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Content about Academia

June 30, 2011

How the late Jerry Falwell's Liberty University is getting rich off taxpayers' money; a new guide for witnessing to the Christian faith; and a heart-wrenching account of what it's like to live as part of the working poor class in America.

Getting ready to observe Independence Day? Wonder what our forefathers and foremothers would think about the state of America today, with millions living as working poor because of economic disparities and the Christian faith hijacked by a "Faith & Freedom" rally that endorses partisan politics? Read on, faithful progressive Christians.

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May 13, 2011

With the annual season of commencement upon us, it's appropriate to reflect on the crucial difference between graduation and the lifelong task of education.

Two weeks ago I watched my oldest granddaughter walk across the stage at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, to receive her bachelor of science degree, magna cum laude. It was a thrilling day for her and all who have cheered her on.

February 16, 2011

The Grand Design by Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow challenges a religious view of nature and creation, but still leaves ordinary readers with lots of questions and mysteries about the universe.

The authors of The Grand Design have undertaken a daunting task—writing about the fascinating and, for most of us, impenetrable subject of cosmology and quantum physics. Reviewers have assured us this book is directed to the general reader. Graphic illustrations, stories and even touches of humor popping up throughout the text do tend to make the going appear easier. Still, one inevitably runs into inaccessible terrain because very complicated notions are being investigated.