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Posts under ‘Christianity’

On Being “Christian”. Or Not.

Thirteen percent of American citizens do not believe Barack Obama when he says he is a Christian. I’m hardly an apologist for the political status quo, but it seems like you might not have to look too hard to find thirteen percent of American citizens who wouldn’t believe Barack Obama if he said the Earth [...]

Christianity – “ity” = What, exactly?

Noted vampire author and Catholic Anne Rice recently announced that she was quitting Christianity in the name of Christ. She intends to keep her beliefs but is so put off by the Catholic hierarchy’s teachings and public pronouncements on feminism, child abuse and human sexuality that she will no longer adhere to any particular sect [...]

Guest Writer: Charlie Becker Hornes “I Might Be ‘Fat’ Today, But God Knows I’m Happy”

Charlie Becker Hornes, M.Div. ’10 writes in response to the comments posted to the YouTube video about Glenn Beck. I have taken some pretty good punches this week on YouTube directly and indirectly regarding our Union’s response to Glenn Beck video: • “I think that first chick missed the part about gluttony maybe? Kinda hypocritical.” [...]

Guest Writer: Shannon Kearns “Open Letter to Serene Jones”

Guest writer Shannon Kearns, M.Div. ’09, responds to President Serene Jones’ recent open letter to Glenn Beck Dear President Jones: I write with sadness over your response to Mr. Glenn Beck. I understand that you were trying to counter his hateful speech with humor, however by taking such a tone you made his words something [...]

Glenn Beck Gives Union Extended Advertisement

There are those on the political right that make rational, consistent arguments; Glenn Beck is not one of them. If there is anything consistent about him, it is that he consistently preys on the worst fears of humanity – a consistency that certainly cannot be applauded. This last week he took aim at Union’s own [...]

Catholic church in trouble. In Boston. Again.

The Boston archdiocese of the Roman Catholic church has gotten itself into trouble again. The current troubles revolve around children, the church and sexuality. Unlike previous years, however, this imbroglio is not about clergy sexual abuse. Boston’s ABC affiliate carries this story about Michael Pakaluk’s column of June 4. The column argues against allowing the [...]

Excommunicated for saving a life

When she took her vows years ago, I doubt Sister Margaret McBride ever thought that she would have to make a choice between remaining in the Roman Catholic Church and saving someone’s life. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened. I share reporters Dan Harris and Claudia Morales in their incredulity over how quickly this happened. As [...]

Investing Justly?

A recent NY Times article on the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility raises some interesting questions to face as people of faith. Shouldn’t our religious consciences extend to our investment portfolios? ICCR executive director Laura Berry believes so and also expresses a belief in the benevolence of the market: “I actually believe that God, whatever [...]

Mujahideen From Beyond The Stars

Is the TV show “V” talking about space lizards or Muslims in its fight for survival narrative?

Home: In (and of) the World

I can remember almost viscerally the days when my brother Michael and I would wander off behind my family’s tin-covered, sanguine colored barn, deeper and deeper into the woods off of Brawely School Rd.  The forest, with its gorges and streams, seemed to be endless. No cars, cranes, or even people could be heard. No [...]