Monthly Archives: November 2005

Every religion extols martyrdom; every religion roundly condemns suicide.  What makes Islam particularly interesting in this regard is that it would appear to reverse the logic of martyrdom. The traditional idea martyrdom is not that one brings it about that … Continue reading →

Though not sexual in character, friendship at its very best is a relationship of love.  Friends are two people who enjoy being in one another’s company and who delight in doing things for one another.  Every friendship of any substance … Continue reading →

Life without hope is next to impossible to live.  Hope is that which gives us a reason to press forward even when the “facts”, as they say, tell us that it is all over.  Hope made it possible for the … Continue reading →

Perhaps the days of innocence are but a myth.  After all, children have been sexually abused down through the ages.  But there was at least the illusion of innocence; and that illusion had some plausibility to it if only because … Continue reading →

The expression “Back of the bus” has come to symbolize the oppression that a group has had to endure.  Thus, it is has become a metaphor for suffering endured.  In one respect, there is nothing wrong with this.  But, alas, … Continue reading →

Life without hope is next to impossible to live.  Hope is that which gives us a reason to press forward even when the “facts”, as they say, tell us that it is all over.  Hope made it possible for the … Continue reading →