Too Late Schmardt

Too Late Schmardt

A few days among the Amish can bring helpful perspective to those of us who happily turn darkness to light with the flip of a switch, hop into the car for a quick run to the grocery store, or pay the bills with a few taps on our smartphones. In an Amish home, a 2:00...
Too Few People, or Too Little Jesus?

Too Few People, or Too Little Jesus?

I’ve seen more blaming than hand wringing over the Gallup organization’s recent poll showing that less than half of Americans claim membership in any church, mosque or synagogue. Gallup first started tracking church membership in 1937, when 73% of American adults...
Cave of Horror, or of Wonder?

Cave of Horror, or of Wonder?

The Israeli Antiquities Authority announced earlier this month the finding of a “new” Dead Sea Scroll in the Judean desert. Most news accounts tell only part of the story: the rest is far more interesting. The “new scroll” (and both words belong in quotation marks)...
How Far Is Too Far?

How Far Is Too Far?

I’m all for being sensitive to other people and trying to avoid unnecessary offense. The trouble with that is knowing where the lines are, and who qualifies as a victim of prejudicial language. Can any racial or ethnic group be stigmatized by stereotypes, or only...