Rhythm and Jews:

"Catholics basically believe the same teachings that Baptists believe. We just do it without the rhythm. But we try. We are not as without rhythm as some of our Jewish brothers and sisters." ~ Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Roman Catholic, speaking ecumenically at a Baptist church in Harlem.

Leadership

Bill Clinton is angling to seat a surrogate in the Oval Office. George Bush I is jumping out of airplanes. George Bush II is painting pictures of his feet. And Jimmy Carter?

"I have been a practicing Christian all my life and a deacon and Bible teacher for many years. My faith is a source of strength and comfort to me, as religious beliefs are to hundreds of millions of people around the world. So my decision to sever my ties with the Southern Baptist Convention, after six decades, was painful and difficult. It was, however, an unavoidable decision when the convention's leaders, quoting a few carefully selected Bible verses and claiming that Eve was created second to Adam and was responsible for original sin, ordained that women must be 'subservient' to their husbands and prohibited from serving as deacons, pastors or chaplains in the military service. The truth is that male religious leaders have had - and still have - an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter. Their continuing choice provides the foundation or justification for much of the pervasive persecution and abuse of women throughout the world. This is in clear violation not just of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights but also the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul, Moses and the prophets, Muhammad, and founders of other great religions - all of whom have called for proper and equitable treatment of all the children of God. It is time we had the courage to challenge these views." -- Jimmy Carter, president of the United States from 1977 to 1981.

How does holding religious property exempt from property taxes not amount to "an establishment of religion."

Fact vs Fiction

Whether or not its Satan has been made deliberately  remindful of Barack Obama, I can't understand why something called the History Channel is dramatizing ooga booga from the Judeo-Christian bible. I can understand why they might want to undertake a historical look at the book's long and troubled history. But won't a dramatization likely be taken by many of the viewership's slower members to be "history"?

Tibi gratias ago pro caelo paulo Pueri

"Pope in sex scandal":

Think he'll step down to spend more time with his family?

A little late in the day to "find Jesus."

Does Belief in God Hurt America?

According to a new study, prosperity is highest in countries that practice religion the least.

In a paper posted recently on the online journal Evolutionary Psychology, independent researcher Gregory S. Paul reports a strong correlation within First World democracies between socioeconomic well-being and secularity. In short, prosperity is highest in societies where religion is practiced least.

The rest of the story: Is Belief in God Hurting America? by David Villano, Miller-McCune.com (Alternet 2009-11-25)