On yesterday’s radio show, we discussed how the Pope’s theologically conservative worldview formed the basis for two major areas of his legacy – his hatred of communism and fascism, and his battle against the "culture of death" – and...
Some thoughts to ponder from Cal Thomas:What if the polls are right and the public sees the removal of Terri’s feeding tube as an act of mercy and not murder? What then? In that case, we will know that the problem is not at the top – with judges and...
Some thoughts to ponder from Cal Thomas:What if the polls are right and the public sees the removal of Terri’s feeding tube as an act of mercy and not murder? What then? In that case, we will know that the problem is not at the top – with judges and...
On a very sad day, I found reason to smile in a unlikely place: the LA Times op-ed page. In a column entitled "Cracking the Story Code", Christopher Booker summarizes his now book by explaining that all stories are basically retellings of seven basis plot...
I think there is general consensus that if Terry Schiavo had left her wishes in writing, there would have been no story here. Either she would have been left without food and water to die without fanfare years ago or she would still be alive, just one anonymous case...
From RealClearPolitics, two good stories about the under-reported global war against Christianity: here and here.
Some more thoughts today on what motivates the "pull-the-tube" people. Mark Early of Prison Fellowship scratches the surface when he suggests fear of suffering, but the most accurate and thoughtful diagnosis so far comes from Timothy Birdnow in the American...
The Don Johnson Show, 3-26-05 The Terry Schiavo case has brought the foundational issues in the culture war to the forefront. We examine those issues as well as the motivations driving each side.
One of the basic premises of this blog and of my radio show is that the culture war is not primarily political or even ethical in nature but rather theological. That is to say, the basic dividing line is over questions such as "Is there a God?" and "If...
The Wall Street Journal’s Brendan Miniter provides some excellent context for the Terry Schiavo case: From stem cells to abortion, Americans are confronting questions about life–when it begins and when it ceases to be valuable–more than at any time...
Washington Post columnist Jay Mathews, a self-described Darwinist, today wonders why much of the scientific community is so afraid of letting the intelligent design argument into schools. After all, what’s wrong with a little debate?
This week’s Newsweek cover story on Jesus is actually not too bad, especially by mainstream newsmagazine standards. Jon Meacham attempts to explain how an obscure Jewish prophet came to be seen as the Christian Savior and head of the world’s largest...
George Weigel offers us some compelling lessons from Pope John Paul about how to approach life and suffering in today’s Washington Post:During the weeks of his illness, all sorts of seemingly pressing questions have been raised: Would the pope ever consider...
I think it’s time for Salon.com to get a new advice columnist. The question from "Weary Traveler" ends like this: Anyway, I have this belief that if I could somehow find a spiritual center, then all my struggles would be so much more easily managed. I...
The Don Johnson Show, 3-19-05 A debate with atheist leader Edwin Kagin. We covered topics ranging from Terry Schiavo to the Intelligent Design movement.
Marvin Olasky posts these thoughts by Jordon Bailor regarding the disturbing trend among evangelicals to "use political power to impose external standards of morality." I think they are definitely worth a read.Christian activists need to be wary of falling...
Here is an excellent column by Mark Alexader making similar points to the one I made in yesterday’s post. He concludes with this quote"The measure of a society is how they treat the least of us," says Kate Adamson, a former "vegetative state"...
There is plenty of good stuff being written about Terri Schiavo (Hugh Hewitt offers a summary of good coverage and you can check out Evangelical Outpost for some interesting discussion) so I haven’t weighed in. That said, let’s make one thing clear: this...
Peggy Noonan has the incredible transcript of Ashley Smith’s seven hour encounter with killer Brian Nichols (a must read) and concludes with her usual eloquence and insight: It is an idiot’s errand to follow such testimony with commentary. It’s too...
John Miller does an excellent job today of describing the worldview of H.P. Lovecraft, the godfather of the horror story, Central to Lovecraft’s effectiveness was his personal philosophy, and this is what separated him from Poe and the others who came before...
In keeping with our theme of the past few days, Gene Edward Veith argues persuasively that recent events have come together to create a perfect storm for euthanasia advancement in America.
The Don Johnson Show, 3-12-05 What does it mean that suicide, infanticide and other forms of killing are becoming trendy? The real issue with religious extremism.
Killing is getting a lot of good press lately – at least if the killing involves taking the life of yourself or a "defective" newborn. Michael Medved notes that between news coverage of the Hunter Thompson death and the Academy Awards given to films...
Some very wise words from the new recipient of the Templeton Prize for advancement in spiritual knowledge, UC Berkeley professor Charles Townes:"If you look at what religion is all about, it’s trying to understand the purpose and meaning of our...
I’m not sure whether to laugh, scream, cry or rejoice over this story about banning abortions of gay unborn babies.
Don Johnson Evangelistic Ministries
