I agree to some extent Niall, Benedict has not been as bad as I thought he would. The Regensburg address ( http://www.beliefnet.com/story/197/story_19755_1.html ) however, was typical of the man in his former role. What did you think of that one? Personally I think he could have made the same point ...

By Sunday evening, do you mean actually on Sunday, or on Saturday? In the U.S., or at least in my area, Sunday masses are held from Saturday evening through late Sunday morning, and for special occasions through Sunday afternoon (e.g. the healing mass). Sunday mass is never scheduled in the evening...

I'd be interested in Ten Theories of Human Nature . It's actually used as a text at my university for the subject "Philosophy of the Human Person" but I never actually took that subject. The lecturer who runs the unit is brilliant so if he's using the book I'd say it's very useful and inte...

Thanks Mad, that all makes sense. I think I have to defend Charles Taylor against the "charge" of being a theologian! He is a (retired) philosopher who did most of his work in social and political philosophy, but he also happens to be a practicing Catholic. He was also a prominent member o...

Hi Chris. I started questioning when I was about 15, but it wasn't serious or sustained. I first started a serious examination of my faith when I was 18. This was triggered when I wished my Chemistry lab partner Happy Easter - he was Jewish. That made me wonder because he was a pretty smart guy but ...

Although I haven't been catholic for a long time I still visit my old conservative Catholic bookshops and websites to keep an eye on what they're up to. I came across the following article on one of them: Too Modest for TV? [quote]WENDY SHALIT Girls gone mild? Not for Dr. Phil. Reprinted with permis...

Has anyone read Jeremy Scahill's book on Blackwater? I have it on hold at the library but it's a long waiting list at the moment. It might be a good one to discuss in future as it seems to have many interesting issues associated with it. http://www.amazon.com/Blackwater-Rise-Worlds-Powerful-Mercenar...

I'm sorry, I think I might have made a mistake here. Could someone please advise me as to whether I should have put that book suggestion in the Freethought section or in this one?
Thanks.

MadArchitect, I just thought I'd point out that, although is long, the books is shorter than the upcoming fiction selection Atlas Shrugged and probably easier to read.
Is there a reason why you think it wouldn't be picked even if it were only 90 pages long?

Thanks for that information George. I just listened to the first hour - it was fascinating.