Thanksgiving: To Whom, For What? A day of prayer, self-congratulations, or what? When the act of counting one's blessings becomes the habit of counting upon one's blessings. And what the holiday really means.
Halloween: Holiday in Need of Renovation Given its pagan roots, some think it evil. We disagree and examine its deeper meaning, religious roots, and contemporary significance, including practical ideas on how to celebrate it today. Renovating Halloween Halloween: A Pagan Perspective One reader reacted strongly to my Halloween piece. Since her retort was so well written and so thoughtful, I've included her entire rebuttal here.
Financing Health Care Reform Judging from photos of last weekend's anti-reform march on Washington, if the folks who oppose health care legislation would start exercising and eating right, we could finance universal coverage using what we save on THEIR medical bills! Suggested reading: What would Jesus eat?
Health Care Reform: The Faith Perspective The shrill voices of "faith based" talk show hosts notwithstanding, the overwhelming majority of religious leaders in the US recognize that reform of health care systems is a moral imperative. For churches, synagogues, and mosques, concern for people's health is not a fad. Historically, religious organizations of all kinds have stepped forward to found hospitals, medical schools, neighborhood health clinics, senior care centers, and a host of other agencies aimed at improving the health of their communities. They have done this out of a recognition that caring for the sick and the infirm is not just a responsibility of individuals, but of the society as a whole. And in this, government, has a positive, even an essential role to play. For more, on this topic including statements from religious leaders and faith based groups working on this issue, continue here.
Catholics Come Through In the context of quarrelsome comments from conservative Catholics and Protestants alike who took issue with some of Senator Kennedy's views, those involved in today's funeral mass, including Catholic clergy, family members, and friends, hosted a gracious and wonderful celebration! The affirmation of Ted Kennedy's life and work, and the acknowledgement of how his personal faith animated his life long commitment to social justice was inspirational. This was an example of the Catholic Church at its best.
God and the Hurricanes Now in the heart of the tropical storm season, with yet another strom heading for the US, it is timely to reflect upon the ways in which religious people deal with natural disasters, which are often referred to as an "act of God."
The Maltese Cross This cross has a long history. It has been associated with the Order of Knights of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as the "Knights Hospitaller." This order began with the establishment of a hospital in Jerusalem, and has long been associated with caregiving, but also took on military duties, eventually becoming a powerful, military force with vast properties and great wealth.
Catholic Leaders Urge Congress to Pass Health Care Reform Catholic social justice leaders are urging Congress to put aside ideological and partisan agendas to pass comprehensive health care reform that makes quality health care affordable for all Americans. In a statement that will be sent to members of Congress and published as an advertisement later this month, Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good and other national Catholic organizations call it “a moral crisis and a political failure” that nearly 50 million Americans lack health insurance. We couldn't agree more! For more on this news.
GodArt A very interesting and challenging project, culminating in a virtual world exhibit this fall. We will track this with great interest as artists and designers seek to answer the question: "Is is even possible to visualize God in a 3D art project?" You can visit the website to learn more, but to really get in on the action you will need to have a Second Life account and avatar.
What is Buddhism? Can a religion without a formal notion of God be considered compatible with Christianity? Aside from the obvious differences, what are the points of fruitful dialogue between Buddhists and Christians?
Can Christians Alone Be Saved? "I am the way, the truth and the light, no one comes to the Father but by me," said Jesus. Does this mean that only Christians can be saved?
The Face and the Figure of Jesus With the possible exception of the cross, the figure of Jesus is the central symbol of Christianity. This, despite the fact that no one knows what Jesus looked like. Contemplating this symbol can not only deepen your appreciation of Christianity, it can be a central part in the enrichment of your personal faith.
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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.
