A college psychology professor's observations about public policy, mental health, sexual identity, and religious issues
No TGIF for David Barton last week. First, the Wall Street Journal published a book review of The Jefferson Lies by Alan Pell Crawford which briefly takes apart the book. Crawford begins by agreeing with Barton that Jefferson’s connection to his slave Sally Hemming’s children has not been established. However, from there on, the review identifies … Continue reading “David Barton’s bad media day”
Crosswalk published my commentary today on the revisionism of the movie Monumental. In it, I look at three claims made in the clips released in advance of the movie. Specifically, did Thomas Jefferson and a dozen founders financed the Thompson Hot Press Bible of 1798? Did Congress print the Aitken Bible and recommend it as … Continue reading “Monumental: Shouldn’t a movie about history be historically correct?”
To Bigotry No Sanction, to Persecution No Assistance… -George Washington On August 17, 1790, President George Washington wrote a letter to Moses Seixas and the Jewish congregation of Newport, RI. Washington did so in response to a letter sent by the group when Washington visited their city. The account is on the Library of Congress … Continue reading “Today in history: George Washington on religious freedom”
Note: The recent healthcare reform certainly is historic, in the sense that it most likely will be considered an important, perhaps defining, event in the Obama Presidency. Whatever eventually happens politically as a result, there are important elements of public discourse which marked the debate. One of those elements –religious rhetoric– is the subject of Dr. Kengor’s … Continue reading “Paul Kengor: God Gets His Healthcare Bill”
I am repeating in full a post from August, 2008 regarding religious arguments for the separation of church and state. I do this in response to the calls from Stephen Langa, Caleb Brundidge and Scott Lively to maintain laws criminalizing homosexuality in Uganda (and elsewhere). First the post: Sally Kern, with help from my friend … Continue reading “Christianity, homosexuality and the law”