Rap Sheet
Links on R&P from around the web
Is Atheism a Religion?
posted on January 23, 2013In its “Room for Debate” forum, The New York Times has compiled a series of articles addressing the role and purpose of atheism. The six articles, written by both atheists and religious leaders, examine the questions, “Can atheism replace religion? Is it a religion?”
Divine Rhetoric: God in the Inaugural Address
posted on January 23, 2013Scott Neuman of NPR chronicles the history and evolution of the invocation of the word “God” in inaugural speeches. Presidents have implemented religious imagery in inaugural speeches as a means of persuasion, as well as a reflection of the prevailing religious attitudes of their times. Neuman writes, “In modern times, religion has become so intertwined in our political rhetoric that the failure of any president to invoke God in a speech as important as the inaugural could hardly escape notice. “
How the Vatican Built a Secret Property Empire Using Mussolini’s Millions
posted on January 23, 2013At The Guardian, David Leigh, Jean François Tanda and Jessica Benhamou investigate the funds given to the Vatican by Mussolini’s government in 1929. With the money, the papacy, which has attempted to cover up the subject, acquired expensive property in Switzerland, Paris, and London. “Behind a disguised offshore company structure, the church’s international portfolio has been built up over the years, using cash originally handed over by Mussolini in return for papal recognition of the Italian fascist regime in 1929.”
Religious Right Joins the NRA in Gun Control Battle
posted on January 23, 2013At Salon, the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Ryan Lentz examines the Religious Right’s stance on gun control, finding that conservative religious groups are among the staunchest supporters for gun rights: “Religious-right extremists who have spent most of their energy in recent years vilifying LGBT people or fighting the nation’s culture wars on other fronts have found a new demon to slay: gun control.”
The Man Who Birthed Evangelicalism
posted on January 23, 2013At Christianity Today, Timothy George contemplates the teachings and legacy of Carl Henry, who is credited as the father of modern Christian evangelicalism. George writes, “[It] was Henry more than anyone else who argued the case and set forth a compelling intellectual apologetic for what was called in those days the New Evangelicalism.”
Roe and Religion: A Surprising History
posted on January 22, 2013On the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, Sally Steenland writes for The Huffington Post on the history of religious attitudes on abortion. Steenland finds that religious leaders and organizations were initially proponents for women’s rights. “It may be surprising for some to find out that in the years before the Supreme Court legalized abortion in its landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, clergy were among the staunchest supporters of women seeking an abortion. “
Lawmakers’ Presence Raises Questions of Religion and Nationality for Hindus
posted on January 22, 2013Deepti Hajela of The Washington Post examines the implications of the election of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who is Hindu but not Indian, for the relationship of Hinduism and its national origin. Hajela writes, “Gabbard’s presence in Congress creates an interesting moment for Hindus in the United States, a chance to celebrate a barrier broken but also a topic of discussion as they ponder how closely religion and nationality are entwined, or whether they even should be.”
This is Forty: The Anniversary of Roe V. Wade
posted on January 22, 2013Jill Lepore at The New Yorker examines the causes and consequences of the Roe v. Wade decision on its 40th anniversary. Lepore focuses on the evolution of the tactics of conservatives to outlaw abortions: “The conventional explanation for what has happened in the forty years since Roe is known as the backlash argument. It sees the Court as having overreached, by acting ahead of both state legislatures and public opinion, leading to grassroots protest, the birth of the pro-life movement, and, ultimately, a debased form of partisanship.”
Eyes Wide Shut
posted on January 22, 2013At The New York Times, Michael Kinsley reviews Lawrence Wright’s new book on the history and workings of Scientology: Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief. While attempting to remain neutral, Wright uncovers many disturbing aspects of the religion. Kinsley writes, “The closest institutional parallel would be the Communist Party in its heyday: the ruthless struggles for power, the show trials and forced confessions (often false); the paranoia (often justified); the determination to control its members’ lives completely…”
Methodist Pastor Adam Hamilton to Preach at Inaugural National Prayer Service
posted on January 22, 2013The Rev. Adam Hamilton, pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas, has been chosen to deliver the sermon at the inaugural national prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral, reports Daniel Burke of Religion News Service. Hamilton, named one of “10 people to watch in America’s spiritual landscape” in 2010, is known for his centrist views, particularly on the issue of gay rights. On gay rights, Hamilton said, “You can be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and somebody who loves all people and is serious about your faith and a mature Christian, and you can make an argument on either side of that line.”