Religious believers make at least three important contributions to solving the world’s social problems.

First and most importantly, religion inspires believers to be concerned for their neighbors whom they see as children of the same God. We are all brothers and sisters; we are responsible for one another. We cannot stand by idle while they suffer. The Jewish prophets are emphatic on this as is Jesus. The poor, the sick and the oppressed should always be of special concern to believers.

Continue »

Governor Mitt Romney’s speech shows the importance of having a national conversation on religion in public life but it also shows the dangers of having that discussion led by politicians during a political campaign. Political goals and rhetoric interfere with careful analysis and dialogue. While there is much to be admired in his presentation, his goal of winning over conservative evangelicals in the Iowa caucus led him to ignore important distinctions and to exclude nonbelievers as secularist bad guys.

Continue »

Yes, it’s is time to stop being daft about Christmas. People should feel free to wish one another “Happy Holidays,” “Merry Christmas” and/or “Happy Hanukkah.” Christians should not take offense at “Happy Holidays,” and non-Christians should not take offense at “Merry Christmas” when no offense is intended.

I personally prefer “Merry Christmas,” but if I meet a person wearing a yarmulke, I will wish them “Happy Holiday” or “Happy Hanukkah.” This is not political correctness; this is simply good manners. We need to be respectful of one another.

Continue »