“Heaven is Real,” a Newsweek cover proclaimed last week. Renowned neurosurgeon Eben Alexander’s scientific worldview had previously led him to view near-death experiences as having plausible scientific explanations. However, spending seven days in a coma convinced him that the afterlife truly exists. … Continue reading
Faith & Society
Alex Karras, RIP
Alex Karras, the former Detroit Lions All-Pro defensive tackle and later a successful actor, died on October 10. I have vivid memories of him before he ever gained immortality as “Mongo” in “Blazing Saddles” or as the stepdad of “Webster.” … Continue reading
Same-Sex Parenting: Can We Honestly Pursue Truth?
When discussing the possible effects on children of being raised by same-sex parents, I have told my students that the best evidence we have is that there are no negative effects. I also tell them that the best evidence we … Continue reading
Mitt Romney and the Politics of Virtue
When Mitt Romney blurted out his now notorious 47-percent lament, liberal gaffe-o-meters went ballistic, acting as though he were an American Ebenezer Scrooge who had just shoved Tiny Tim Cratchit into a ditch and then burned down a crutch factory. … Continue reading
Religion and the Election of 2012
Religious issues have played a significant role in numerous presidential elections, as they are in 2012. In 1800, his opponents accused Thomas Jefferson of atheism and trying to undermine the republic’s Christian foundation. In 1928 and 1960, many Americans were alarmed by the Catholic … Continue reading
God, Democrats, and the Europeanization of America
The battle at the Democratic convention to exclude God from the party’s platform is no minor moment. Do not underestimate what transpired there. And while it speaks to so many things, at many levels, it reminds me of the recent … Continue reading
The Silence of Bill and Hillary Clinton
Editor’s note: A different version of this article first appeared at National Catholic Register. Bill Clinton was basking in glory at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night. Few presidents so love the spotlight. The occasion for Clinton, however, was not himself, … Continue reading
Is There an Afterlife?
Throughout human history people have pondered whether death ends their existence or is the gateway to an afterlife. In recent decades millions around the world have reported near-death or out-of-body experiences. The world’s major religions teach various conceptions of an … Continue reading
V&V Q&A With Dr. Craig Columbus on “God and Man on Wall Street”
Editor’s Note: The “V&V Q&A” is an e-publication from The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College. In this latest edition, we interview Dr. Craig Columbus, co-author—along with Dr. Mark Hendrickson—of the new book, “God and Man on Wall Street: The Conscience … Continue reading
Obama’s Progress
Try to define progressivism. In fact, ask progressives to try to define progressivism. All we really know is that they’re, well, progressing. They and their ideas and their politics are always changing, evolving. This means that what they believe and … Continue reading
Gay Marriage: Killing the Democracy of the Dead
President Obama’s position on gay marriage has won some converts, from (perhaps) the entirety of the Democratic Party to (especially) young people. As to the latter, one of them emailed me recently. A good-hearted, thoughtful young man, who this fall … Continue reading
V&V Q&A With Drs. Warren Throckmorton and Michael Coulter on "Getting Jefferson Right"
Editor’s Note: The “V&V Q&A” is an e-publication from The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College. In this latest edition, we interview the co-authors of ”Getting Jefferson Right: Fact Checking Claims About Our Third President.” Dr. Warren Throckmorton is professor of psychology … Continue reading
Our Civic High Priest
The tragic shooting in Aurora, Colorado, which killed 12 and wounded 58, has again accentuated the important role presidents play as our chief civic priest. The governor of Colorado and local clergy helped provide words of solace and encouragement to … Continue reading
V&V PAPER — Nature and Nurture: Limiting the Rights of Parents in Genetic Enhancement
Editor’s Note: “[T]he issues here are layered and controversial. While each generation faces new medical possibilities, the 21st century is likely to see an increase in both the number and the sheer scope of what is possible. … As happens in … Continue reading
On a Wing and a …
Not long ago, a group of 66 members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, urging him to issue guidance to counter an “alarming pattern of attacks on faith” in the U.S. Air Force. This was … Continue reading
Founders’ Faith: None of the Above
A Dad Like Jack: The Influence of Ronald Reagan’s Father
When we open our newspapers on Father’s Day, we expect to find something nice about dads—often heroic dads. Yet, for every boy or girl whose father was a doctor or Marine who stormed the beaches of Normandy, there is a … Continue reading
AUDIO – V&V Executive Director on Bill Bennett’s “Morning in America”
“It is morning in America. Good morning, welcome back. I’ve had a zillion talks and lectures around the country and had a lot of fun—always enjoyed them. I never had as enjoyable an evening as I had at Grove City. … Continue reading
Cuba Backing Gay Marriage?
I was recently contacted by Ben Johnson of LifeSiteNews, who told me of a fascinating development. He informed me of a curious fan of President Obama’s advocacy of gay marriage: Mariela Castro, niece of ailing and aging Cuban tyrant, Fidel … Continue reading
Homelessness: How Government Policy Makes It Worse
During a recent trip to Chicago, I couldn’t help but notice the large number of homeless people in the downtown area, including one homeless man pushing a child in a stroller. Homelessness was frequently discussed during the 1980s, but seems … Continue reading