The Right to Be Rude Why All Religions and Secular Philosophies Must Tolerate Criticism
I’m not in the habit of giving unsolicited advice to the Church of Scientology, but if I were, it would be straightforward: You have critics. Get over it. The controversial church has been accused of... Read More
Military Maneuvers The Growing Battle over Religious Freedom in the Armed Forces
Issues related to religious freedom in the military could constitute the next big wave of church-state conflicts. Change is in the air—and some people don’t like that. The Navy recently granted approval to the first... Read More
Religion and Politics How Much Mixing Do Americans Want?
A recent poll by the Pew Forum on the issue of religion and politics sparked headlines that, at first glance, seemed alarming. “Americans want more politics with their preaching,” one newspaper blared. Well, yes and... Read More
Birth Control Bungle: The Supreme Court’s Appalling Ruling on Access to Contraceptives
The U.S. Supreme Court’s June 30 joint decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores and Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. v. Burwell is yet another disaster for separation of church and state. The ruling followed a... Read More
Prayer by Popular Vote?
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on May 5, 2014, that local governments can, under certain conditions, open their meetings with prayers—even if those supplications to the deity are Christian most of the time. I can’t... Read More
A Charter for Controversy? Public school “alternatives” still must abide by the separation of church and state
Starting in the late 1980s charter schools were pitched to Americans as a harmless and non-threatening alternative to traditional public schools. That’s come to pass in some states. But in others, we’re beginning to see... Read More
Rights Or Restrictions? The new debate over the meaning of religious freedom
In March the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in two important cases that could establish new parameters for what religious liberty means. The two cases, which the high court has consolidated into one, concern... Read More