Faith Profile Test Before you know where you're headed, you need to know where you've been. This is true whether you're traveling to England or toward enlighenment. Try our faith profile test and find out where you are coming from, right now at the beginning of the New Year.
Last Minute Christmas You're running out of time. But you still want to buy a Christmas present for a friend or loved one that conveys the spirit of this holiday, as well as your good feelings for the recipient. All of these CD's, books, and DVD's, can be purchased with a click of two of your mouse, and will not break your budget. We even can suggest a terrific present that won't cost you a cent.
It's All About Love This week the 5th "LeWeb" conference is unfolding in Paris. As explained by conference co-founder and organizer Loic Le Meur, the gathering is not about technology, business, or even social networking, "It's all about love." Embedded in his remarks is the weighty claim that the web itself, together with human community, commerce and, yes, spirituality, all center around love. Le Meur has a point, and he talks about it ecstatically. But, beyond his enthusiasm, the scientific and theological underpinnings of this conviction call for further thought, not to mention serious research. It's one of the fundamental questions my new blog is exploring. Check it out.
Of course, the great religious traditions don't claim that love is the solution to all human problems. On the contrary there is a strain of realism in the spiritualities of the world, reflecting the fact that the search for love is among the causes of human suffering. Hence, while acknowledging the value of this great human virtue, one must also acknowlege its dangers. Readers of this blog might enjoy my longer discussion on this topic: "The Lengths and the Limits of Love."
Christmas Thoughts and Quotations It is not too soon to start thinking about Christmas. Here is a helpful list of Christmas thoughts and quotations, some famous, some funny, some inspirational. Food for the mind, heart and spirit.
Next World Design Our new blog explores the boundary between the virtual and the real, focusing on the ways in which art, science and spirituality are "mediated" in todays communications technologies.
At Heaven's Gate The challenge is not how to be happy when things are going well, but rather, how to thrive in the face of adversity. This question, the season of Advent, powerfully addresses, making its message totally relevant for the living of these days. Read more.
The So Called War on Christmas According to a new book being promoted widely in conservative circles, there is a vast, left-wing conspiracy to eliminate Christmas. That's right. Apparently, liberals, having tired of fighting for world peace or the elimination of poverty, have taken on an even bigger battle against the world's most popular holiday. It's called "The War on Christmas."
When Does Life Begin? Once again the debate over abortion and, to a lesser degree, stem cell research, is figuring in US Presidential politics. John McCain, Sarah Palin, Joe Biden and Barack Obama have all expressed strong views. Sarah Palin is especially appealing to those who see abortion as a litmus test that is determinative of who is or is not qualified to become President of the United States.
In much of this discussion it is taken as a given that the "Bible teaches life begins at conception." In fact, the Bible teaches no such thing. Let's take a closer look at what the Bible actually affirms about the origins of human life. ...
The National Retail Federation reports that American consumers plan to spend "only" $832.36 on holiday shopping this year. But that is still a 1.9 percent increase over last year! In other words, while the world plunges into economic crisis, while people lose their homes and their jobs, and some even go hungry, American consumers are actually planning to spend more than last year celebrating the "winter holidays!" Although this represents the lowest increase in planned consumer spending since the NRF survey began in 2002, it is still an increase. In a time of financial fear, and very real human suffering around the world, is this good news or bad? We take a closer look at holiday spending patterns and ask, "How much is enough?" Continue
The Top Dozen Religions of the World What are the largest religions of the world? What are their membership statistics, relative size, locations, rankings? Find out now simply by looking at our tables, charts and maps.
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The Rev. Charles P. Henderson is a Presbyterian minister and
Executive Director of Cross Currents.
He is the author of God and Science
(John Knox Press, 1986).
A revised and expanded version of the book is appearing here. God and Science (Hypertext Edition,
2005) He is also editor of a new book, featuring articles by world class scientists and theologians, and illustrating the leading views on the relationship between science and religion: Faith, Science and the Future (CrossCurrents Press, 2007)
Charles also tracks the boundry between the virtual and the real at his blog: Next World Design, focusing on the mediation of art, science and spirituality in the metaverse.
