The ultimate two in one:

I have been patiently awaiting this one invention, because it seems the next logical step.

BT Group is to launch a pioneering internet phone service that allows users to switch between mobile networks and fixed-lines using a single handset.

Next step is bringing this technology to America, which should not be a major feat. In honesty, cellular phones annoy me extensively, because they are a nuisance on the road and in public. However, I believe this is brilliant and look forward to future developments.

Endangered Species: The Patriot Act or at least parts of it according to recent media releases.

Although I am not the world's biggest fan of the Patriot Act and question certain parts of the Act, I believe there are more important issues than the Library and Bookstore section that need attention. I believe there needs to be a greater source of checks and balances and the broad-spectrum nature of the Act needs questioning. I am truly concerned Americans allowed the passage of the Act as a knee jerk reaction after 911 without true consideration of the power the Act gives the American government.

Let's have the drum roll as the Thunderbirds welcome their newest team member and first woman aboard.

Malachowski begins training November 2005 with her debut March 2006. I will be at the local Air Force air show in 2006 to see this gal in action.

Are we really this crass? Take This Embryo and Shove It

For starters, the title of this editorial published by Slate is crass and disgusting.

There is only one point I agree with in this article:

...the law explicitly avoids any change in Italy's abortion regulations. So, if you don't want your embryos, you can't freeze them—but you
can implant them, let them grow, and then kill them.

It is absurd Italian abortion laws remain intact, but, on the surface, this appears to be a step in the right direction. If average citizens begin thinking of the embryo and fetus as humans instead of the generic scientific terminology that masks humanity, the ability to limit abortion is possible, because it is confusing at best to prohibit destruction of embryos while permitting abortion. The logical person must question this without a doubt. This does not mean we should not protect embryos; it means extended protection for life at all stages is mandatory.

Unless every media source other than Slate is incorrect, this editorial lacking in factual backing and over exaggerates Italian law. This author states:

You can't get IVF unless you're married.

According to several media sources, Italian law requires a stable relationship – a reasonable requirement for any number of reasons. This requirement prevents the legal and emotional arguments that occur with the use of surrogate mothers. Additionally, it attempts to provide children born through IVF with a healthy family unit instead of being pawn in debates.

Additionally, this author appears confused regarding several scientific issues and seemingly twists statements made by President Bush irresponsibly:

Last year, President Bush's council on bioethics, well-stocked with conservatives, strongly urged fertility clinics "to
reduce the incidence of multiple embryo transfers and resulting multiple births, a known source of high risk and discernible harm to the resulting children." But the Italian law requires such multiple transfers, endangering healthy embryos in the name of protecting unhealthy ones.

Maybe I am the one confused, but reading the report issued by the bioethics council does not leave me with the impression provided by this author.

"to reduce the incidence of multiple embryo transfers and resulting multiple births, a known source of high risk and discernible harm to the resulting children."

I read this sentence, in context, to mean there should not be large numbers of embryos implanted at the same time in order to achieve implantation. Multiple births are usually the result of implantation of multiple embryos simultaneously not as the result of multiple implantations over time. Multiple births are extremely dangerous for the children and the mother. Women are not designed - physically and emotionally - to give birth to a litter of
children.

By limiting the number of embryos in each IVF round to three, the Italian law has doubled the average number of rounds necessary to get a successful pregnancy. This means more hormonally induced egg production and extraction, which, according to Bush's council, "carry significant medical
risks to the women."

This is another incident of taking information found in this bioethics report out of context, because the bioethics report was referring to harvesting oocytes for the sake of research and cloning not actual reproductive procedures. Italian law goes beyond the American bioethics report, by protecting the usage of eggs and sperm as raw materials even during reproductive procedures.

Suggestion from the bioethics report:

In addition to the medical risks, there are also ethical concerns about the practice of commercializing human reproductive tissue and about any buying and selling of eggs: the exploiting of poor women, the coarsening of society’s sensibilities, the developing of markets in (reproductive) human tissues. More deeply, one critic suggests, we must consider the implications and the consequences of coming to regard human eggs and sperm as fungible raw materials, to be used in ways that have nothing to do with their procreative biological and human meaning. There is a risk that, in seeking to avoid the problem of embryo destruction, we would thus be furthering a dehumanized and utilitarian view of human beginnings as bad as the one that this alternative proposal was trying to combat.

Frankly, the transparency of this editorial is pathetic and anyone with a basic understanding of IVF and reproductive technology should see through this poorly written article.

For clarification, I do not support modern reproductive technology such as IVF although I do support legislature that limits IVF and other reproductive technology as long as we remain unable to make it illegal for modern scientists to play God.

Controversial issues facing the United Kingdom and United States of America

Children as young as three years old observed for possible criminal behavior as adults.

Opinion article regarding possible threats to personal privacy.

Enlightened Italian voters uphold current legislature that outlaws cloning and protects the unborn.

Contrary to popular predictions, Italian voters did not desire to overturn 'draconian laws' concerning sperm and egg donation and cloning. Opponents of current Italian law need to realize the general public does not believe the basic standards set by Italy are 'draconian' and they do not want another sixty year old woman giving birth thanks to artificial insemination. Italian Bishops, backed by Pope Benedict XVI, stood firm despite those
infuriated by the Church's interference regarding this issue. Faithful Catholics know the Church must speak out regarding the sanctity of life in all stages despite public opinion.

Griswold: a legacy and landmark case directly tied to Roe versus Wade

With the decision in Griswold, in walked the right to privacy our modern day inalienable right although this right is not found anywhere in the United States constitution. No matter a pro-lifer's opinion regarding contraception, the fact Griswold opened an assortment of problems cannot be avoided. Griswold was a revolutionary and reactionary ruling that had absolutely no precedence just as Roe v. Wade. This ruling opened the door to the irrational Roe v. Wade decision that invented a woman's right to murder her unborn child during any trimester of her pregnancy. Just as the correlation between condom usage and the continue spread of HIV cannot be ignored, the relation between contraception and continued disregard for the sanctity of life cannot be overlooked. Our modern society claims a woman's ultimate right is to murder her child as long as it lives in her body even when the child is fully viable outside of her womb.

It was important because it recognized the right of an individual, male or female, to control their reproductive life, she said. That’s a terribly important thing. It’s been a pleasure to be able to think back and realize
that it had that kind of impact.

This comment should concern us for a multitude of reasons. As women, we should be concerned about the fact this reasoning reduces us to solely sexual beings instead of people due dignity and respect. This control of reproduction has damaged the bond between man and woman, caused many to look at children as a burden or as a right instead of as blessings, removes a layer of respect once granted women as potential mothers and is responsible for the modern aversion to modesty, because stimulating sexuality is seductive and erroneously appears free of danger.

Hat tip to How Appealing for the original article.

Recent purchases, recommended reading list and more.

I am refreshed and back into the swing of things after a relaxing evening yesterday.

In addition to movie and book reviews, I am going to maintain a recommended reading list and current reading list although it may take a while to post the recommended reading list. Thanks to Pauline Books and Media, my library size has increased by four books:

Instruction of Christian Freedom and Liberation (Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith)

The Ratzinger Report (Pope Benedict XVI/Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger with Vittorio Messori)

John of the Cross, The Ascent to Joy selected spiritual writings (St. John of the Cross, introduction/editing Marc Foley, OCD)

Saint Raphael Kalinowski: An Introduction to His Life and Spirituality (Szczepan T. Praskiewicz, OCD)

You will notice a strong focus on Carmelite Spirituality, because this tradition gained my attention during my conversion to the Catholic Church and continues to minister to me spiritually. Currently we pray for the ability to form a Third Order Carmelite Order in my local area, because the closest order is a two hour drive away. I pray our Bishop will support our endeavors.

A bit of fun thanks to the Anchoress.

Your IQ Is 120

Your Logical Intelligence is Exceptional Your Verbal Intelligence is Genius Your Mathematical Intelligence is Exceptional Your General Knowledge is Above Average

A Quick and Dirty IQ Test

For the first time since his election, Benedict XVI speaks
out regarding morality.

Although Benedict refers to HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa as a "cruel epidemic," he does not collapse under modern pressure to accept the use of condoms for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. The Catholic Church has maintained the method for prevention of HIV is abstinence and science has been unable to prove condoms truly stop the spread of HIV. Although the barrier method provides slight physical protection, the spread of HIV will continue as long as high risk, immoral behaviors continue. In today’s society, we desire the quick fix to our problems, let’s take a pill instead of changing our diet and exercising or give everyone condoms – which only increases immorality although the usage rates of condoms does not coincide with availability – instead of teaching true prevention. If serious punishment were dealt out to men who knowingly endanger multiple women repetitively, this behavior would end. Society wants play dumb and blind by handing them men condoms, which not only increases immoral behavior, but also perpetuates the treatment of women as sex objects instead of as people deserving respect. Personally, I believe anyone who endangers another’s life through the transmission of HIV is a murderer deserves to be punished as a proven threat to society.

Interesting related opinion article.

Ah, the realities of life.

Yes, I am behind with my commentaries. Life has been a bit crazy, but I will be back with commentaries and more. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend although some of us are in for rain thanks to our first tropical storm of the year. I will be around this evening and tomorrow evening.

Russia rejects Safe Sex in favor of abstinence programs for preventing sexually transmitted diseases.

Stebenkova, who is in charge of health care for the 12 million inhabitants of Moscow, believes that "the safe sex propaganda in the USA, for example, has resulted in the dissolution of morals. Sexually transmitted diseases started progressing there. That is why the US government assigns huge money to promote the value of innocence and virginity. It is coming into fashion."

"People started thinking after the 'Safe Sex' program that they would be able to protect themselves against any disease," she added. Pravda reports that the latest data indicates that "papillomas has increased by 50 percent over several recent years. The number of herpes and fungal infection
patients has been growing lately as well."

I will post commentary over the weekend.

Bishop threatened for renouncing prominent Catholic's pro-abortion, pro-homosexual union stance.

In Canadian House of Commons committee hearings on the same-sex marriage Bill C-38 Monday, Bishop Frederick Henry of Calgary revealed details of threats leveled against him by government officials for putting forward Church teaching.

Bishop Henry described in detail how he was called by Terry De Marche of Revenue Canada, the country's tax agency, after issuing a pastoral letter that said the media's description of Prime Minister Paul Martin as a "devout Catholic" was inappropriate due to Martin's support for abortion and gay marriage legislation.

As always, we need to keep a close eye on Canada and Europe regarding these issues, because the United States is usually not far behind. In actuality, if we think about it, we are already seeing this attitude in the United States. I will post more commentary over the weekend.

Here comes more pink smoke:

Nine North American women desire ordination. Two excommunicated female 'bishops' plan on ordaining these women 25 July 2005.

The theological rubbish being espoused by this group is unbelievable. They admit they were excommunicated from Rome after the original set of 'ordinations,' but they indicate Rome's silence since indicates support of their
position. I have a bit of news for these women, Rome said all it needed to say.
These women are not part of the Roman Catholic Church and they are most definitely not Roman Catholic Priests. They are twisting cannon law so they can construe what it says to fit their desires. Here's their interesting take on things:

However, in the first Vatican document issued less than two weeks after the original Danube ordinations in 2002 - record speed for the Vatican - the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) declared the ordinations a "simulation" of a sacrament and to be "invalid and null." By August 5, the Apostolic See, citing its power to do so under Canon 1331, had excommunicated the Danube Seven. That still did not end the furor and the CDF found it necessary to deliver still another decree in December. Strangely, issues of sacramental matter or form were again ignored; the CDF cited only that, since the women had been ordained by a "schismatic" priest, they had "formally" rejected a doctrine of the church and, since they were (unlike Ludmila) actively "gathering around them"
communities of believers, the CFD was forced to "safeguard" these innocent believers by excommunicating their new priestly ministers, the denouncers of "true doctrine."

The Church has spoken, these women have rejected a doctrine of the Church, women cannot be priests, and these women were 'ordained' by a schismatic priest. What more do they want? The Church does not have to give lengthy dialogue regarding matters that cannot and will not change - especially to those in schism. Sounds like the same twisted and skewed vision of Church Law that other dissenters of offered.

Forerunner in stem cell research condemns cloning,

"I don't think we will have any chance to meet a cloned human being within the next 100 years, at least," said Woo-Suk Hwang, the head of a
team of South Korean scientists who cloned the first human embryo to use for research.

Speaking at a panel discussion, Hwang denounced human cloning as foolish and unsafe science.

"Cloning a human being is nonsense. Briefly, it is not ethical, it is not safe at all, and it's technically impossible," Hwang said.

Hwang remains on the frontline of stem cell research and condemns president Bush for refusing to support embryonic stem cell research. What I do not fully understand is the premise it is okay to kill the unborn, clone embryos and abort babies, but it is not okay to clone people. I cannot support either, but the obvious lack of respect for life shown by researchers such as Hwang remains unbelievable. Either someone is truly confused or trying to pull a fast one on us although I hope he is accurate - "human cloning is impossible".

Stem cell research is a confusing arena especially considering the fact the term used is not embryonic stem cell research. There are acceptable forms of stem cell researching which uses stem cells that are not obtained through aborted or destroyed fetus.

Corpus Christi at St. John Lateran

Interesting opinion article regarding events at St. John Lateran on the Feast of Corpus Christi although I believe her at least a couple of her descriptions and references are derogatory. I like her ending:

...the thing that remains sharpest is my chance encounter with an elderly man sporting bright white hair and the fisherman's ring. Pope Benedict XVI may not be blessed with the charisma of his predecessor, but my goodness, he still packs an Almighty punch.

American investors support use of aborted fetus stem cells by Barbados company.

The research was sponsored by The Institute for Regenerate Medicine, Villa Nova, St. Johns, Barbados. According to the Financial Times, the company was recently founded after Ukrainian stem cell researchers teamed up with American investors and "the Caribbean tourist trade". Apparently, the Ukrainians provide the treatment protocols and stem cells from aborted children while the Americans contribute the funding.

Business Week reports that the Institute’s CEO and founder, Barnett Suskind, started his company in Barbados because he feared the "political
storm" surrounding stem cells in the U.S.

"The government here [in Barbados] has welcomed us," Suskind says. "We can conduct our work with their blessing. Although fetal cells are technically different from embryonic stem cells, most people use the terms interchangeably, and that could present problems," he points out.

This is a prime example of blatant disregard for human life for the sake of the almighty dollar. The actions of this company are not surprising, because the abortion industry if founded on the universal shrine of profit. Yes, the worst part of this is the use of aborted fetus for the sake of money and fame. Unfortunately, the another outcome is people are being brain washed into believing embryonic/fetal stem research is going to save lives while not being informed of the inherent dangers – ethical and physical. Instead of saving lives, this research method leads to further lack of respect for life. Life, people become the means to an end instead of respected and cherished.

This event is one of many reasons we need universal bioethical standards to protect life everywhere and at all phases. In agreement with Shane Wikfors' statement, this form of research is a brutal reminder of the Nazi reign of terror. History judges us harshly for our failure to end to Hitler’s regime in a prompt fashion. When the government judges our lives by number and quality without concern for sanctity, history will judge us as critically for our failure and inability to halt the brutal regime of profit and fame.

ProLifeBlogs: the source for pro-life news and blogging:

The objective of this site is to raise awareness and support for the pre-born and the sanctity of human life by communicating pro-life news and materials and by enabling a community of pro-life bloggers to promote their sites, interact with one another and influence internet readers. ProLifeBlogs Welcome

Pro-life issues are dear to my heart for many reasons as my posting has demonstrated since the conception of this blog. I pray for the day abortion will end and no one lives in fear of their life being terminated, because it is valued as meaningless, because life is truly valued. May this culture of death permeating our countries come to an end through the grace of our Lord.

Upcoming 2005 Movie Theatre releases:

Mr. and Mrs. Smith (10 June) Batman Begins (15 June)
Herbie Fully Loaded (15 June) War of the Worlds (29 June)
Fantastic Four (08 July)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (15 July) Stealth (29 July)
Bond 21 (Update: 17 November 2006 not 18 November 2005) oops!
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (18 November)
Underworld: Evolution (09 December)
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (9 December)

I am excited about the upcoming releases for this year. In fact, I am not sure which movie I am most excited about. I am thrilled Underworld is back in theatres, because the ending left me with questions I have attempted to answer with my own pathetic attempt at 'fanfic'. The Chronicles of Narnia should be excellent and I look forward to this movie with great anticipation. I am not sure which movie I will be seeing first this December - maybe I will make a full day of movie going since they are released the same weekend.

Harry Potter should be an okay movie, but one I am not particularly excited to see. I will go see it so I will be familiar with the reason for all the commotion surrounding the movie. Currently, I am thinking, Finally, because production of this series has taken entirely too long to maintain my interest - once I am bored, I lose interest. Additionally, I remain ambivalent regarding the entire series for several reasons and am unable to obtain true excitement regarding this series of books and movies.

Herbie and Charlie should be humorous and excellent
entertainment for families. I grew up watching the Herbie movies so I am particularly excited about Herbie. Charlie should prove to be an interesting and hopefully excellent spin on Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Stealth, and Bond should be entertaining action films. I was extremely excited regarding the upcoming
release of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but, in all honesty, my excitement level diminished significantly due to the continued hype regarding this movie.

Fantastic Four and Batman should be must-sees for graphic novel fans. I figure they will be average films I am not excited to see although they will remain on my to-see list.

War of the Worlds is one we have to wait and see what happens. This is a story line with much history and expectation or dread coming from the sci-fi crowd. I will see this one, but I am not expecting much from it - reminds me of my outlook for Sith.

Update: All originally listed release dates, other than Harry Potter, were found at Fandango. I apologize for not including these links originally. Apparently, Fandango's listing for Bond 21 is incorrect - thanks to Julie D. for bringing this to my attention -  Coming Soon lists 17 November 2006 as the release date for Bond 21. I apologize for the error in my original posting.

UN has failed to make significant progress containing HIV/AIDS and will not make 2015 goal.

Of course, the UN blames funding instead of its strategies to contain the HIV virus when there is only one proven method - abstinence and fidelity - for protecting people from the virus. In fact, the UN wants to break down "taboos" against high-risk behaviors although these behaviors put people at highest risk.

Please see previous post regarding prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Governor Romney, will support current laws supporting abortion although "personally opposed" to abortion.

When a person is actually "personally opposed" to abortion, that person cannot in good conscience support laws permitting abortion - the slaughter of innocent children. I am not advocating strong-armed tactics similar to those the Supreme Court used to legalize abortion, but to support immoral legislature is proof positive a person is not pro-life. I understand there are times a person in a political position is unable to change current laws advocating abortion and must abide by them. This is not the same as supporting abortion just as voting for laws that restrict abortions instead of abstaining from the vote and giving a silent vote to unrestricted abortion is different from supporting abortion on demand. Although I do not believe a pro-lifer can abstain from votes regarding abortion, I could understand abstaining over a vote supporting abortion.

He also said his position was no different from that of his Democratic opponent, then state Treasurer Shannon O'Brien, an abortion rights supporter.

How can pro-life and pro-abortion attitudes toward abortion be the same?

Response to Mike Adam's unjust attack on Father Spitzer by Mark Shea

Bravo Mark! As noted in Shea's response, Father Spitzer has done a great deal for Gonzaga Law School - especially regarding pro-life issues - within the confines allowed by current policies. I appreciate Father's to date improvements although there remains room for future growth.

And, of course, De Blasi has not been arguing that the Gonzaga Law School is not a bastion of liberalism. She has been arguing that Father Spitzer is a man who has labored long and hard to defend Christian faith, to defend human life, and to work to oppose the culture of death as best he can - often over the loud objections of people in the school of law. Indeed, law school faculty object to, and challenge, the university’s policy barring organizations from promoting or advocating abortion.

The truth about stem cell research ignored and important advancements through adult stem cell research hidden. Why is it being avoided? Obviously, we, as a society, do not truly respect life.

Blog administration update:

For starters, I owe a big thank you to those who check out my blog on a regular basis. I am new to the blogging realm and have been thinking through how to 'make a go' of this blog for those who honor this site by dropping in and myself. Although I want this site remain faith driven, I am going to start including topics such as arts and entertainment, book reviews (I will post segments here with the entirety posted on my homepage) and probably anything else that catches my fancy. Theology and politics (especially those related to pro-life and pro-family issues) are my passions and this will continue to show. Please email if there is anything you would like to see addressed or think I can do to improve the site. Again, thank you for stopping by and continue to spread the word.

Benedict XVI names new Archbishop of Krakow

Archbishop Stanislas Dziwisz, the longtime personal secretary to Pope John Paul II, has been named Archbishop of Krakow.

Steps in the right direction for California:

Thursday, California's Assembly (Democratic majority) defeated Mark Leno's bill allowing 'guy marriage'.

The recent ruling by Superior Court Judge Richard Kramer that the state ban on same sex marriage is unconstitutional is headed for appeals court.

Diocese of Wilmington Bishop speaks out regarding Embryonic stem cell research.

SB 80 also would promote embryo-destructive research in the related area of human cloning. While claiming to ban cloning, SB 80 allows unlimited cloning so long as the clone is killed for research purposes before it can be implanted in a womb for the purpose of giving birth.  It would be our hope to enact a law that bans all human cloning.

We all know that the rights of the unborn in this country were taken away with the disastrous Roe v. Wade decision of 1973. The prospect of large-scale, government funded embryonic stem cell research, however, represents in a sense an even more chilling specter. Here for the first time in our nation's history, we will be giving government approval, and eventually if proponents of human embryonic stem cell research have their way tax-payer money, for the systematic destruction of innocent human beings so that their body parts can be harvested for scientific research. This will make human beings into commodities to be exchanged, manipulated and used for the benefit of other people.  Even human reason unaided by religion tells us that respect for the dignity of the uman person demands at a minimum that human beings should never be treated as mere means to an end. History shows the horror that result when this easily understood principle is ignored.

I am surprised how easily we forget our history lessons - or did we fail to listen to those important history lessons. Throughout history - especially the reign of Hitler and the Nazis - lack of respect for human life leads to the destruction of those who do not fit the ideal requirements. We see this today through the fights for removal of feeding tubes and bioethicists weighing the worth of a person's life. Each and every one of us must speak out against the atrocities before us.

Mississippi abortion regulation struck down by federal judge.

Apparently the state's law limited abortions past week thirteen makes obtaining an abortion too difficult for Mississippian women to obtain.

U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee ruled:

the law was enacted "for reasons wholly unrelated to any actual safety or health concerns." The state's action made abortions "effectively unavailable in the state of Mississippi beyond the first trimester," the judge said.

Report exposes continued repercussions from abortion:

Premature births are a serious health concern according to the report because "infants born before 33 weeks of gestation have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality than more mature babies." The study does not conclusively offer an explanation for why abortion increases the chances for premature birth but it did find that a "history of induced abortion was associated with an increased risk of premature rupture of the membranes, vaginal bleeding, and spontaneous preterm labor that occur at very small gestational ages." The report notes "[p]revious studies have suggested that infectious diseases following induced abortion account for the increase in the risk of preterm delivery." One such study "found that women who had previously undergone an induced abortion were at higher risk than other women" for infections of the amniotic fluid, placenta, and uterus.

In examining possible methodological flaws, the article states that if abortions were underreported it would have likely been among those women who had delivered prematurely thus resulting in an "under-estimation of the association" between premature delivery and abortion.

Are women fully informed prior to their abortions? No. The pro-abortion community wants studies such as this one and other regarding correlations between abortion and cancer ignored, because the woman's 'choice' is paramount. What about the right to make informed choices regarding the decision they are making instead of being persuaded that abortion will remedy all their problems?

Dennis Prager, A number of years ago I discovered a root cause of America's culture war.

Prager's article The (Culture) War of the Word is interesting to say the least. The point he makes that hits closest to home for me is:

"Ladies and gentlemen," I announced, "the major difference between Alan Dershowitz and me is this: When professor Dershowitz differs with the Torah, he assumes that he is right and the Torah is wrong. When I differ with the Torah, I assume that I am wrong and the Torah is right." Dershowitz responded that for the first time that evening he agreed with me.

Prager's article also notes the several similarities between Jews and Christians:

Jews and Christians who believe that God revealed the Torah, for example,
are far more likely to believe that marriage must remain defined as only between a man and woman, and cannot be redefined to include members of the same sex. They believe that people are not basically good, that human life, not animal life, is sacred (because humans, not animals, are created in God's image), and that murderers should be liable to the death penalty (the only law that is in all five books of the Torah is to put murderers to death).

On the other hand, Jews and Christians who believe that people wrote the Torah are far more likely to support a redefinition of marriage, to view human nature as basically good (and therefore more likely to ascribe human evil to outside influences), to be more receptive to seeing human beings as essentially another animal, and to oppose capital punishment for murderers.

But Jews and Christians who believe in a divinely revealed Bible do not trust the heart as a guide to doing the right thing (indeed, that Bible repeatedly warns us not to). That difference — do I listen to my heart or to what I believe is God's word? — explains most of the differences between right and left. Much more than whether one believes in God.

This is an excellent article and accurate to say the least although I would not fully agree with his statement about the death penalty and the "old testament.' I need to do more research regarding this, but if I remember correctly there were stipulations regarding or protections from the death penalty. When I have more time I will look into this and post.

Pope Benedict XVI remarked during his weekly audience, wealth, power cannot be ultimate goals.

John Paul II beautification begins.