Free Republic

Former ETS president speaks about what he takes from evangelicalism back to the Roman Catholic Church. Interview by David Neff | posted 5/09/2007 02:07PM Francis Beckwith resigned on May 5 as president of the Evangelical Theological Society. One week earlier the Baylor University philosophy professor rejoined the Roman Catholic Church, his home until age 14. He spoke with Christianity Today editor David Neff about reaction to his decision, theological misconceptions, and evangelical strengths and weaknesses.

A fight over using public money for a Catholic university is now before The Missouri Supreme Court. The case involves Saint Louis University, which wants $8 million in public money in the form of tax-increment financing for its new planned basketball arena. But opponents argue that the funding would violate church/state separation provisions in both the U.S. and Missouri constitutions. While school officials say they are not downplaying the university's Jesuit heritage, they've sparked a debate by arguing that Saint Louis University is not controlled by the Jesuits or the Catholic Church.

AUSTIN — A University of Texas professor says the Earth would be better off with 90 percent of the human population dead. “Every one of you who gets to survive has to bury nine,” Though his statements are admittedly bold, he’s not without abundant advocates. But what may set this revered biologist apart from other doomsday soothsayers is this: Humanity’s collapse is a notion he embraces. Indeed, his words deal, very literally, on a life-and-death scale, yet he smiles and jokes candidly throughout the lecture. Disseminating a message many would call morbid, Pianka’s warnings are centered upon awareness rather than...