I think that it should be a principled stance of educated Christians that we only take seriously someone’s claim to be a “Biblical literalist” when we are dealing with those who have sold all they have and have given it to the poor. Those words are found in the Bible and are as plain as day. Only those who consider it relevant to consider a broader range of passages and applications, contexts and considerations, can conclude that that does not... Read more

I like the way Obama responds to some of the rumors circulating about him with humor: Around the blogosphere, Joshua Rosenau has a suggestion for how to decide what to do with the millions transferred to you by that Nigerian bank Obama mentions. Pharyngula has yet another piece of evidence of the evolution of fish into tetrapods (also at Panda’s Thumb). If there is a conspiracy in science, the chief conspirator if God, who either placed these fossils there to... Read more

My review of God and Evolution that appeared in print in RNCSE 27 (5-6): 53-54, as well as on this blog, has now also been posted on the NCSE Resource web page. Read more

I’ve received a few visitors via Digg to my spoof post about Barack Obama. I wonder how many regular readers use Digg. Do click on the link and “Digg” the post in question, if it isn’t too much trouble – I’m curious what effect it will have, if any! If you’re looking for still more humor, then Chris Brady shares an interesting news item about the maker of the first two testaments planning to make another sequel. You can also... Read more

Today’s scam spam not only included “winning the lottery” but a “job offer”. As always, I post those items that make it through my spam filter so as to help other people out there who might be gullible enough to fall for one of these scams. None of these e-mails that contact you out of the blue offering you money, a job, or your place in a “Who’s Who” volume is legitimate. If you’re wondering how I know, take a... Read more

How to Believe: Teachers and Seekers Show the Way to a Modern, Life-Changing Faith by Jon Spayde (New York: Random House, 2008) is a striking book to read after finishing Gretta Vosper’s With Or Without God, since it reflects an almost opposite perspective, that of someone who is attracted to Christianity, as opposed to someone who is trying to mediate its core to those who are repelled by some of its features. The book is a collection of interviews, and... Read more

In a recent statement, Barack Obama has acknowledged that he is indeed a devotee of the Hindu god Hanuman. He also acknowledged being a Muslim, and that he also happens to be the antichrist. His statement did not address the accusation that he is, in addition to everything else, a fruitcake. When asked if these revelations would affect his nomination as the Democratic candidate for the presidency, a spokesperson for the Democratic party (who wished to remain anonymous) said that... Read more

With or without God (with apologies to U2) See the stone set in God’s eyesSee the thorn twist in God’s sideI wait for God Sleight of hand and twist of fateOn a bed of nails God makes me waitAnd I wait without God With or without GodWith or without God Through the storm we reach the shoreGod gives it all but I want moreAnd I’m waiting for God With or without GodWith or without GodI can’t liveWith or without God... Read more

The Times of India reports plans by Hanuman devotees to send a gold-plated statue of the deity to Barack Obama, whom they believe to be a devotee himself, and to carry a lucky charm of Hanuman on his person. Hmm… Read more

Review of Gretta Vosper, With or Without God: Why The Way We Live is More Important than What We Believe (Toronto: Harper Collins, 2008). ISBN 978-1-55468-228-7. 384 + xvi pp. “What is a Christian? Am I a Christian?” These are questions that have come up time and again on this blog, and they frequently do in any interaction with progressive Christianity. Gretta Vosper’s book, in essence, raises the question of whether it is possible to be a Christian “without God”,... Read more