Gene Edward Veith Jr.'s Blog, page 197

More on the Pope’s openness to communion with Lutherans

As we blogged about, Pope Francis recently visited a Lutheran church in Rome, where, in answer to a question, he expressed openness to allowing Roman Catholics and Lutherans to commune together.  An article on the subject and an interview with the pastor of the Roman Lutheran congregation have been published in the National Catholic Register.  [Read More...]

Outlawing visits to websites

ISIS and other jihadist groups are using the internet to spread their message and recruit new members.  To combat this, Eric Posner, a prominent law professor from the University of Chicago, says that we need to put limits on freedom of speech.  Specifically, he proposes in Slate that we make it illegal for anyone to visit [Read More...]

The assault weapon in question

The push for gun control following the San Bernadino shootings is filled with misinformation, according to columnist Rich Lowry.  He takes a look at the “assault weapon” used in the attack that many want outlawed. From Rich Lowry, Don’t let facts get in the way | Oklahoman.com: The president and The New York Times, which [Read More...]

What are the top books that have influenced YOU?

In the course of the discussion over Christian History’s list of the Top 25 most influential spiritual classics,  it was suggested that we talk about what spiritual classics have been influential to us, personally.  That’s a great idea.  (Thanks, Paul.)  Let’s make it a little easier.  You don’t have to list 25.  The books don’t [Read More...]

A six-year-old girl trapped in the body of a 52-year-old man

A 52-year-old man with a wife and seven children decided that he is really female.  But not only is he transgendered, he decided that he is really a six-year-old girl.  So he left his family and now lives with an “adoptive mommy and daddy,” dressing as a little girl. But why not, if our identity [Read More...]

Angela Merkel’s faith

German Prime Minister Angela Merkel, who was named Time’s Person of the Year, is a Lutheran who describes herself as “a conservative Christian.”  From Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, American Christians could take a lesson from Angela Merkel (COMMENTARY) – Religion News Service: Time magazine’s 2015 “Person of the Year” is a self-identified conservative Christian, but not one [Read More...]

Debate post-mortem

So, what did you think of last night’s debate? Any winners or losers? Did your mind change about any of the candidates? A few of my thoughts after the jump. Cruz did very well.  So did Trump.  So did a couple who have been on the bubble:  Rand Paul and Chris Christie. Rubio is certainly [Read More...]

Live commentary on the Republican debate

Let me make this prediction before the debate begins:  The candidates will be asked some version of the question that kicked off the first debate:  Will you support the Republican presidential nominee?  Back then the question was designed to see if Donald Trump would support the others.  Now it will be designed to see if [Read More...]

Indulgences for the Jubilee Year

Nearly 500 years after the 95 Theses, Roman Catholics still believe in indulgences that will free you or someone else from the punishments of Purgatory.  A big one is offered in this Jubilee Year of Mercy, as initiated by the Pope when he opened the Holy Door in St. Peter’s basilica last Tuesday. If you [Read More...]

What were the top news stories of 2015?

Patheos is compiling the news stories of 2015 that were most important to “each faith community.”  My editor, former student Barton Gingrich, who runs the “evangelical channel,” has asked for our input.  What I’d like to give him are the opinions of what we could call the Cranach community, those who read this blog.  Lots [Read More...]