Stephen Prothero argues that “Congressional hearings on Islam betray American values.” But the “real issue” here is not the radicalization of Islam in U.S. prisons. It is the sacrifice of American values of liberty and tolerance on the altar of anti-Islamic prejudice. More specifically, it is the abuse of the coercive power of the federal government (something conservatives used to care about) to attack one religion and one religion only. I think Prothero is right to warn about anti-Muslim bigotry. Too many Americans wrongly assume that all Muslims are radicals. That’s simply not true. Then again, the fact that the … Continue reading The World Wide (Religious) Web for Thursday, June 16, 2011

“Survey: Millennials echo parents on abortion, much more supportive of gay marriage.” Different interpretation of the same report: “Americans see room to disagree but remain faithful to religion.” You can read the report for yourself here. _____ “Who Really Was John Galt, Anyway?” Jesus Christ, evidently, or at least Ayn Rand’s substitute for him. _____ “A President’s Faith Matters: An Interview with Warren Cole Smith”: Smith is the guy who basically argued that evangelicals shouldn’t vote for Mitt Romney because Romney is the adherent of “a false and dangerous religion.” _____ “How Not to Mix Religion and Politics.” The story … Continue reading The World Wide (Religious) Web for Friday, June 10, 2011