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“Draw that plant over there.” That was the assignment, given years ago in a bi-weekly lab time where we applied what we’d been learning about drawing in class. The other college students and I got situated and started. It was to be a big drawing of a big plant. There wasn’t time enough to finish it in one lab session. It could take several sessions. No problem. No one would move the plant, the professor promised.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab has spent most of his 23 years trying to be righteous. Righteousness for him was fulfilling the wishes of his Muslim religion.

The Rev. Dr. George Cairns works closely with the foremost Celtic group in the world, the Iona Community in Scotland that is a dispersed Christian ecumenical community working for peace and social justice, rebuilding of community and the renewal of worship.

During one of his visits to the United Nations, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad had an opportunity to bare his soul when being interviewed on CNN.

I’m a work intern at the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, spending nine months under gloriously blue skies and with a diverse community of fellow spiritual seekers.

See also Joelle's article in the spirituality section of our website.

Joelle Chase is an intern at the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Spectrum asked her what it's like and how her experience is shaping her faith.

Samson was a hero of faith, at least if one reads the glowing reports in the “Who’s Who among Ancient Hebrew Worthies” of Hebrews 11 (cf. commentary on week 8). So, why is it that Israel’s heroic strongman is singled out in this week’s study guide as a dead-ringer counter-example of self-control?

If I were to go down from the pulpit this morning to spend some moments wandering up and down the aisles in the midst of this great congregation…

If I were to go with the intent of gathering up from you the things that are deeply troubling, the seemingly unanswerable questions, all the challenging interrogatives you live with and the things that have kept you awake at night pondering, I wonder what kind of a collection I would make?

I am opposed to marijuana for the same reason that I am against alcoholic beverages: they rarely benefit and often they harm. But does it make sense to continue outlawing it except for medical purposes?

Meekness is not a popular spiritual gift or a popular character trait in today’s world.