jameswatkins.com on Ten Commandments, same-sex union, 'War of the Worlds' . . .

Saturday (07.02)
Shields responds to Cruise's 'ridiculous rant'
Brooke Shields had an eloquent response in the New York Times to Tom Cruise's attack on modern psychiatry in general and the concept of bio-chemical imbalances causing depression in particular. (As someone who tried praying harder and thinking happier to overcome deep, dark depression—and failed—anti-depressants have been a lifesaver for me.) Here are some thoughts on:
- What are the signs of clinical depression?
- Is there a bio-chemical element in spirituality?
- Are we 'playing God' with psycho-therapeutic drugs?

Friday (07.01)
Were US Founding Fathers 'Christian'?

It's that time again to set off some fireworks with my research on the Founding Father's faith. The "revisionist left" would like to make them secular and the "religious right" would like to make them saintly. It's a bit more complicated.
- One nation under the Supreme Being of your choice

Thursday (06.30)
Canada, Spain vote to legalize same-sex unions

Late Tuesday Canada's House of Commons voted 158-133 to legalize same-sex unions. Just today, Spain's Congress of Deputies voted 187 to 147 to do the same. The Netherlands and Belgium were the first countries to legalize same-sex unions. Here are some thoughts:
- The statistical differences between marriage and same-sex unions
- Is there a "win/win" solution to the controversy?
- More on same-sex issues

Wednesday (06.29)
'War of the Worldviews'

Tom Cruise's combative comments about his beliefs in Scientology have turned his publicity campaign for "War of the Worlds" into what NBC calls "War of the Words." It's also a "War of the Worldviews." Cruise's controversial faith, founded by the late sci-fi author L. Ron Hubbard, is a mixture of Eastern religion and Western materialism.
- What do Scientologists believe?
- TIME 1991 expose' of Scientology
- What does the U.S. Congress think of attack on psychiatry? [from The Hill]
- Is Scientology a cult?

Tuesday (06.28)
No post today, babysitting Hannah

No "heavy topics with a light touch" today. Grandpa is enjoying watching two-month-old Hannah while social worker Mom is counseling troubled children and teens so deputy sheriff Dad doesn't have to bust them.
- Click here for larger pic of Hannah

Monday (06.27 Update: 10:30 am)
'thou shalt' and 'thou shalt not' display Top Ten

I think the Supreme Court has ruled fairly, allowing for the freedom to display religious symbols on government property while instituting some some reasonable restrictions. However, I still believe the best displays of the Ten Commandments are believers living them out in daily life (see next post).
- Here's a concise report on this morning's rulings

Monday (06.27)
'shalt thou' or 'shalt thou not' display Top Ten?

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule today on the constitutionality of the Supreme Being's Ten Commandments being displayed on government property.
- The best way to display the commandments
- Here's the actual text of God's Top Ten

Sunday (06.26)
my virtual open house

Now that Lois and I have a new physical house, I figured, maybe I should have a new virtual home, too. So, this week I'm having an open house to see what you think of this new "home" page design. Look around. Does it have curb appeal? Is it easy to find your way around? Any termites or bugs? Let me know. Thanks!
- Compare this with old home
- Tell me which you like best

Last week
seven things Dad really wanted for Father's Day . . .

. . . cross-gender communication (no hablo Estrogen?), a tribute to Billy Graham, perspective on Howard Dean's "white, Christian" comment, and more.
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