Author: Jonathan Dodson

Most Americans can’t name the world’s five major religions, much less, tell you the tenents of thier faith. Christians aren’t excluded: “Christians in the United States are pretty abysmally ignorant about the religious traditions of the rest of the world” wrote Harvard religious studies professor Diana Eck. In 2004 , a study was done among high school students. Evangelicals were not able to identify “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” as a quote form the Sermon on the Mount. Religious illiteracy is rampant.

Religous ignorace led to an Indian sikh being shot in Arizon, just after 9/11. Religion has been banished from the public square, yet our country and citizens are overwhelmingly religious in practice. The American religious knowledge gap is not a stand alone problem; it has had a profound affect on political, social, and ethical issues in the US. In his book, Religious Illiteracy, Prothero argues that religious knowledge is necessary in order to be a good citizen.

Are you a “good citizen”?

Read this insightful article on cyclical famine in places like Africa. Consider Greg Easterbrook’s recent article in Atlantic Monthly about the poverty-sustaining nature of global warming, where he argues the poorest countries are the hardest hit. Consider alongside this fact that China has now succeeded the US in harmful emmissions.

How do we respond? Do you think that Easterbrook is correct in his analysis of Global Warming and poverty-ridden countries? Could it be that politically liberal issues should be more central for political conservatives?

The Motion Picture Association announced yesterday that every time someone lights up in a film, it will be considered a factor towards ‘R’ ratings. The MPAA statement reads:

“In the past, illegal teen smoking has been a factor in the rating of films, alongside other parental concerns such as sex, violence and adult language. Now, all smoking will be considered and depictions that glamorize smoking or movies that feature pervasive smoking outside of an historic or other mitigating context may receive a higher rating.“

See the whole statement here.

Consider giving to mothers around the world by signing here in support of the Global Child Survival Act.