01: The magazine Skeptical Inquirer usually deals with what is called “pseudo-science” — matters like UFO’s and other cases of the paranormal.
But the July-August issue broaches new territory, devoting itself to science and religion (It seems the readers of the magazine have pressed the editors to address religion as well as paranormal activities). The issue features a diversity of views, but most articles argue that the new attempts to reconcile science and theology must be subject to skeptical scrutiny.
Noteworthy articles include a look at the much publicized “science and religion” movement (pressing for engagement between the two fields) and how it differs from past conflicts between believers and secularists; and several articles by such thinkers as Stephen Gould and Richard Dawkins debating whether there is any basic conflict between belief and science.
For more info on this issue, write: Skeptical Inquirer, 1310 Sweet Home Rd., Amherst, NY 14228 or visit their web site: http://www.csicop.org
02: In the past few years Hindus have been trying to encourage and form ties with the growing Neopagan movement. The July issue of Hinduism Today magazine carries several articles on the common ground that exists between Neopaganism and Hindus, most notably their polytheistic beliefs.
A noteworthy article profiles Christopher Gerard, a leader of the new movement of intellectuals (generally known as the new right in Europe) gravitating to pagan beliefs to revive European culture.
The issue costs $3.95 and is available from Hinduism Today, 107 Kaholalele Rd., Kapaa, HI 96746-9304; the magazine’s web site is: www.hindu.org/ht/.
03: In its June 14 issue, Time magazine rates the l00 most influential people of the 20th Century, including religious figures.
Among the “leaders and revolutionaries…artists and entertainers” are: Pope John Paul II, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Billy Graham. The place in history of each is examined in some detail. In the “heroes and icons” section are brief sketches of those in what Time calls “Help Yourself, including: Betty Ford for her work with dependency, Norman Vincent Peale for his positive thinking ministry, and Drs. Andrew Weil and Deepak Chopra, practitioners of a new do-it-yourself-kind of self-help for personal health and spirituality.
— By Erling Jorstad
04: Don Lattin, co-author of Shopping for Faith with RW‘s editor, has branched off into the recording business.
We wouldn’t be mentioning that if it weren’t for the millennial theme of his new recording, Why 2YK? The recording is a humorous send-up of apocalyptic Y2K thinking. The song parodies the New Orleans Rhythm and Blues classic Iko, Iko.
Visit Lattin and the Digitones on their web site at: www.y2ksong.net.