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POPSFor those touched most by 9/11, a turning point in faith
rest of article: Brian Jordan, a Franciscan priest who ministered to rescue and recovery workers, says there were no atheists at Ground Zero — suddenly everyone had a spiritual life, no matter how tortured or confused. Jay Rosenbaum, a Long Island rabbi, says he was almost overwhelmed when he arrived at Ground Zero on Sept. 12. But later, he conducted a simple prayer service in vestments that included a hard hat, combat boots and a prayer shawl. “Our mission is to look not only at the devastation there,” he said in his impromptu sermon, pointing to the shell of one tower, “but the devotion here” — the dusty, exhausted, rescue workers around him. “It was one of the most affirming moments of my life,” he says now. “I felt this was something I was worthy of doing.” To others, 9/11 seems to belie the notion of an all-loving, all-powerful God. Sam Harris began writing The End of Faith, his best-selling attack on religion, the day after the attacks. Jonathan Miller, who wrote
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POPSAmis and Islam Good read about the spat involving Amis over comments he made re: islam Enjoy:)
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POPSThe Reason Project needs Volunteers! Sam Says "For the moment, we are only looking for volunteers to collect archive materials, but there will undoubtedly be many other ways to assist the work of The Reason Project in the future. Our website will offer more information about such opportunities as they arise, as well as provide ways for you to network with like-minded people in your own communities. All submissions should be sent to the following email address: archive@reasonproject.org Many thanks, in advance, for your help" Best, Sam Harris and Annaka Harris
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POPSLifechanging experience for Dallas student I know how he feels- Sam Harris has impacted my life in a big way too :) Just a short article: http://www.samharris.org/site/full_text/dallas-isd-student-picked-to-participate-in-forum-with-world-leaders/
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POPSThe 10 Biggest Religion Stories
#4 | The Pope and Latin Mass Benedict XVI relieves priests of having to get their bishop’s permission to celebrate mass in old-school Latin. To many, it is an unwelcome return of church élitism. Others sink happily back into it. #5 | The Slow-Motion Episcopal/Anglican Train Wreck The Episcopal Bishops’ meeting in New Orleans fails to stem the ongoing defection of conservatives over the church’s positions on gays, or the likelihood of a worldwide Anglican split over the same issue. #6 | Green Evangelicals Global warming, along with poverty and torture, have become hot issues to a maturing conservative Christian movement. #7 | The Roar of Atheist Books There may or may not be more atheists, but there are more atheist authors--and readers want to give them a hearing. #8 | Another Blow to a Megachurch A year after Ted Haggard resigned as pastor of Colorado’s New Life Church--having admitted to “immorality” involving a gay escort--a gunman kills two congregants in
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POPSRational Mysticism Just a brilliant piece from 2005. My experience with meditation would be of much the type Sam describes. It is just plain good for all of us, and religion has no monopoly on "spiritual experience" ....only some don't seem to know that yet, lol.
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POPSSam Harris appeal for Ayann Hirsi Ali : Urgent. This is a direct link to the security trust set up for Ayann's protection. Even 10 dollars a month from readers will ensure her safety for life. I am so grateful to be able to play a small but essential role in her life: I think she is absolutly amazing and I am inspired and humbled by her work.
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POPSSam Harris blasts Nature Magazine Sam is pissed at nature magazine for their positive review of Dr. Francis Collins book " The Language of God: A Scientist presents evidence for belief", amongst other things......
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POPSOn Secularism: A Round Table What is the role of secularism in contemporary politics, and what does it mean to be tolerant towards others’ religious or non-religious views? Micromega is presenting a two-week long round-table to discuss these issues, with Roberta De Monticelli, Daniel Dennett, Paolo Flores d’Arcais, Marcel Gauchet, Sam Harris, Avishai Margalit, Thomas Nagel, Fernando Savater, Dan Sperber