"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." So begins the second …
The twenty-first century is heralding an upheaval of societal norms and unprecedented change throughout our global civilization. Few institutions, if any, have been left untouched. As we prepare to close out the century's twentieth …
Speaking at Regensburg University in Germany, Pope Benedict XVI quoted fourteenth-century Byzantine Emperor Manuel Paleologos II, a Christian: "Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and …

(34) Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.
Instead of freedom, habitual sin brings about an enslaved consciousness, and one can gain insight into its nature by comparing it to chemical addiction. Like the chronic use of drugs, habitual sin causes a hardening of the heart (Job …
In Part One, we considered the ancient, cultural practice of tearing or rending one’s clothing to express profound grief, anger, or other strong emotions. We also saw the biblical examples of Joseph’s brother, Reuben, and his father, Jacob. There are numerous other examples: Hearing of Saul’s death, David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him (II Samuel 1:11). Joshua tore his clothes, lamenting that God had brought the Israelites across the Jordan to be defeated by the Amorites (Joshua 7:6). In exchange for victory, Jephthah made a vow to God …
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