Latest Trends in Hostilities Involving Religion — This year’s Pew Research study finds that the share of countries with high or very high levels of social hostilities involving religion dropped from 33% in 2012 to 27% in 2013, the most recent year for which data are available.
A “Compassionate University” and a President for Good Works
A “Compassionate University” and a President for Good Works — Since she was installed as president of Spalding University, McClure has encouraged students and faculty to feed the hungry and repair houses for the needy, helping the Louisville, Ky., school clock in 1.6 million service hours in one year.
American Values Atlas
American Values Atlas — The Public Religion Research Institute has launched the American Values Atlas, a new research tool that allows users to compare and analyze religious affiliation, demographic information, political information, and attitudes on key issues in the United States.
Wheaton Student Hit with Fruit After Asking About LGBT Policy
Wheaton Student Hit With Fruit After Asking About LGBT Policy — After a student at a prominent evangelical college questioned his school’s stance against homosexuality in an all-school forum on Monday, another student allegedly threw an apple at him “as a warning against insulting the Spirit of grace.”
Wesleyan Univ Creates All-Inclusive Acronym
Wesleyan Univ Creates All-Inclusive Acronym — Wesleyan’s housing office has devised an acronym for ”a safe space for [LBTTQQFAGPBDSM] communities and for people of sexually or gender dissident communities.” It is not clear whether the intent of this effort is serious, preventive, ironic, or other.
Religion’s Role in the History of Ideas
Religion’s Role in the History of Ideas — In this brief essay, Michael Roth considers the importance of acknowledging religious experience (Roth is president of Wesleyan University, operating out of that Methodist tradition), responding to texts that challenge assumptions, and weighing the importance of these in student thinking.
School Voucher Case in North Carolina
School Voucher Case in North Carolina — The North Carolina Supreme Court heard arguments for and against the use of public money at private and religious schools. The justices asked about what constituted a “public purpose,” questioned interpretations of the state constitution and its framers’ intentions, and asked about guarantees for a quality education from […]
Whether Jesuit Colleges are Jesuit and Catholic
Whether Jesuit Colleges are Jesuit and Catholic — Within the larger discussion of identity and the Christian university, Atlantic Magazine, Dec. 2014 (“The New Brand of Jesuit Universities”), published an article on Gonzaga University. This First Things article (and responses) explores the issue further as related Jesuit colleges.
San Francisco Catholics Want a Church Without Doctrine: That’s Not Possible
San Francisco Catholics Want a Church Without Doctrine: That’s Not Possible — This generally secular online magazine published this rather strong commentary explaining why the church sustains doctrine and practiced informed judgment using that doctrine. Could serve as a starter piece for students sorting out this basic concept of phronesis.
How Scientists Engage the Public
How Scientists Engage the Public — American scientists believe they face a challenging political environment and the vast majority of them support the idea that participation in policy debates and engagement with citizens and journalists is necessary to further their work and careers. The AAAS finds that 87% agree with the statement, “Scientists should take […]
