Americans are practicing religion in sports stadiums, at Star Trek conventions, at Michael Jackson’s memorial, and on pornographic websites. Holy is all over the place in America, says author Gary Laderman, a professor of American Religious History and Cultures at Emory University and the author of a new book, “Sacred Matters.”
Barbara’s Riffs on Life
Shepherd Bliss and Men’s Secrets — No Women Allowed
Men’s No. 1 secret, Shepherd Bliss told me, the one they want to keep from women — and other men — is that they, too, feel powerless. Read more.
God’s Big Blog: Hindus Offended by Burger King Ad
Is that the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi? Seated on a meat sandwich? In a Burger King ad? In Spain?
GodsBigBlog: OK, What’s God’s Big Blog?
“What is GodsBigBlog?” a reader asks. It’s God’s Big Blog — so named because God is big and humanity’s spiritual paths are many. I’m a religion writer in the tradition of Huston Smith . . .
A Case of the Human Condition: It’s the Fourth of July!
It was the Fourth of July, and the Scottville, Michigan, Clown Band — famous in those parts — was struting its stuff. I got a seat right on the curb . . . .
What to Do With Those Ugly Snapdragons Now That They’re (Almost) Dead?
Those ugly blood-red snapdragons are gone from our front yard. I pulled them out, and my rock garden is the better for it.