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this week's commentaries 05.15.05
Saturday (05.21)
the truth about tolerance
Great quote from Brad Stetson and Joseph Conti's new book (InterVarsity Press):
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No one is actually a real relativist, including the contemporary secular liberal. Secularists today make a whole
host of moral judgments, and they do so unhesitantly. They invoke relativism when arguing against Christians
and other cultural conservatives. But they treat their own beliefs and moral principles as objective,
absolute, and universal truths. |
- Are you absolutely sure there are no absolutes?
- Is political correctness the new racism?
Friday (05.20)
what's your favorite 'Star Wars' episode?
So, what do you think of "Episode III"? I loved it! Click below for review, and then take my totally unscientific poll.
- 'Star Wars: Episode III'—modern morality play [new]
- 'Star Wars: Episodes I and II'—confusing the Force it is
- May the Force be with you
- Click here for poll
Thursday (05.19, 2:30 pm EST)
CBS chooses ghosts over God?
CBS' Leslie Moonves told reporters this morning, "I think talking to ghosts will skew younger than talking to God." "The Ghost Whisperer," a "supernatural drama about a woman who communicates with the spirit world" will replace "Joan of Arcadia" about a high school student who communicates with God.
- Does God really communicate with humans?
- Do the dead really communicate with the living?
- Are there really ghosts?
Thursday (05.19)
University of Iowa to offer 'Porn 101'?
According to the AP, the U of I will be offering a class during fall semester on porn. Jay Clarkson, a grad student who will be teaching the class, assured administrators (and parents of students) that no films or explicit material will be shown in class. "The class will examine the impact of porn on mainstream culture." Okay, but I’m just a bit concerned about “homework” and “collateral reading.” Here are some additional thoughts from adultsite4adults.com:
- The naked truth
- 'Reel' sex vs. real sex
- Why are guys such boobs?
Wednesday (05.18)
are you 'emergent'? take our test
This old “Jesus freak” sees some encouraging similarities between the non-traditional, non-denominational, non-establishment “Jesus Movement” and the “Emergent Church.” It’s the Jesus movement with better songs and nicer clothes.
- Are you 'emergent'? (From Rev. magazine) [new]
- Are 'cyber churches' real churches?
Tuesday (05.17)
abortion doubles risk of premature birth
The News Telegraph is reporting . . .
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Having an abortion almost doubles a woman's risk of giving birth dangerously early in a later pregnancy, according to research that will provoke fresh debate over the most controversial of all medical procedures.
A French study of 2,837 births - the first to investigate the link between terminations and extremely premature births - found that mothers who had previously had an abortion were 1.7 times more likely to give birth to a baby at less than 28 weeks' gestation. Many babies born this early die soon after birth, and a large number who survive suffer serious disability.
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- Is it a 'life' or a 'choice'?
Monday (05.16)
Koran and consistency down the commode?
Muslims rioted in the streets last week when rumors spread that U.S. soldiers flushed a Koran down the toilet at the Guantanamo prison. Rioters demanded to be treated with respect and tolerance, and so they should be. But I’d like to see respect and tolerance go both ways. Many Muslim countries strictly forbid Bibles, rosary beads, and crosses! There are plenty of mosques in the United States, but how many Christian churches in Saudi Arabia? And while Muslims claim theirs is a peaceful religion, can you name just one Muslim democracy? And where are the Muslim demonstrations against beheadings and car bombings? If Muslims want to be treated with respect and tolerance, shouldn’t they set an example of tolerance and respect for everyone else?
- This just in: Newsweek in toilet; flushes Koran story
- Why are Islam “fanatics” so driven to mow down Americans?
- Click here for details on Saudi Arabia persecution of Christians
Sunday (05.15 10 pm EST)
Congrats to 'Survivor' Tom Westman
Finally, a reality show contestant I cheered for actually won! (Maybe there's hope for 'American Idol' Vonzell Solomon.) But let's put this all in persective . . .
- Reality TV is not real!
- Top ten signs you've been watching too much reality TV
Sunday (05.15)
Star Wars: Revenge of the myth?
I'll be in line this Friday for the final film of the six-part series that began in 1977 in a galaxy far, far away. I hope "Episode III" will actually enrich the amazing myth that is (was) "Star Wars." The last two high-tech, low-touch offerings have left me cold as the frozen ice planet of Hoth. My favorite is still the heart-warming "VI."
- Will Anakin turn to the dark side of the Force? The problem with prequels
- May the Force be with you
Last week's commentaries
Iraq war, 'Kingdom of Heaven,' deja news, office tricks
U.S. is between Iraq and a hard place; crusading pic politically correct, historically incorrect; another reporter is making headlines making up headlines;and a really cool trick to try at the office
- click here
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