Mr. Hitchens is wrong because of the innumerable exceptions to what he would have as a universal rule that religion is unhealthy for humanity.

From a pastoral perspective, I would find no merit in arguing in favor of somehow abolishing religion or spiritual practices. There are simply too many religious communities and religious people across the globe that provide hope, healing, and help for millions.

Continue »

Yes, I would agree. And from my Christian, pastoral perspective, I would say that we will in the end be judged by the love we are able to show others. Sadly, we tend to focus on our divisions, rather than working to diminish the walls between us. As religious people, we must ask ourselves why our identities are so often constructed in opposition to "the other." The guiding spirit of love is splendid in its variety. Yes, in the end we will be judged by the ways we find to express God's love to our fellow human beings, and creation as a whole. By the ways we find to live in peace, loving and serving the Lord.

I invite you all to further engage this idea at this year's Trinity Institute, when the faith community I am a part of in New York City will explore religion and violence, in an attempt to work through the conflicts that so often befall us. You can watch online.

Continue »