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June 9, 2017

We have a couple of somewhat challenging pieces in today’s line-up but I think you will find them both much easier on the nerves than following James B. Comey’s testimony before the US Senate Intelligence Committee and the cubic metres of commentary about it.

Recommended is Professor Robert Nelson’s article, in which he briefly delves into physics, the philosophy of human consciousness, evolutionary biology, mathematics, the history of religion and theology to show the reasonableness of positing the existence of “a god”. This is based on his book, God? Very Probably: Five Rational Ways to Think About The Question of a God, which sounds like an excellent read to me.

Then there’s Dylan Pahman’s intriguing argument that incompetence is inherent to democracy and – because it puts a brake on both idealism and self-interest – may even be one of democracy’s strengths. He illustrates, by the way, from Comey’s use of social media. I find it quite convincing.

It would be comforting to put psychologist Dr Jack Turban’s attack on the American College of Paediatricians – for their rejection of transgender affirmation for children -- down to professional incompetence, but it seems more malicious than that. Read Dr Michelle Cretella’s response to him and you will see why.

Note: There won’t be a newsletter from us on Monday as it is the Queen’s Birthday holiday in Australia and we are chilling out (it’s winter Down Under).

Carolyn Moynihan 
Deputy Editor, 
MERCATORNET

If you don’t like the message, you can always shoot the messenger By Michelle A. Cretella Opposing sex changes for children can get you into hot water Read the full article

 

Millennials are looking for parental guidance on love By Kat Talalas In a changing world they need more help from older generations. Read the full article

 

In Japan, even the ninjas are disappearing! By Marcus Roberts And it's not because it's part of their job description. Read the full article

 

Anti-Christian? A different reading of The Handmaid’s Tale By Josh Nadeau A closer look shows that things are not so simple in Gilead. Read the full article

 

Why God (very probably) exists By Robert H. Nelson An economist's Five Ways of thinking rationally about God. Read the full article

 

Between idealism and self-interest: the vital role of incompetence in modern democracy By Dylan Pahman Is political incompetence our fatal flaw or saving grace? Read the full article

 

Millennials and their paradoxical relationship with marriage By Brian J. Willoughby Why emerging adults love marriage but push it aside. Read the full article

 

Wonder Woman changes the face of feminism By Kristen Hoyt Women can be beautiful, feminine, and strong. Read the full article

 

Is China colonising Africa? By Mathew Otieno That’s a rather patronising, post-colonial question. Read the full article

 

Gift of life – or change of ownership? By Chiara Bertoglio A winning photograph celebrates surrogate motherhood. Read the full article

 

The global culture each child needs By Patrick F. Fagan A mother and father united in marital love. Read the full article

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