Religion Dispatches
…ian fashion. “In all times the laity have been the measure of the Catholic spirit,” Cardinal John Newman said more than a century ago. If what we expect from the Church is what we expect from the aged and insulated man who happens to hold the office of Peter, there is little reason to expect much. In the New York Times, Paul Elie recently suggested that in imitation of the papal resignation Catholics might “give up your pew for Lent”—that is, take…
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…efers to other matters that require accountability as well: “We reject the spiritual manipulation of the prophetic gift for the personal benefit of the prophet or of his or her ministry, whether to garner favor, power, or financial gain… This is spiritual abuse of the worst kind and is detestable in God’s sight.” Still, it’s unlikely that these standards will ever be enforced. In these non-denominational apostolic networks there are few agreed upo…
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…it is relevant nonetheless: O Lord and Master of my life, give me not the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust for power and idle talk. But grant unto me, Thy servant, a spirit of integrity, humility, patience and love. Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see mine own faults and not to condemn my brother. For blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen. We can all learn from that, but perhaps none better than religious leaders who happily excuse the de…
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…nswer some questions via email. Cobern said her organization offers to the spiritual counseling if the client chooses it. “Spiritual conversations differ with different clients,” said Cobern. “Some simply want prayer, some have questions about local churches, some are curious about Christianity.” Cobern noted, highlighting the recurring theme in many of my discussions with Texas activists, that abortion causes women trauma, and that she, like some…
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…tled Interior Causes of the War: The Nation Demonized, and Its President a Spirit-Rapper, published in 1863, Lincoln is accused of being in league with the “familiar spirits” of Leviticus and the “Prince of the Power of the Air” of Ephesians. “These very same beings have been directing the Civil War through Lincoln since his first term.” The author of The Copperhead, Fayette Hall, expands on this accusation, suggesting that Lincoln had held congre…
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…f Pope Francis and how he’s used the papal throne to enforce the reforming spirit of the latest council. It’s a curious piece, making sweeping (and often untrue) claims to support its points while channeling generations-old talking points to advance a political agenda. The program of such reactionary Catholics is to erase tradition and adaptation, and to ultimately—and ironically—make the Church more “Protestant.” Dougherty’s argument is that desi…
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…unusual, what does that say about the Church? Fraser emerges from this as a potentially important religious figure. For he is a serious thinker as well as an affable bloke. The Church of England has lacked a major liberal voice in recent years. Since 9/11 especially, a spirit of cultural conservatism has reigned among the bishops, a reluctance to expose the established Church to searching criticism. But it is only through such self-criticism that…
Read More…holarship, and campus jobs at the same time. This seemed so counter to the spirit of academic freedom—and to the very issues of religious liberty that the conference was promoting—that in conscience I felt that I had to take a stand. I had looked forward to the conference. The issue was important, the international roster of scholars participating was impressive, and my old friend and colleague, David Little, was to receive an award for his work o…
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…y urge the crowd to take the “knowledge” he offers them “in a nonsectarian spirit,” he nonetheless compares his position to that of a Mormon missionary, offering his gospel to those who have not yet accepted the truth. Despite explicit and emphatic reiteration of the metaphysics believed to be at play in the acts and the theology upon which such metaphysics are predicated, the Festival of Colors remains a popular event for Mormons. How such distin…
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…can be argued; nevertheless, Islam was without a doubt fundamental to the spirit of the organization.” Perhaps, depending on what “fundamental to the spirit” means. Central to the imagery and rhetoric? Sure. Defining of the practice and worldview? Not so much. Where the Book Falls Short My frustration with this book, however, isn’t that it doesn’t push deeply enough into issue of religion—that would be an unfair expectation; that book has yet to…
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