John G. Stackhouse Jr.'s Blog, page 30

Faith, Foolishness, and Fanaticism

Last week I chided the CBC’s Neil Macdonald for his outburst against people of faith whom he clearly would prefer to keep out of sight in the privacy of their own delusions. I have been assured that Mr. Macdonald is … Continued

A Dash of Cold Water for Christian Anarchism

[NOTE: This originally appeared in Geez (Winter 2012): 38-39. I sent a copy to a friend recently, and it made me think others might like to see it who don’t get that worthy magazine. Do click on the link to see its … Continued

Getting the Facts Straight about Religion

The CBC’s Neil Macdonald embarrassed himself this past week by letting loose on all things religious under the guise of a warning about new Conservative leader Andrew Scheer. “Andrew Scheer says he won’t impose his religious beliefs on Canadians. We’ll … Continued

Treasure in Heaven: A Review of Gary Anderson’s “Charity”

In his fine study of Sin: A History (Yale, 2010), Notre Dame professor of theology Gary Anderson rendered an understanding of his subject richly textured by references to the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, intertestamental literature, early rabbinical writings, and patristics. … Continued

Taking a Break from Trump

Yes, yes, I know. It’s horrible, but one can’t look away. The slow-motion car wreck that, for many of us, is the U.S. presidency fascinates us with new footage popping up seemingly every day. Trump offending here. Trump kowtowing there. … Continued

The Royal Family and the Choice between Duty and Love

“And so Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret, faced with the choice between duty and love, bravely chooses duty.” Or so went one report of the decision by Princess Margaret and Group Captain Peter Townsend to accede to the political and … Continued

The Paradoxes of Canada’s National Sport

“He shoots! He scores!” It’s playoff time in the National Hockey League, and we Canadians alter our social lives accordingly. Nothing—even in this fragmented, segmented entertainment market—grabs and holds our attention like hockey. And why shouldn’t it? It is the … Continued

Jimmy (and Billy) Kimmel and the Power of One

Television audiences throughout North America and beyond have been riveted by the recent opening to talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel’s program. Having missed an entire week without the network providing an explanation, Kimmel returned to the air to say that he … Continued

Alvin Plantinga: The Atheists’ Unicorn

Alvin Plantinga, professor emeritus at the University of Notre Dame, recently received the Templeton Prize in Religion, which “honors a living person who has made an exceptional contribution to affirming life’s spiritual dimension, whether through insight, discovery, or practical works.” … Continued

Beware the Politicians Crying, “Hijab! Hijab!”

This past week Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull proposed to lengthen the pathway to citizenship in his country while also setting higher requirements for profession of what he called “Australian values.” Meanwhile in France, Marine Le Pen called for religious … Continued