Notre Dame Qur’an Conference

Gabriel Reynolds, assistant professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame, writes us: First Things might have some interest in the international conference on the Qur’an that is opening tonight at Notre Dame. Among others both Nasr Hamid Ab? Zayd and Abdolkarim Sorroush will be . . . . Continue Reading »

Where’s the Outrage, Madame Speaker?

Last month, Tim Kaine the Governor of Virginia, signed into law a bill that prohibits the state from funding embryonic stem cell research . From the story : Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, has signed a bill into law banning the use of some state funds for . . . . Continue Reading »

Curiosities for the Ordinand

They asked you, “Why do you want to be ordained?” You told them, “I just want to help people.”Mr. Nice Tolerant Guy, this is your stole.Just like you, it makes a statement. It says, “I believe in . . . stuff.” Star of David? Star and Crescent? Yin-yang? Bring it . . . . Continue Reading »

For the Graduate

One word: plastics. And throws. Two words: plastics and warm, comfy — Three words: plastics, and warm, comfy throws — wait, wait, start over, start over. Ahem. Among the useful words which you might wish to share with the graduate in your life are the following: plastics, warm comfy . . . . Continue Reading »

Re: Until Death Do Us Part

You’re right , Stefan, that is a lovely story . Here , on the other hand, is a story that is anything but lovely: A wealthy British couple who both had terminal cancer have committed suicide together at the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland. Peter and Penny Duff, from Bath, are the first Britons . . . . Continue Reading »

Until Death Do Us Part

Here’s a lovely story : Residents of a northeast Kansas town are mourning the deaths just hours apart of an elderly couple who were married 67 years. Arnita Yingling died in her sleep early Saturday at the family’s home in Troy. She was 93. Six hours later her 95-year-old husband, Lyle, . . . . Continue Reading »