On Novemebr 20, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., I and a dozen evangelical, Catholic, and Orthodox leaders faced the microphones to announce the release of an historic document-one of the most important documents produced by the American church, at least in my lifetime. It is called the Manhattan Declaration, and signed by... Continue Reading

It is the tradition of this column every year at this time to recount the story of Thanksgiving. This year, with capitalism under attack from all quarters, it’s more important than ever to revisit the history of the Pilgrims’ early years in America and appreciate the message. Whether you think the government’s response to the... Continue Reading

I am not inclined to sign manifestos or petitions. While believing strongly and passionately about many causes, I am not usually impressed with the effectiveness of such statements and I am generally concerned about how such statements might be used or construed by others. I am not reluctant to speak for myself and from my... Continue Reading

As American families sit down to their traditional Thanksgiving feasts, they will naturally recall the familiar story of the Pilgrims and, in the process, distort the true character of the nation’s religious heritage. Most children learn that the Mayflower settlers came to the New World to escape persecution and to establish religious freedom. But the... Continue Reading

Growing concern about incivility is one of America’s more appealing trends. Increasingly, individuals and institutions are seeking ways to burnish the Golden Rule. The concern isn’t new — professor P.M. Forni started the Johns Hopkins Civility Project 12 years ago and published a book in 2002: Choosing Civility: The Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct. Civility... Continue Reading

Martin Luther had a lot to say about education. Like many of his fellow reformers, he knew how important biblical literacy was for the people of God. In one of his sermons, he exhorted his parishioners with the following: “For we certainly want to provide not only for our children’s bellies but for their souls... Continue Reading

A coalition of 152 Evangelical, Catholic and Orthodox leaders have issued a 4,700 word statement addressing the sanctity of life, traditional marriage and religious liberty. The Manhattan Decalration: A Call to Christian Conscience is more than a list of convictions. The document is a pledge to engage in civil disobedience in defense of the outlined... Continue Reading

I served in the U.S. Army for five years, three of which were spent at Fort Hood, Texas. I deployed overseas on two occasions, held a top-secret security clearance, and was honorably discharged with numerous citations and awards. I am also a practicing Muslim, and observed my faith while serving in the military. I can... Continue Reading

When the current Health Care Reform Bill came to a vote in the House of Representatives, 39 Democrats voted against the bill. The following is a statement issued by one of those 39 members, giving his reasons. Congressman Boucher is not known as a ‘Blue Dog’ and votes with the Democrat caucus most of the... Continue Reading

It has been three decades since Iranian college students overran and occupied the American Embassy in Tehran, and we are still dealing with that country’s revolution. Americans at the time were understandably preoccupied with the fate of 66 countrymen who were held captive, accused of being spies, and threatened with prosecution and punishment—which in the... Continue Reading