Archive for November, 2007
Cooking AIDS Data
Wednesday, November 21st, 2007The news that U.N. estimates of AIDS-affected persons have been grossly over-stated is dangerous because it calls into question other assessments and puts at risk continuing support to curb the disease. Those who face exposure to diseases, especially the diseases of poverty, can easily be harmed by skepticism that results in less funding for vaccinations, [...]
Eradicate Malaria
Monday, November 12th, 2007Eradicating malaria remains a topic of discussion. Specifically, is it possible? The Houston Chronicle this morning raised the possibility as it notes the efforts of Exxon and The United Methodist Church to provide bednets to children in malarial regions of the world through Nothing But Nets. The Chronicle makes an interesting point: the region that [...]
Empowered Individualism and God
Saturday, November 10th, 2007We live in the time of empowered individuals. Commercial messages in the U.S. reinforce the idea that individual fulfillment is the defining feature of both our culture and existence. This hyper-individualism creates expectations and desires that are very difficult to fulfill and that evaporate like mist on a lake when the sun rises because it’s [...]
Doing Good, Living Radically
Friday, November 2nd, 2007(I’m writing on three phrases that are called General Rules in the Methodist movement. These three are known historically as “marks” of a Methodist. My reflections arise from conversations I’ve had recently with folks who are facing challenges attempting to do good.)
No good deed goes unpunished. That axiom is more true than I want to [...]