As the Vatican reels from scandal, even some Catholic priests are now demanding the Pope's resignation (BostonHerald.com, "W. Mass. priest calls for pope to resign," April 12, 2010).  When scandal or political turmoil reaches a boiling point, what should a church … or a nation do?

Beyond the Roman Catholic sex-abuse scandal, the news is full of additional coups and political intrigue. State and religious governments around the world are in turmoil.

In 1993, I enlisted in the military. My decision was due in large part to the fact that my best friend Lawrence was already serving and stationed in Oklahoma. He traveled to our hometown often. Together we ran, lifted weights, and did push-ups, all in preparation for my departure for training in mid-August. I could never have predicted the events that followed.

Secret societies such as the Trilateral Commission, the Bilderbergers, the Illuminati, the Burschenschaft and Opus Dei, are favorite topics of talk radio, Internet sites, books and movies. As evidenced by the popularity of blockbuster movies such as "Enemy of the State" and "Angels and Demons" to "Doomsday 2012: End of Days," as well as that of talk radio hosts like Michael Savage, Glenn Beck and Alex Jones, society is fascinated by conspiracy theories and clandestine organizations supposedly manipulating the masses.

What happened to the "functional" family? You know, the one with a Dad and a Mom and children centered around the home, doing the things families do: working together, playing together, laughing and sometimes crying together.

These are hard words. They're easy to say, and easy to ask for, but much harder to give—at least sometimes. I'm convinced that, much of the time, I'm just about the most easy-going person in the world. At least, I feel like the most easy-going person I know. But other times...