A goyish writer wrestles with the anti-imperial themes of Hanukkah and the discomfiting questions it raises for citizens of the American empire. Might an empire be a force for good? Is “force for good” an oxymoron? And finally: how does a Roman manage, in practical terms, to say no to Rome?
This week brought a proposed $3.4 billion settlement to a little known class action suit against the US Department of the Interior on behalf of over 300,000 Indians. Our writer tells how his family history dovetails with the tragic story behind this lawsuit.
Conservative Episcopalians have denounced the election of only the second openly gay bishop, and the Archbishop of Canterbury has urged bishops to not seat her. But others, like one of the first women priests, aren’t worried about the well loved bishop-elect who remains focused on her duties.
Tiger Woods has admitted being serially unfaithful to his wife. What does this have to do with religion? Try the themes of transgression, confession, and the institution of marriage.
The principle of the Hyde Amendment, which restricted federal funds from paying for abortion, is now seen as an acceptable, “abortion-neutral” position for the pro-choice party. How did the most significant anti-abortion legislation in history become a moderate compromise?
Evangelical-sponsored haunted houses known as “Hell Houses” were spooky attractions filled with the ghosts of the culture wars. Now, a softer, gentler version, the “Judgement House” claims to eschew politics, but does it?
