Current Events
Jordan’s Moderate Arab Spring. As we sat in a Parliamentary conference room talking with Jordan’s Senate president and his colleagues, we could see why Jordan’s Arab Spring has been more subdued than most. (Short op-ed by Rusty Wright and Meg Korpi)
Evangelicals’ Image Problem. God should have sued Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson for defamation, says New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof. “Few words conjure as much distaste in liberal circles as ‘evangelical Christian,’” he writes. So why does he sing evangelicals’ praises? (Short op-ed)
Gay Mayor, Christians in Surprising Alliance. Portland, Oregon, mayor Sam Adams gets “calls from mayors of liberal cities all across the United States asking me if I’ve been abducted by aliens.” He tells them the churches and the city really do cooperate in social services and that “we’re better for it.” (Short op-ed)
Jesus is Coming May 21? We read it in the Washington Post. “Save the date!” say the billboards. That’s also our wedding anniversary. Maybe we should invite him. (Short op-ed; by Rusty Wright and Meg Korpi)
Americans Flunk Religion 101. Think you know a lot about religion? Pew Research Center says many atheists and agnostics know more about world faiths than do believers. I once flunked an important faith question and learned that what you don’t know might hurt you. (Short op-ed)
Atlanta Volunteers Change Lives. Want a dose of inspiration and motivation? Take a look at these fine folks who are getting “out of their seats and into the streets” to help meet Atlanta’s physical, psychological and spiritual needs. (Short op-ed)
Is Casual Sex Losing its Zing? Hot news from CNN: Some university students are giving up casual sexual activity because they feel it’s not fulfilling. What’s going on here? (Short op-ed)
Marital Strife and Your Health. Being married can mean better health, but being happily married seems to matter most, says current research. Learn to fight fair. (Short op-ed)
Tiger’s Faith-Road Home. Tiger gets religion? “It’s up to me to start living a life of integrity,” affirmed golf’s superstar as he confessed to his affairs. He says to save his marriage and children, he wants to balance his spiritual and professional lives. Can he? (Short op-ed)
Global Warming’s Glacial Blunder. “World misled over Himalayan glacier meltdown,” declared the disturbing headline in The Sunday Times of London. What caused a major UN climate change panel to backtrack and admit a serious mistake in its prediction? What insights does this episode offer about determining the truth? (Short op-ed)
Jerusalem’s Delicate Balancing Act. It’s easy to see why this city – bustling with spiritual, social and political contrasts – is the focus of so much world attention. King David’s ancient admonition to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” has significant modern implications. (Short op-ed)
Ahmadinejad’s Holocaust Library Card? Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said the Holocaust is a “lie” based on a “mythical claim.” He should visit Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial. Can we get him a library card? (Short op-ed)
Iranian Holocaust Denial and Peace Seeking. Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called the Holocaust a “lie.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced his claim at the UN, presenting evidence. Humans have a curious ability to reinterpret the world to fit their biases or personal aims. Shouldn’t truth be a foundation for seeking peace? (Short op-ed)
You Don’t Say! If you’re like me, you could use a good chuckle right now. After all, times are messy. Maybe this real-life humor will help cheer you up. Reflections on using the right word at the right time. (Short op-ed)
Coping with Job Loss. I got an email recently from another laid-off colleague. One more recession downsizing casualty. I’ve been there, too. How do you help a friend – or yourself – cope with losing their job? (Short op-ed)
Forgiving Bernie Madoff? Could you forgive the multibillion dollar swindler if you were one of his victims? (Short op-ed)