Religion Rail: ‘God is Not Great' is great, award panel says
Christopher Hitchens was nominated for a National Book Award for his recent nonfiction bestseller, "God is Not Great." The premise of Hitchens' book is that religion poisons everything it touches, and, quite understandably, it has come under fire from religious groups. The National Book Award winners will be announced Nov. 14.
The Word
Catholic: This came from the Greek word Katholikos, which means "throughout the whole" or "universal." The Nicene Creed, recited in the churches of many Christian denominations, speaks of "one holy catholic and apostolic church." Several faith groups refer to themselves as Catholic: the Roman Catholic Church, centered in the Vatican; Anglo-Catholics (within the Anglican Communion); and Evangelical Catholics (among Lutherans). - Religioustolerance.org
Good Book?
"The 10 Commandments of Common Sense: Wisdom from the Scriptures for People of All Beliefs," by Hal Urban: Psychologist and former teacher Urban offers a new set of Ten Commandments, which he hopes will appeal to people of all faiths. Drawn from Christian scriptures, they include five things to avoid and five positive commands. Perhaps out of his desire to find unity among people of any faith or no faith, Urban finds the central message of the scripture in the Bible's more general commands to love God, be good, do good and love others. His ideas on avoiding judging seem to encompass critical thinking as well. While Urban's easy-to-read book is full of common and uncommon sense, ultimately it lacks depth, and its goal to use scripture to appeal to every possible audience may backfire. - Reed Business Information
Survey Says
The first nationwide, random sample survey of Muslim Americans finds them to be largely assimilated, happy with their lives and moderate with respect to many of the issues that have divided Muslims and Westerners around the world. - Pew Forum
Now the Dalai Lama is a Terrorist?
China, which long has spoken ill of exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, this past week claimed the Buddhist supports dangerous cults, specifically Falun Gong and Aum Shinrikyo, according to news reports. The Nobel peace prize laureate didn't deign to respond to the allegations.
The Bible is Quite Clear on This: Thou Shalt Not Steal
A man in Singapore was sentenced to four months in jail because he stole a Bible, Reuters reported. The 26-year-old said he wanted to replace his worn-out Bible and couldn't afford to buy a new one. The judge who sentenced the man gave him a new Bible and said, "You will see at page 65 that it says, 'Thou shalt not steal.' While you are in prison, sit in prison and read the Bible, and ensure that you don't come before the courts again."
It Also Says, 'Thou Shalt Not Kill'
The New York Times reported on a developing trend in churches: They're inviting teens to come to church and kill things. Virtually speaking, that is. The churches are hoping to attract more young males by letting them play the widely popular (and rated M for Mature) "Halo 3" on "Halo Nights." What do you think? Should churches use such tactics to attract youngsters? Call or e-mail us and let us know.
Religion Around the World
Religious makeup of Australia:
Catholic: 26.4 percent
Anglican: 20.5 percent
Other Christian: 20.5 percent
Buddhist: 1.9 percent
Muslim: 1.5 percent
Other: 1.2 percent
Unspecified: 12.7 percent
None: 15.3 percent
- CIA World Factbook
GateHouse News Service