I sometimes wonder if its strange that I have and really enjoy a great relationship with so many atheist friends.  It might have something to do with being in philosophy. Then I see this quote from a blog:

All the vitriol these Christians can spew could never be enough to diminish the heroic actions of 16-year-old Jessica Ahlquist. Her courage is contagious. She stood up against her school and her community to fight for our rights, won her lawsuit and the admiration of many. But she’s also endured an enormous amount of hatred/bullying, and has done so with poise and bravery. I’ve seen a lot of this kind of bullying when issues of church/state are called out, but these comments are some of the most hateful I’ve come across. It is apparent that Christians only believe in tolerance so long as their religion is allowed to violate the constitution.Well, I’ve grown tired of just being tolerated and I will not be tolerating the stomach-churning hatred that’s continuously espoused by those doing the “tolerating.”

Wow. That is some strong, passionate rhetoric right there. Anytime I see that kind of response I make a it a habit to slow my usual snarkiness and genuinely listen. First,

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A second matter, in this regard, concerns the strong indications that for all the deep belief, the genuine piety, the heroic faith, and the good intention one finds all across American Christianity today, large swaths have been captured by the spirit of the age. One does not have to review or redo the research of many social scientists to recognize the extent of this challenge. Consumerism, individualism, the therapeutic and managerial ideologies have gone far to undermine the authority of the Christian movement and its traditions. This problem is especially acute among the young, where, as Christian Smith observes, a “moralistic, therapeutic deism” has triumphed over historical creedal faith and practice.

As Jonathon and I work our way through James Davison Hunter’s book, To Change the World : The Irony, Tragedy, and Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World , we are finding a number of things with which we agree. In fact, we have made similar observations which are similar to the above quote from his book. I do have to say that, although he states he is writing as a Christian, it is unclear what he means by that claim. He seems

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As I write this the New Hampshire primaries are winding down. CBS gave its Nostradamus like predictions several hours ago, and it looks as if New Hampshirites (?) are backing the guy they dislike the least. Much has been said of about so called “values” voters especially the will of the Evangelical right and their influence. For the longest time, “Evangelical” was synonymous with conservatism but as of the last election this is no longer the case. The Evangelical Left has made its presence known spoiling the neat political landscape. The press is certainly interested:

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Christmas has passed and the New Year has officially been celebrated. Now most of us will have to learn how to date our checks all over again! Most radio and television networks as well as news periodicals have done their obligatory year in review. January 2 became the official kick off of the political season leading up to the 2012 election. Iowa has been the center of activity as the Republican Party tries to decide who will run as its candidate and now the attention turns to New Hampshire.

For most of my life I have been told that two things which should not be discussed in polite company are religion and politics. As a missionary to cults and New Religious Movements by definition I discuss religion. Although I have been interested in politics for many years it has only been the last 3 years or so that we have written on faith and politics. So far, we have done 44 blog articles and a Journal article on faith and politics. In part

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Sometimes an idea or a song rattles around in your subconscious until you just have to wonder, “What are you doing in there?” I have no idea why John Lennon’s Happy Xmas  (War is Over) has been the aforementioned rattle in less interesting parts of my soul. I’m sure I haven’t heard it on some muzak station since I try to avoid the mall or other muzak using places as much as possible. I generally turn off the radio from the day after Thanksgiving ’til New Years. I love the Little Drummer Boy but after the fifth time I start to dislike that little “Bah rumpa buh bum” in spite of myself and then I feel guilty for not liking it. So I have no reason to think I’ve heard that song but I’ve been humming  it off and on.

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(We originally printed “The Gift” In the November/December 1996 Issue of the MCOI Journal. It seems apropriate to revist it at this time of year.)

What is it about Christmas that draws us every year to celebrations of this holiday? What is so special about Christmas?

Christmas is a special time because of the happiness it brings. It’s a time of giving and receiving, a family time, a time when we feel especially close to friends and loved ones. It is a time of happy reminiscing; remembering the carefree happy days of our childhood. We hear an old favorite carol, we catch the scent of balsam, we see the bright lights; and then, if we’re lucky, we get that blanket of white, and we are transported back to lighter days. Yes. Christmas is a happy time.

Yet, if we were to talk to counselors, we would find the picture is not all rosy at Christmas. Suicide is up and depression is rampant … Does this mean Christmas is not a very special time after all? No … the opposite is true. Aren’t people sad because they know it is a special time, and the holiday they are experiencing just doesn’t live up to the expectations of the day that they hold in their hearts? Some folks are grieving over a recent loss. Perhaps this is the first Christmas without mom, or dad, a beloved spouse, or a child. Christmas heartache is the worst heartache of all. The bright gaiety of the season might even seem to mock their pain.

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As we tick off the days to the celebration of the incarnation, the war on Christmas can be distracting. My granddaughter has a Jehovah’s Witness girl in her class who has been busy telling the other kindergartners about the evils of Christmas celebration. Comedian Jon Stewart and FOX News personality Bill O’Reilly have been sparring about the “War on Christmas.” The stories around the nation about governors and businesses raised the profile of the controversy and Mediaite ran the story Bill O’Reilly Does Epic Segment On The ‘War On Christmas™’. The New American joined in the coverage with ”Atheists Continue War on Christmas”.

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