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Americans are the inheritors of a religious tradition that holds that inner goodness is reflected in outer beauty—but the pursuit of bodily perfection is an endeavor, both personal and commercial, that has global reach. Whether someone is looking for a better nose, or for immortality, the quest has everything to do with religion.

He threatens criminals and undocumented immigrants with impalement but he has ‘Republican values.’ Jonathon ‘The Impaler’ Sharkey’s declaration that he will seek the Republican nomination for president is just another human interest story for the media. But what does it say that his rhetoric and positions don’t deviate appreciably from the current level of discourse?

Before his death, renowned atheist philosopher and co-author of There is a God: How the World’s Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind, Antony Flew did change his views on theism somewhat; though evidence suggests that it bears little resemblance to the pronouncements of those who sought to advance a well-worn, if seldom true, narrative of the deathbed convert.

UCC minister Chuck Currie is campaigning for a seat on a $1 billion legislative body in Portland, Oregon. In this interview with the man whose candidacy may inform our thinking about the role of religious progressives for years to come, the pioneering blogger takes on church/state issues point blank.

If the traditional practice of prayer in the context of traditional institutional religions is increasingly meaningless for a significant and growing proportion of American believers and seekers, one wonders what the spiritual or civic value is of attempting to encourage the practice through governmental fiat.

The disastrous oil spill should come as no surprise, since no amount of human sacrifice is unacceptable or unimaginable where the relentless pursuit of glittering riches is concerned. “Blood Diamonds” is actually an appropriate tag for all forms of mineral wealth; all of it is won and held at the price of rivers of blood and suffering.

Reminding us that there is ample biblical backing for a compassionate posture on immigration the author vividly recounts a personal brush with racial profiling.

Arizona’s Republican governor and many conservatives may not be aware of the extent to which immigration cuts across religious groups—liberal and conservative. If draconian measures like SB 1070 take hold and opposition gains steam, Republicans may see their 2010 and 2012 hopes evaporate in the summer sun.

The queer legacy of Christian music, whether it’s gospel or contemporary, runs deep. But when a gay musician like Jennifer Knapp comes out publicly does she sacrifice her career?

While the impact on the actual writing of textbooks may not be that dire the Texas Board of Education is clearly rewriting history to fit a conservative agenda and a Christian dominant worldview. Plus: The Ten Most Egregious Proposed Changes to the Social Studies Curriculum.