Global Spin » Religion

Jimmy Carter on religion and women’s rights

Deb — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:04:48 +0000

This is why I’d still vote for the guy (and why I think he got a bad rap). If more of our presidents last century had Mr. Carter’s ethic of service to humanity, our current world might have been a very different place.

The words of God do not justify cruelty to women

Prop 8: The Musical

Deb — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:31:38 +0000

Happy Monday!

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Prop 8: What Happened to Separation of Church and State?

Deb — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:36:12 +0000

So, I’ve been asking myself that question a lot since Prop 8 eked out a victory this week at the polls — thanks in large part to the approximately 22 million dollars donated by members of the LDS (Mormon) Church to the Yes on 8 campaign. Seems like I’m not the only one asking this question — and they’ve even started a petition.

I know that the LDS church offers a lot for its members — community, faith, support — but what I don’t understand is why they should have the right to use their resources to force the rest of us to conform to their world view. It’s not only unfair and immoral, it’s unconstitutional.

(The genius of the constitution being to protect the minority from a hostile majority through an intricate set of checks and balances — one of them being the Bill of Rights. Each time I watch our democratic process at work, I am awed by the foresight and genius (and sheer dumb luck) of our country’s founders. For this very reason, I love my country.)

Let’s play piggyback with the American Family Association

Deana — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:17:50 +0000

I am stealing this idea from Fark. The AFA is incensed that Hallmark is making same-sex marriage cards and is boycotting the company. In addition, they have a very nice website where you can write to those durned lib’rals at Hallmark and give them what fer! As was suggested on Fark, it’s also a convenient way to send Hallmark letters of support. So pass it on, because I would be very happy if they got more support letters through the hatey website than hatey letters.

…Or how about a plague of frogs?

Deana — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:40:52 +0000

This is unbelievably lame, but will probably get me to pray the reverse just out of cussedness.

TED Talks you should watch

Chris — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:43:03 +0000

You must watch Karen Armstrong’s TED talk on religion, compassion, the active side of belief, and the Golden Rule. Now. No really, go watch it right now. It’s not that long. In fact, watch it right here:

Once you’re done with that, watch Mark Bittman’s talk on what’s wrong with what we eat. It’s not as negative as the title would lead you to believe, and it provides good rules of thumb when considering “healthy” food.

Ravenworks

Deb — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 05:02:11 +0000

Ok, this makes my pagan heart happy: my friend Raven has opened a new store in Madison, WI called Ravenworks. It features lots of pretty, pretty, shiny and happy one-of-a-kind, hand made things for everyday use, ritual, whatever. Also, books and music — including Legacy!.

World Violence Decreases

Deana — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 15:41:49 +0000

You read that right. Steven Pinker thinks so and I’m inclined to agree with much of his reasoning. “We’re Getting Nicer Every Day” is an html version of a pdf, so a bit messy, but you can always download it if you prefer…

Shameless Promotion

Deana — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:09:30 +0000

My dad, Norman Weibel, who is an American Legion chaplain and does weddings in California’s Inland Empire has a new website! Beware the music (it can be turned off at the bottom of the page).

Hong Kong Chronicles

Deana — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 02:41:14 +0000

Those of you with an interest in things Chinese and para-Chinese (I’m looking at you. Ahem.) might be interested in reading the blog that anthropologist David K. Jordan has been maintaining while spending a semester teaching in Asia. It’s chock full of linguistic and religious observations, all with that pleasant snarkiness that DKJ has mastered.