Search

Last week the nation (and much of the world) watched Terry Jones, pastor of a minuscule Florida congregation, threaten to burn copies of the Qur’an on September 11, abruptly change his mind. But while much of the media attention to this story has actually revolved around, well, the media attention itself, this is a good time to ask ourselves what it means, historically and symbolically, to burn a holy book. And what does book burning have to do with the crucifixion?

By bringing young Haredi men into contact with the permanent emergency that is Israeli civil society, volunteer organizations and the Israeli Army have brought these young men into contact with the world of physical violence, aggression, and gun use. Hitherto protected by their insularity and separateness from Israeli society, these ultra-Orthodox males are becoming socialized to Israeli norms. And they and their community are paying a heavy price for that socialization.

The counter-protestors were a motley bunch. A father with a son deployed to Afghanistan; some white American teens upset at the burning of the Qur’an nearby; and two twenty-something girls—who think it’s “just terrible” to burn an American flag which has also set…

Four New York Muslims take the anniversary of 9/11 to reflect on piety and patriotism, on sharing classrooms and rituals of community life, on the courage and goodness of New Yorkers, and on the horrific event that has shaped a generation of American Muslim life.

To stop five times a day, to assume these postures, to utter this un-self encoded message, makes a difference, not to God, but to us, here and now.

In an interview with Alex Nicholson, Executive Director of Servicemembers United, RD learns why Republicans were a good fit for challenging DADT.

Obama’s Faith-Based Advisory Council member, Harry Knox: ‘We must not wait on the courts. The Senate must not pass the buck on justice. The time for repeal is now.’

The right’s new lighter touch on birtherism.

At Faith and Freedom Coalition conference, Reed unveils a plan to get out the vote.