Montazeri's Limited Tolerance of Non-Muslims

Jamsheed K. Choksy, 12.21.2009

Professor of Iranian studies at Indiana University

Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri's opinion was characterized by one Iranian Christian clergyman as "rubbing salt into our wounds."

The Magic Of Winter Solstice: Celebrating A Different Holiday

Kiri Westby, 12.21.2009

Change-Maker/Rule-Breaker/Story-Teller

Though our extended family would send Christmas gifts and I knew about Santa and his reindeer, the real magic for me came during the Winter Solstice.

The Ghost of Free Market Past

James Campion, 12.21.2009

Political Analyst for 'The Aquarian Weekly'

If Jesus and Ayn Rand had ever spent any time together in a locked room, neither would be able decide which of them was God.

Be The Change

Robyn O'Brien, 12.21.2009

Author of The Unhealthy Truth

Do we take without giving And consume what we must, Ever heeding the motto: "In consumption we trust"?

Garrison Keillor, Uncensored for Christmas

Jackson Williams, 12.22.2009

Austin-based writer

Some in the rightwing blogosphere, who can't stand Garrison Keillor for his liberal politics, are taking shots at him for his latest pro-Christmas Sal...

Holocaust Deniers, Global Warming Deniers, Chris Wallace: Any Difference?

David Fiderer, 12.21.2009

Banker/Writer

Global warming "doesn't seem proven" to charlatans like Wallace, who artfully twist the concepts of science and religion. Last Sunday, he said science usually welcomes opposing views. Not quite.

You guys - get a life

David Horton, 12.20.2009

writer, scientist, conservationist, liberal, atheist

Having read about the growing evangelical influence in American sports (players dropping to knees to pray after a touchdown, "prayer circles" on the 5...

Christmas v. Hannukah: Cindy and Sandy

Andrea Buchanan, 12.19.2009

I was outside the other day when my twin, eleven year old neighbors, Cindy and Sandy came walking home from school. They are getting so tall, If I squ...

An Octopus Garden on 61 Virginis

Jeff Schweitzer, 12.18.2009

Marine Biologist and Former Clinton White House Science Advisor

Humanity's greatest problem is hubris derived from religious arrogance in believing that mankind was made in god's image. People from virtually all cultures have been taught that humans are special.

An 'Undersea Nuclear Christian Warrior' on Wheel of Fortune

Chris Rodda, 12.18.2009

Senior Research Director, Military Religious Freedom Foundation; author, "Liars For Jesus"

It's "Heroes Week" on Wheel of Fortune and on Thursday's episode, it seems that one of those contestants decided to seize the opportunity to share his religious devotion with millions of TV viewers.

Spirituality: Do You Know Where You Are Going?

Yehuda Berg, 12.18.2009

Yehuda Berg is a renowned authority on Kabbalah. Touted as “the people’s kabbalist” he shares ...

From the moment we are given awareness about some bigger picture or mission, we have to have complete focus on what to do to get to that place.

Republicans Hijack Religion in Health Care Debate

Frank Schaeffer, 12.19.2009

New York Times best-selling author

"Herod care" anyone? The Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, head of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference led last night's "prayercast" co-spons...

Dara Horn Comes to Scarsdale

Joanne Wallenstein, 12.17.2009

Scarsdale10583.com

Calling Dara Horn an author is a misnomer. From the rabbi's introduction and her opening remarks it was clear that Horn could be called a theologian, a scholar, a professor and a mom.

Good-Bye 2009: Reflecting On Meaningful Values And Goals

Alex Pattakos, 12.17.2009

No matter how "bad" the year may have been, however, there is always opportunity to view it through a meaning-centered lens. By so doing, we engage in some deeper soul-searching and guidance.

Crossroad for the Vatican

Vinnie Rotondaro, 12.16.2009

Writer living in Brooklyn

The Vatican's doctrinal crackdown on American nuns will only add fuel to a fire that now has young Catholics, like myself, fleeing the Church.

A Truly Bipartisan White House Hanukkah Party

Marc R. Stanley, 12.16.2009

Chairman of the National Jewish Democratic Council.

Obama ought to be applauded, not attacked, as he and his administration continue efforts to govern in a bipartisan and inclusive manner; his Hanukkah party is just one positive reflection of this encouraging trend.

Blah

Deborah Calla, 12.18.2009

www.theloveprojectinc.com creator, writer/producer of feature films and TV programming

Let me define Blah. Blah is when I can't really complain about anything but don't have much energy. Blah is when I'm lacking passion and everything is beige.

The Invention of Santa Claus

Louise Mirrer, 12.16.2009

New-York Historical Society president

The modern image of Santa Claus was invented in the 19th century by New Yorkers, as a secular myth meant to unite the city's diverse and growing population.

Social Media as a Platform for Dialogue in the Middle East

David Saranga, 12.16.2009

Former Consul for Media and Public Affairs at the Consulate General of Israel in New York

Unlike the past, when transparency and accountability were demanded of democratic leaders by their voters, today many leaders are also involved in dialogue with international public opinion and with a global citizenry.

Asheville Atheism Attacked Anew

Jeff Schweitzer, 12.15.2009

Marine Biologist and Former Clinton White House Science Advisor

Elected officials in North Carolina are constitutionally disqualified from office if they "deny the being of Almighty God." But let us not pick on the ignorant bias of the Tar Heel state.

Responding to Hitchens on Chanukah

Rabbi Michael Lerner, 12.15.2009

Editor of Tikkun and National Chair of the Network of Spiritual Progressives

The story of Chanukah is a story of resilience and courage. Unfortunately for some, it is also a story of rejecting Western values. This is why that belief is not correct.