Will the real Mother's Day Please Stand Up? Many people see Mother's Day as a secular holiday, designed by the greeting card industry, promoted by restaurants, beloved by florists. Some clergy agree, objecting to the commercialism of the holiday. Does Mother's Day have religious meaning? If so what is it? Just consider the witness of its founder, Anna Jarvis.
Where is the "right to life" movement when we need it? Recent research shows that the average American is spending more than eight hours every day in front of an LCD screen, and more than five hours sitting passively in front of a television set. When one spends nearly one third of one's available time in any activity (and I am not sure that TV viewing can be described as an "activity") then it is not too harsh to suggest that one is involved in an addiction. The latest research shows that television viewing is America's drug of choice. It's may also be the greatest destroyer of the hearts, and especially the minds of the people. Literally, an angel of death. It is a form of slavery, scandalous and shocking in the "land of the free and the home of the brave." Read more.
What Would Jesus Eat? Do Faith Based Weight Loss Programs Really Work? One of the benefits of recession, research shows, is a tendency for people to lose weight, believe it or not, as they cut down on eating out at restaurants or comsuming calorie rich foods. That said, in times of boom or bust, it's always good policy to care for one's own health. In this context, I notice that the Christian weight loss industry is still booming, even in the midst of this recession. But do spiritually based diet programs actually work? Here's my take on what works and what doesn't.
And ... a helpful chart to guide you down the isles of the supermarket: Good Food To Eat and Why
Christians Celebrate Charles Darwin and Evolution On this the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birthday,and despite loud, attention grabbing protests from some who prefer blind belief to an enlightening faith, we are remineded of the tremendous contributions of Darwin to our understanding. Those scientific findings that have followed from Darwin's groundbreaking research have enhanced rather than diminsihed genuine faith. Hence it is no suprise that Christians around the world are joining with people of all faiths, as well as those with none, in remembering Darwin and his prodigious contributions to the advancement of human knowledge!
The Ten Most Popular Prayers of All Time Well, actually, we've got twelve. But since two of today's most popular prayers may not be on the list tomorrow, let's call it ten. My selections include all time favorite and familiar prayers like the Lord's Prayer, the Serenity Prayer, and the Prayer of St. Francis, along with the contemporary, and very popular prayer of Jabez and the Jelly Bean Prayer.
What is Heaven? There are at least four major strands of thought in the Bible and in Christian tradition contributing to contemporary notions of heaven. We look at each.
Do Christians Make Better Lovers? As Valentine's Day approaches, we'd all like a little more love in our lives. Young or old, single or married, gay or straight. But is it possible the one's spiritual life may in fact open a door that leads to a more satisfying love life. I think it can! Here's why.
Poems, Prayers, Readings, and Quotations For Your Valentine Having trouble coming up with the perfect note for the one you love? .... or just want to impress on the upcoming holiday? Try this collection of thoughts, some famous and some not, to spark your imagination.
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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.
