As a news hound, that is, one who follows what is happening on the world scene, I am often struck by the lack of civility in political discourse, news reporting and in daily interaction between people in all walks of life. There is a strident tone, a hard edge in many—if not most—exchanges that involve differences of opinion. Whether it is on the floor of Congress, in the chambers of Parliament, in countries large and small, contention seems to be the spirit of the times.

The 25th of November 2009 was the 150th anniversary of the publishing of Darwin's "Origin of the species." In that context, an article in the Toronto Star by journalist Stephen Marche brought forward arguments that for a couple of minutes kept me in suspense. Could we really have a journalist saying that the Bible was true?

The Manhattan Declaration will soon surpass 300,000 signatures.  Considered "a call of Christian conscience," and endorsed by more than 140 religious leaders, the declaration boldly endorses: 1) the sanctity of human life, including of the unborn, 2) the sanctity of heterosexual marriage, and 3) religious liberty.  Have you considered signing the declaration?  And more importantly, would Jesus? 

The sounds, the smells, the colorful lights and decorations; folks being thoughtful and remembering the poor, good feelings all around; what could possibly be wrong with any of this? Short days, cold, long nights can use some brightening up and some cheerful activities, so "Just leave me alone" the devotees to Christmas might say to those who decry the celebrations of the season.

Apparently, there is a growing topic of concern in Christianity these days: "Should children be in church?" One morning, as I sat going through the day's news, I read an interesting article on the matter in the Wall Street Journal—"Seen and Not Heard in Church," by Laura Vanderkam.