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Previous Posts
UNDEFEATED is an Uncommon Film: Share Your Story For a Chance to Win a $500 Giftcard to Sports Authority
UNDEFEATED, the new documentary from the Weinstein Company (opening in limited release this Friday), is the real deal. It's one of those perfect, real life underdog sports stories that are only captured on film once in a long while (ala Hoop Dreams). It follows the hopes and dreams of the Manassas
posted 12:35:58am Feb. 13, 2012 |
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Exclusive Interview with Rachel McAdams & Channing Tatum, Stars of "The Vow", on Relationships
I had the chance to sit down the other weekend with Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum and talk about their new film (opening this weekend, Friday, February 10th ) called "The Vow."
Now, just so you know, I am NOT the target demo for romance films. Maybe, MAYBE, once in a blue moon I'll enjoy the
posted 2:57:16pm Feb. 08, 2012 |
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Is Your Dad the Greatest Dad of All Time?
Dad's are awesome! (although, being one myself, I am a bit biased) And if you think your Dad is awesome - no, if you think your Dad is the GREATEST DAD OF ALL TIME!!!! - then we want to hear about it! Just leave a comment below using a valid email address and tell us in as much detail as you want wh
posted 2:19:28pm Dec. 30, 2011 |
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Show Review: Reaching Generations with Switchfoot
Switchfoot performing on the Tonight Show
Switchfoot’s debut album Legend of Chin came out in 1997, it was a fun, anthemic rock album that stretched the boundaries of Christian rock. Fourteen years later, the band is still bringing it. Seeing Switchfoot live at the National in Richmond, VA
posted 3:12:06pm Dec. 06, 2011 |
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Mitch Albom's 'Have a Little Faith' Inspires
Mitch Albom is world famous for his moving and inspirational books. “Tuesday’s With Morrie,” “The Five People You Meet in Heaven,” and “For One More Day” have all spent months upon months on the New York Times bestseller list. His latest book, “Have a Little Faith,” has just been a
posted 2:51:06pm Nov. 22, 2011 |
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posted January 17, 2008 at 12:44 pm
As a former Scientologist (I was ordained there in the 70s), I just want to make a comment about Oppenheimer’s article. Small one: SP is suppressive person, not suppressive personality. Larger one: Oppenheimer says that fundamentalists are one part of Scientology, just like other religions. That may be true, but LRH was very much a fundamentalist, so the anology to other religions fall short. If fundamentalists are characterized by strict adherence to the principles of the religion, then fundamentalism is the goal of Scientology. Deviations (“Squirreling” in Scientology speak) or dilletantism (a derogatory term in Scientology)are dealt with harshly. There may be casual members of the church, but the church has an aggressive attitude to such members and they are regularly pressured to “s–t or get off the pot”. No other mainstream religion is like that.
People like me that have left are not looked on kindly either, so I’m glad you don’t post our email addresses here.
posted January 17, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Isn’t fundamentalism, as per the definition James gives above (haven’t read the article), the goal of all religions? What religion demands casual followers? While Scientology may seemingly deal with deviations harshly, it must be kept in mind that it’s a fairly new religion with a relatively small group of followers. Christianity and Judaism, for instance, have so many denominations and so many followers that ferreting out “casual” believers would be near impossible. Look back to these early days of these religions, and you’ll find the same sort of “aggressive attitude” that James attributes to Scientology.
posted January 17, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Very cool article by Oppenheimer!
To April’s query about a religion who doesn’t demand much of anything from its followers…I’d cast my vote for Unitarian Universalists.