Craig in Colorado asks: What do you think is the future of denominations? Do you see any trends in history that may be indicators? And what do you think is the purpose (if any) of denominational affiliation? The Guy responds: The oddities surrounding religious denominations bring to mind that incomparably sinister American clergyman Jim Jones, who in 1978 lured 909 Peoples Temple followers at his Guyana compound into an orgy of murder and suicide, a third of whom were children.... Read more

Harold in New Jersey asks: Why did the Republicans vote for a Mormon?  U.S. Republicans are pretty dedicated to a traditional interpretation of King James Bible-style Christianity. On social issues I’d call it their second Constitution. I have in front of me the Book of Mormon. The front cover says “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.” Mitt Romney’s Mormonism was never in hiding. Several themes combined. Understandably, Mitt Romney didn’t emphasize his devotion to a minority religion that perplexed some voters.... Read more

Forrest in North Carolina asks:   Why do so many Christians believe that human life begins at conception? Did the writers of the Bible even have an understanding of human fertilization? What is the origin of this precept? A question that befits the Nativity season becomes the inaugural item on Religion Q and A. Though the U.S. Supreme Court gives the mother the right  to decide about abortion, that obviously hasn’t ended debate. And new aspects keep emerging, such as the contraception... Read more

        As patheos.com launches this, its latest blog:           Who?  Over to the right there’s brief info about the Ridgewood Religion Guy who writes these posts. Click there if you’d like further bio. Full disclosure: The Guy lists his religious affiliation. However, this blog does not promote a particular faith perspective or denomination, unlike so many religion offerings across the Net. This will be old-fashioned -- and getting to be increasingly out-of-fashion -- journalism.  Postings might be somewhat interpretive and... Read more