In the way we conceptualize recovery from addiction, we acknowledge the truth of passages like Jeremiah 8:8-12: the addict has to "hit rock bottom" before he can muster the humility and fortitude to move toward the light.
The hope of playing a harp in heaven or coming back to earth as a Brahman does motivate us to stay on the straight and narrow path. And maybe such coercive images are a good thing. But the old myths need a little overhauling.
The British Government has issued a profuse apology to the German and Slovakian governments that two of Britain's special operatives during World War II used fake IDs in their successful mission to assassinate a Nazi SS chief.
McCain admits he wooed firebrand Texas Pastor John Hagee. Yet it's Obama who's weathering the religious-rhetoric storm. Maybe that's because Republicans are expected to dabble in God-fearing hate.