Two memoirists, both very smart, move from atheism toward God, and from there smack, dab into full-fledged Catholicism. Read more.
My Rocky Spiritual Journey
You don't have to be a big believer to find something interesting to read here . . . You'll find excerpts from the spiritual journeys of people I've met on the religion beat as well as reports of my own fraught encounters with religion and spirituality . . . as well as updates on my book, "Wrestling with God: Stories of Doubt and Faith," from Patheos Press.
James Dobson: Bully Your Pet, Hit Your Kid, Make Them Obey You–And God
In his 1978 parenting book, “The Strong-Willed Child,” James Dobson says disobedient childen, like dogs, must be spanked into submission to parents and God. Read more.
Where Author Richard Rodriguez Sees the Face of God
When asked why he believed in God, Richard Rodriguez, author of Darling: A Spiritual Autobiography, answered the question with a story about Mother Teresa. Read more.
Dale Chihuly’s Glass: Fine Art? Kitsch? Or Both?
I can’t make up my mind about Dale Chihuly. He’s a glassblower, which makes him a craftsman. But is he also an artist? He’s prolific and his work is popular; does that mean he’s pandering to a mass audience? Is his work fine art—or shameless kitsch? Read more.
Religion in Public Affairs — Americans Think Religious Influence Is Waning
A report on religion in public affairs from the Pew Research Center says religion is losing influence in American life. It also found that 50 percent of Americans finds homosexulity sinful — and 52 percent support same-sex marriage. Read more.
A Footwear Meditation–Chic Feet and Stylish Legs on the Go at SFO
A parade of fashionable traveling feet transformed itself into a meditation on the passage of time as I waited for a flight out of SFO last month. Read more.
Point-and-Shoot Heaven: Photographing a Flower Garden Just Before Dusk
A little rain, a little dirt, a little sun, some red wiggler worms, and a few kitchen scraps and you’ve got yourself a flower garden. My Minnesota gardener friend makes it look that easy. Read more and see some photos.