Religion: Conversations with God

Been thinking about Jesus lately. He was a Jew wasn’t he? Pity that the Jews don’t like him much anymore. Some of us think that he was one of the finest gifts that Judaism gave to us. He must have been quite a guy. Really dropped some pearls of wisdom along the way. Seemed to be quite helpful to people in need also…

Religion: The unholy alliance between religion and state power

Earlier this year I was in Peru for three months evaluating water supply and sanitation systems for small towns (< 30,000 people) throughout Peru. My work brought me to many different areas of Peru. One of the most fascinating visits was in Cajamarca.

Development: Living in a world of affluence

I am incredibly privileged. I have never known hunger. If I fall ill medical services are available. I have had opportunities to study and work. I am surrounded by electronic gadgets that make my life comfortable and interesting. I can speak out freely. I can travel without hindrance... and so the list goes on and on.

Media: Why not get to the root of the news? A modest proposal

As I read the news I am puzzled. Why do news analysts not get to the root of the problems they present?

Karl Marx: Analysis that leads to paralysis

Many years ago when I was in seminary, trying to unravel the mysteries of life, I noticed an unusual phenomenon. It was possible after endless probing and analysis to arrive at a point where any action could be so severely critiqued as to arrive at a point of complete inaction.

I notice that this phenomenon of analysis leading to paralysis is not only a danger of seminarians. It can also afflict materialist Marxists as well. A friend of mine is an astute Marxist analyst. He does not vote. When asked what actions he takes as a result of his analysis he said, “Nothing”.

Development: Malaria

My experience with malaria goes back a long way. In 1966 when I first arrived in Tanzania to work there I used to take quinine-based malaria medicine once a week, on Sundays. On Mondays as I headed off to work I typically had a headache. I reasoned to myself that it seemed like I really did not like my work very much, since going to work on Mondays gave me a headache. I have since learned quite a bit about quinine based anti-malarial medicine. More of that later. First let me share a few words about the nature of malaria itself.

Development: Diarrhea

I know a little bit about diarrhea – experientially that is. I have had it quite often while working overseas. As I look at my bouts of diarrhea I realize that many of them are a result of identifying with and eating with the people with whom I have been working. I have often been working to improve the water and sanitation systems overseas, but in the meantime I had to live in less than ideal situations.