A Real Victory for Truth, Justice and the American Way!
I look forward to viewing and reviewing Superman Returns over the holiday weekend. In the meantime, an excellent op-ed in today's New York Times points out that in early incarnations our superhero was fighting for "truth and justice." The "American way" was added during the Cold War period, as was the "under God" piety of the pledge of Allegiance. In my mind the real victory for "the American way" came yesterday in the Supreme Court's rejection of Bush administration tribunals at Guantanamo Bay. One huge part of the freedom that we are celebrating this weekend is the Constitution's provision for a separation of powers that holds even "the Decider" in check.

A Strange Freedom
What is it that Americans are fighting for in Iraq, celebrating on the 4th of July, and holding up as the "light of the world?" And what is the relationship between freedom and faith?

Prayers, Poetry, and Famous Quotations About Freedom
For use on the 4th of July (Independence Day) or any other day when freedom is in peril.

What the New Testament Says About Freedom
Caution: you might be surprised.

The Bible and Modern Science
Behind many topics debated in our current culture wars lies the larger question of the relationship between the Bible and modern science. In my view, wisdom comes not in choosing the Scriptures over Science, but rather in taking the insights of both with equal seriousness.

Benedict XVI, Rouse Yourself!
Tissa Balasuriya, a progressive Roman Catholic theologian from Sri Lanka, has often been at odds with the leadership of his own church over issues such as the role of women, the relationship between Christianity and other world religions, particularly Buddhism, and the lack of courage on the part of many Christians in addressing issues of global poverty and war. In a pastoral letter issued today, he addresses these concerns to the Pope. Well worth reading.

US Senate Turns Back Gay Marriage Ban
The US Senate has defeated a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit voters in any state or city in the republic from recognizing gay marriage or even civil unions, even though there are millions of Americans now living faithfully in such relationships, attending our churches, raising children and contributing to our communities in ways that are beyond measure. Proponents of the amendment put forward the argument against gay marriage in the most alarmist language possible. But strong language could not defeat a sense of decency and fairness. Thank God. Having heard all the arguments against gay marriage, I invite you to consider this ...

The Blessings of Gay Marriage
Here is the single most important argument for gay marriage

Gay Marriage: The Debate Continues
A ban on gay marriage confronts a powerful argument on the ground: the presence of same sex families with lots and lots of children.

God and Science
The current debate about intelligent design raises the larger question of the relationship between religion and science generally. My own book traces the history of the conflict between these siblings, and looks towards their long awaited reconciliation.