Anger at God is Good for Atheists and Believers Alike January 4, 2011

"...Among the most interesting findings in Exline's study are the place of anger at God in the lives of self-declared atheists, and also the compatibility of simultaneous anger and positive feelings about God..."

Stopping Religion-Inspired Violence Must Be a Religious Priority January 4, 2011

"As the New Year dawned, there was a surge of religious violence around the world - largely Muslim on Christian. Blood was spilled in Nigeria, Egypt, Iraq and Pakistan. Being Jewish however, doesn't keep me from losing sleep about these terrible events. The real question is what, if anything can be done to turn the tide against religious violence...."

Atheists angry at God? January 3, 2011

"...Among the most interesting findings in Exline's study are the place of anger at God in the lives of self-declared atheists, and also the compatibility of simultaneous anger and positive feelings about God..."

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From Brad Hirschfield’s blog in the Washington Post-Newsweek’s "On Faith" Column

The Biggest Jewish Story of 2010 December 31, 2010

"...I would not necessarily agree with the religion writers of America who have declared that Park 51, also known as the Ground Zero Mosque, was the biggest religion story of the year..."

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From Windows & Doors, Brad Hirschfield’s daily blog on Beliefnet

Families capture holiday spirit, love December 30, 2010

"…it’s always a choice for people observing a religious holiday to decide whether that observance will open them up to others or simply be an opportunity to segregate themselves...."

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By Meredith Moss from the Dayton Daily News
, 12/23/10

Jewish Sexual Mores December 29, 2010

"The announcement of a talk about Jewish sexual mores, to be given by Rabbi Yona Reiss of Yeshiva University, provoked an interesting exchange in which I participated. It dealt with issues of Homosexuality, which one recipient of an invitation to the talk immediately raised as an important issue for such a talk to address..."

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From Windows & Doors, Brad Hirschfield’s daily blog on Beliefnet

Brandeis survey sees upswing in number of US Jews December 29, 2010

"..‘These studies give truth to the wisdom of Judaism that we are not supposed to count Jews,’ [Rabbi Irwin] Kula added. ‘Rather than counting Jews we would be better off investing in creating and communicating Jewish wisdom and practice that helps make people count.’..."

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By Elise Kigner from The Jewish Advocate Boston, MA
, 12/24/10

Koran-burning pastor, Terry Jones gets my vote December 28, 2010

"Pastor Terry Jones, the Florida-based minister who planned a public Koran burning gets my vote for the most influential American religious figure of 2010. Why? Because he showed us the limits of our fear and rage, or at least the limits of their expression..."

The Jewish Precedent for a Moral Death Penalty December 28, 2010

"...I oppose the death penalty on both humanitarian and spiritual grounds. But I freely admit that when any religious leader makes a statement like that, I get nervous..."

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From Brad Hirschfield’s blog on The Huffington Post

Certifying Food as Ethically Kosher December 23, 2010

"What does it really mean for your Hebrew National hot dog to ‘answer to a higher authority?’For years, it’s meant a kosher certification that ensured Jewish (and non-Jewish) consumers were buying a product that met strict religious standards for slaughter and preparation that went beyond government requirements. Now a controversial Jewish movement believes kosher food must meet an even higher ethical ideal — and they’re rolling out a stamp of approval to make it official...."

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