various

D. F. Siemens, Jr. wrote: "Additionally, a factor in delinquency is being
raised in a single-parent household."

I wonder if this is true -- or just "perceived common sense." The recent
book, FREAKONOMICS, indicates that a child's character isn't much
affected whether or not he had one parent or two, whether or not he was
sent to day care, whether or not his mother worked, whether he had two
mommies or two daddies or one of each. Reference is made to a 1998 book
by Judith Harris called THE NURTURE ASSUMPTION, where these claims are
reinforced. Steven Pinker, in BLANK SLATE, has endorsed the claims.

---------------------

Mervin Bitikofer wrote, in part: "But one can imagine the
frustration among eager students, after they've paid good tuition money,
of going to class only to have their more knowledgeable instructor grant
floor time for every student to air their opinions. "

Maybe. I studied under a very liberal seminary professor, a one time
assistant to Tillich, Bill Dean. He made me think! And he was not shy
about letting students "air their opinions" in class -- even two very
conservative ones. He made little or no effort to "convert" students to
his particular position; he was most anxious for them to develop their
own.

-------------------

Debbie Mann wrote: "Lee Strobel wrote 'The Case for Christ' as a
journalist. He found the proof overwhelming."

I read that book. I was underwhelmed by it. First, Lee wrote as if he had
actually had an audience with all the pundits he "interviewed." Only at
the last did he admit he had just read their books. Second: Lee allowed
no dissenting voices to be heard. The "case for Christ" had only one side
presented. In a courtroom, this would be quite out of place.

--------------

mrb22667@kansas.net wrote: "Is this the same Spong (J.S.) that wrote
"Why Christianity must change or die"?"

Same guy. He makes some pretty good points in that book. One does not
have to agree with him to profit by it.

Burgy

(Sometimes wrong; never in doubt)
Received on Mon Mar 27 10:29:18 2006