sun revolves around it: Supporters contend there is scientific evidence to support geocentrism, just as … Continue reading →

Posted in Fundamentalism, Sciences | Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Political correctness and statist meddling gone mad: 1,000 year old church closed by government-protected bats

Posted on 28/08/2011 by

A church closed by roosting bats Sacred mysteries: Bats have driven worshippers out of a 1,000-year-old church in Yorkshire, says Christopher Howse.

Posted in Politics, World Events, Popular Culture, Society | Tagged , ,

Quote of the day: Mark Noll on Christianity, science and hasty conclusions

Posted on 27/08/2011 by

‘Many of the problems that have taken place in the so-called conflict between religion and science come from hasty conclusions.  Right back to the Middle Ages, we have a long series of purportedly new discoveries in nature.  The response by … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Quote of the Day, Sciences | Tagged , , , , , ,

Pic of the day: The ARC Gloria, one of the biggest tall ships in the world, narrowly passes through Tower Bridge

Posted on 26/08/2011 by

Click on the picture to enlarge it.

Posted in Visual Arts | Tagged , , , , , ,

Laurence M. Vance on American Christians, American exceptionalism, militarism, and warmongering

Posted on 26/08/2011 by

Christianity and War by Laurence M. Vance ‘If there is any group of people that should be opposed to war, torture, militarism, the warfare state, state worship, suppression of civil liberties, an imperial presidency, blind nationalism, government propaganda, and an aggressive … Continue reading →

Posted in Quote of the Day, Theology | Tagged , , ,

A simple explanation of the Synoptic Problem

Posted on 25/08/2011 by

If you’re an intellectually engaged, theologically minded Christian, sooner or later you’ll come across something known as the ‘Synoptic Problem’.  It’s almost unavoidable and discussions of it can get complicated very quickly.  A simple, straightforward outline can be found here: Which theory do you think … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Biblical ‘minimalist’ Philip Davies still obsessed with David Elkington’s fake metal codices

Posted on 25/08/2011 by

Philip Davies, a well-known biblical ‘minimalist’ (i.e. he disputes most of the historical claims made in the Old Testament), has no such hesitations about David Elkington’s metal codices.  On the contrary, in his lavishly illustrated editorial (all photographs courtesy of … Continue reading →

Posted in Archaeology | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Quote of the day: Alexander Lucie-Smith on angry, rude, intolerant secularists

Posted on 24/08/2011 by

‘It seems we must get used to the idea that wherever the Holy Father goes the usual suspects will round themselves up and stage a protest, indulging their love for synthetic rage.  First London, now Madrid . . . But … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheism, Quote of the Day, Secularism | Tagged , , , , , ,

Freethinking atheist Brendan O’Neill says: State should keep its nose out of Catholic Church’s confession boxes

Posted on 23/08/2011 by

The state should keep its nose out of the Catholic Church’s confession boxes We already live in a world where CCTV cameras film our every move and where politicians constantly call for greater and earlier intervention into family life.  Every … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheism, Secularism | Tagged , , , , , ,

Book Review: ‘Stranger on a Strange Island: From Main Street to Mayne Island’ by Grant Buday

Posted on 22/08/2011 by

‘Stranger on a Strange Island: From Main Street to Mayne Island’ by Grant Buday, New Star Books, Vancouver, 2011 Over the last few years I’ve become interested in West Coast ’outdoors adventure’ and ‘back to nature’ books, so was intrigued when I heard about this new … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Secularism at work: young Catholics harassed and abused by angry mob during Catholic World Youth Day

Posted on 22/08/2011 by

A young pilgrim describes how her group was harassed by protesters against the Pope’s visit in Madrid: MUST READ: Young person’s account of harassment and violence at WYD

Posted in Popular Culture, Society, Secularism | Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Is Governor Rick Perry a King Saul to Michelle Bachmann’s King David?

Posted on 22/08/2011 by

A staffer involved in Rep. Michele Bachmann’s faith outreach compared Texas Governor Rick Perry to Old Testament King Saul and Bachmann to King David.  “One looks everything like a king, while the other is anointed,” said the staffer. Which one … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, World Events | Tagged , , , , , , ,

We know which authors fundamentalists read (if they read at all, most don’t) but who do theological liberals read?

Posted on 21/08/2011 by

Here’s the answer: 25 theologians to help broaden your faith 1. Marcus J. Borg is an American theologian and a prominent voice among contemporary Jesus scholars.  He is the author of 19 books.  Try: The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions … Continue reading →

Posted in Authors, C. S. Lewis, Inklings, Theology | Tagged , , , ,

Quote of the day: Peter Hitchens on teenage rioters, child looters and why parents can’t discipline their children

Posted on 20/08/2011 by

‘Those who seek to blame or indeed punish parents for the misdeeds of their children should heed the painful cry of one such parent this week, a respected TV cameraman. ‘I am heartbroken and totally ashamed,’ he said of his … Continue reading →

Posted in Peter Hitchens, Quote of the Day | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Photograph of the day: Riverside, Iowa, future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise

Posted on 19/08/2011 by
Posted in Visual Arts | Tagged , , , ,

Is the biblical ‘Sea of Reeds’ the Red Sea or an inland reedy lake? Colin Humphreys gives his view

Posted on 19/08/2011 by

In My View the Biblical Sea of Reeds is the Red Sea by Colin Humphreys, Professor and Director of Research, Selwyn College, Cambridge In summary, it is clear from the biblical reference to where Solomon built his ships, that yam suph … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies | Tagged , , , , , ,

Writers’ quote of the day: George Orwell on the sheer unpleasantness of writing a book

Posted on 18/08/2011 by

‘Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness.  One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.’ ~ George … Continue reading →

Posted in Authors, Quote of the Day, Writing | Tagged , ,

Pro-abortion activists try to attack peaceful marchers, vandalise offices, media completely ignore it

Posted on 17/08/2011 by

One-Nil against Pro-Lifers The office of the European Regional Director of Human Life International, Johannes Bucher, was attacked recently after a pro-life March took place in Austria.  Seven windows were broken, and thousands of dollars worth of damage was caused … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, World Events | Tagged , , , , ,

The cocaine dealer who became a church minister, confessed his sins and has been forgiven by his flock

Posted on 16/08/2011 by

The cocaine dealer who became a church minister, confessed his sins and has been forgiven by his flock Pastor Brian Morris knows first-hand about the importance of salvation — for he was once a drug dealer who was jailed for … Continue reading →

Posted in Popular Culture, Society | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

John Calvin must be weeping: some telling statistics from Switzerland

Posted on 15/08/2011 by

Swiss churchgoers on why they attend church: 62%: “I’m just always there.” 28%: “I enjoy the services.” 7%: “Because I’m afraid about the afterlife.” 5%: “Because I believe in God.” [That totals 102%!] The survey also revealed that around one … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Churches | Tagged , , , , , , ,

An interesting list of classic heist (robbery) novels by Duane Swierczynski

Posted on 14/08/2011 by

Let’s book ‘em: a sure-fire survey of bank robbery novels Click on the link above for the full list of short reviews.  I have just read this one and it is excellent: Loophole, or How to Rob a Bank (1973) … Continue reading →

Posted in Authors, Bibliographies, Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , ,

Why do Catholics become Protestants? Three main reasons, according to Thomas Reese

Posted on 13/08/2011 by

The hidden exodus: Catholics becoming Protestants First, those who are leaving the church for Protestant churches are more interested in spiritual nourishment than doctrinal issues.  Tinkering with the wording of the creed at Mass is not going to help.  No … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Churches | Tagged , , , , , , ,

Quote of the day: Marilyn Sewell on churches, mission, charity and justice

Posted on 12/08/2011 by

‘Church is not just a place where good friends gather to support one another; it is not a place where people go to save their own souls, and ignore the very real pain of their neighbors; it is not a … Continue reading →

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