Lebanon is a microcosm, and an object lesson. It is a country where Christianity is on the wane. By one estimate, it was once over 70 percent Christian; today it is less than half that. Shi'ite Muslims alone probably outnumber Lebanese Christians (mostly Maronite). The decline may be greater than that.
Read moreMeanwhile, British Airways is being sued for religious discrimination after it required a Christian woman employee to conceal her cross while permitting other faiths to wear turbans, hijabs or Hindu bangles. This echoed the controversy earlier this month when the BBC agonised over whether newsreader Fiona Bruce should wear a small cross on a chain in case it might cause offence.
Read moreIn a new book being pushed by a very expensive public relations campaign, a little-known author says his book is ammunition for "rational Americans" in their fight against the "Christian right." Further, he claims that eradicating religion is comparable to abolishing slavery. I compiled a list of more than a dozen new books attacking the religious right.
Read more"It pierces the inside of you when you know the truth. Men who struggle with their own masculinity cannot affirm femininity," she said. "Six-year-olds cannot tell you how they're being impacted. We can't comprehend what we went through until we're adults.
"People aren't comfortable sharing this, but keeping it hidden hurts children," she said. "The secular media is not carrying the message that this impacts children long-term."
Read moreThe Regina Leader Post newspaper, has joined the fray demonstrating the lack of tolerance for opposition to homosexuality. While the paper would allow for priests to oppose homosexuality publicly, it suggests that opposition by non-clergy should be illegal. "There is an argument to be made for allowing religious leaders leeway in criticizing homosexuality.
Read moreRight? Normal? Detestable? People who mock such notions ask, "According to whom?" Public schools, popular culture and editorialists at major newspapers have hammered into us this aversion to trans-generational morality.
Read moreThese two explosions resulted in two people being killed, one a security guard for the church and the other a child. There were also at least 17 injured, of whom 9 were members of the church. Two of these remain in a critical condition. The cathedral itself was badly damaged.
Read moreThe home entertainment division of Rupert Murdoch's movie studio plans to produce as many as a dozen films a year under a banner called FoxFaith. At least six of those films will be released in theaters under an agreement with two of the nation's largest chains, AMC Theatres and Carmike Cinemas.
Read moreThe question is whether the emperor is justified in what he said. His main thrust was at least partly justified. There is a real problem about the teaching of the Koran on violence against the infidel. That existed in the 14th century, and was demonstrated on 9/11, 2001. There is every reason to discuss it. I am more afraid of silence than offence.
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