Crucified

More sufferings for Iraqi Christians. On the sadly familiar theme of violence in the name of Islam, a story from Bangladesh. In the end, it is all about power.

Equality and justice

On dalits embracing Christianity in India.

Miracles

On Christian converts from Islam in Italy.

Apriori denial

Speaking of R. Dawkins, The New Republic has a good piece against reductionism.

Theoretical denial of the question

"The Religious Sense," Chapter 6, p. 59, in the words of Richard Dawkins:

But it seems to me the big "why" questions are, why are we here? And what is our purpose in life?

It's not a question that deserves an answer.

Well, I think most people would say those questions are central to the way we think about our lives. Those are the big existential questions, but they are also questions that go beyond science.

If you mean, what is the purpose of the existence of the universe, then I'm saying that is quite simply begging the question. If you happen to be religious, you think that's a meaningful question. But the mere fact that you can phrase it as an English sentence doesn't mean it deserves an answer. Those of us who don't believe in a god will say that is as illegitimate as the question, why are unicorns hollow? It just shouldn't be put. It's not a proper question to put. It doesn't deserve an answer.

Occidentalism

This book review makes a good point: if Europe is in danger, it is primarily because of a threat from inside.

Professional Catholic

Rod Dreher has left the Catholic Church. His testimony is fairly tragic. It shows how Christianity can be reduced to an ideology on the conservative as much as on the liberal side, with devastating effects.

Desperate prayer

A review of the latest novel by Cormac McCarthy.

"No way out of it"

Martin Scorsese on his Catholic origins.

Old questions

This debate sounds interesting.

Lingering infection

The tragic fate of Russia.

Civilizational crisis

At least, when human societies face a breakdown, our youngsters do not go around raping and killing innocent rhinoceroses.

Traditional religion

Someone taking a stand against power.

Great couple

This ten-year old interview with the Genovese's is still worth reading.

Secular megachurches

How to get rich by exploiting people's loneliness in order to create a cyber-mob.