Kneading Bread

As these stories seem to reveal, at least to me, that when it comes to discussing freedom of religion… neither side is willing to dialogue. The “christian” side (that being of the ‘christian media,’ i.e. cbn, focus on the familty, etc.) seems to present the present time as a seige of their rights, but at the same time there is also a sense of entitlement. The “christian” defense is a little lopsided when you read this story. The reality may not be contained in either of these stories. I just hope we can move beyond banning prayer or forcing prayer, but instead allow free practice of prayer. Just what this would look like is beyond my purview, I just pray wisdom on the judges to see the facets of these arguments in the light of freedom of religion, not just from religion or in favor of a particular religion.

The democrats have a created a website to show their “christian values.” What do you think? Frankly I’m suspicious of anytime any party panders to religion. (via)

From Agenzia Giornalistica Italia:

POPE: SAN FRANCESCO, PACIFIST ENVIRONMENTALIST AND.EX PLAYBOY

(AGI) – Rome, Aug 31 – “San Francesco wasn’t just an environmentalist and a pacifist: it was above all a converted man”. Benedetto XVI wanted to remember him during the meeting with the priests of the diocese of Albano, united in the summer residence of Castel Gandolfo. Answering to a question of one of the priests, the Pope cited the initiative of the bishop of Assisi on the occasion of the Jubilee of San Francesco: “Mons. Sorrentino wanted to announce a year of conversion to find a solution for this abuse”. “San Francesco”, the Pope explained, “was first some sort of playboy, but then saw that that wasn’t enough, he understood that he had to broaden his life dedicating himself to God and to others”.

Although the story (and translation) doesn’t do the tale justice, it is enough to make me want to read a story of St. Francis’ life.