Out of the blue, my hair has begun sprouting Shirley Temple ringlets. I’ve got curls, adorable curls. What the heck? I didn’t know my hair could curl. 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.
I’m Worried About the Hagia Sophia: A Push to Make It a Mosque Again
Turkey’s Erdogan wants to dismantle his country’s secular traditions. I’m worried about the Hagia Sophia — will he turn it back into a mosque? Read more.
Donald Trump’s Photo Op: I’m Glad You Saw It — Here’s Why. Sheltering at Home Week 12
Donald Trump’s photo op in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church showed you something about my church — the Episcopal Church — that I want you to know. Read more.
Lt. Col. Vindman and That Old, Old Question — Are We Born Selfish?
The testimony of Alexander Vindman et al reassures me that, yes, there are still plenty of conscientious people walking the planet. Read more.
The Virgin Blanca and Baby Jesus — Still Smiling This Advent Season After 700 Years
The Virgin Blanca, a 700-year-old Romanesque statue of a smiling Virgin Mary and her smiling son, continues to enchant visitors to Toledo, Spain. Read more.
Looking for God? Try This
By Barbara Falconer Newhall The people I interviewed for my book, “Wrestling with God: Stories of Doubt and Faith,” are like old friends. I like to look them up from time to time and take in their wisdom and their stories — funny, poignant, passionate. To make contact I don’t need to pick up the phone […]
A Mother Who Died With Her Daughters at Auschwitz — Ernie Hollander’s Story
Ernie Hollander’s mother died at Auschwitz, but she was not defeated by her tormentors. Her story lives on. Read more.