Monthly Archives: February 2009

Discussion on Muslims in America on WITF-TV

Posted on February 8, 2009 by melissa nann burke

Episcopal Bishop Nathan Baxter of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and Samia Malik, a member of the regional chapter of the Council of American-Islamic Relations, are among the panelists for an interfaith discussion called “Faith, Politics & Society: Muslims in … Continue reading →

Posted in Interfaith, Local events | Leave a comment

Catholics sending postcards to Congress

Posted on February 8, 2009 by melissa nann burke

Some local Catholics are participating in a coordinated, national postcard campaign asking the new Congress not to expand access to abortion. The cards urge legislators to oppose the Freedom of Choice Act, among other measures. “Our voice is needed now … Continue reading →

Posted in Around Pennsylvania, Catholicism, Politics | Leave a comment

Darwin’s birthday a big event in Britain

Posted on February 8, 2009 by melissa nann burke

More than 300 birthday celebrations are planned in Britain alone to mark Darwin’s 200th birthday this week (Feb. 12). There, Darwin’s face graces the 10-pound bill along with that of Queen Elizabeth II. The AP reports that Shrewsbury, the central … Continue reading →

Posted in Academia, Science | Leave a comment

Sightings: Updike’s Motions of Grace

Posted on February 7, 2009 by melissa nann burke

The latest Sightings column from the University of Chicago Divinity School discusses the late John Updike as a “writer both evident and unabashed in his willingness to engage God as narrative presence in the midst of contemporary despair.”

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Word of the day: Interdict

Posted on February 6, 2009 by melissa nann burke

Courtesy of Wordsmith.org, our word today is interdict. noun A prohibition, especially a formal one, as by a court, church, etc. transitive verb To prohibit or stop.

Posted in Worship | Leave a comment

Punxsutawney Lutherans and Phil

Posted on February 5, 2009 by melissa nann burke

Two Lutheran congregations in Punxsutawney served soup, sandwiches and sweets as the crowd returned from Gobbler’s Knob, the hill where the celebrity groundhog makes his annual prediction. “Phil is fun, but our faith is in Christ,” said Bud Dunkel, 78, … Continue reading →

Posted in Around Pennsylvania, Mainline Protestants | Leave a comment

After criticism, Vatican demands Holocaust denier recant

Posted on February 5, 2009 by melissa nann burke

Read update. German Chancellor Angela Merkel today praised the Vatican’s “unequivocal” demand that British-born Bishop Richard Williamson recant his denial of the Holocaust before he can be rehabilitated. Also this week, the president of the U.S. bishops’ conference condemned Williamson’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Catholicism, Clergy scandals | Leave a comment

Burglars’ schtick: Preach or prey

Posted on February 4, 2009 by melissa nann burke

Police in Nashville say two young burglars were covering their intent to steal by talking religion, the AP reports. Police arrested a 19-year-old and a 17-year-old, charging them with aggravated burglary. The Tennessean reported the teens were going through a … Continue reading →

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‘Live together or die alone.’

Posted on February 3, 2009 by melissa nann burke

If you’ve tuned into the show “Lost” on ABC, you know it deals with some heavy questions of faith, predestination, redemption, existentialism and philosophical queries that I don’t have time to explain today. But check out this study on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and media, Pop Culture | Leave a comment

Darwin Day billboard placed in Dover Twp.

Posted on February 3, 2009 by melissa nann burke

An atheist group has placed a billboard honoring “Darwin Day” along Route 74 in Dover Township near Blackberry Road. Southbound travelers can read the poster, which reads “Praise Darwin: Evolve Beyond Belief.” It features an image of evolutionary biologist Charles … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheists, agnostics, doubters, Local events, Science | 2 Comments