On humanism

I think this quote's amazing. Do we too often stamp science and pathology on human realities that belong to the realm of mystery? This is said by the narrator after a character explains that someone is "really not ready" to love her.

What was it about this unlovable century that convinced us we were, despite everything, eminently lovable as a people, as a species? What made us think that anyone who fails to love us is damaged, lacking, malfunctioning in some way? And particularly if they replace us with a god, or a weeping madonna, or the face of Christ in a ciabatta roll--then we call them crazy. Deluded. Regressive. We are so convinced of the goodness of ourselves, and the goodness of our love, we cannot bear to believe that there might be something more worthy of love than us, more worthy of worship.

--Zadie Smith, in White Teeth

Dinosauresis

"Until recently, I was unaware that the biblical world was full of dinosaurs." This cracked me up. Not least because the Nativity scene in my house growing up did, in fact, include dinosaurs--two squeaky toys contributed by my brother. They sat on the stable roof.

I'll be honest: part of me is dying for a quasi-ironic road trip to the Creation Museum. Though I find that right in my own backyard, the Field Museum's rolling out an evolution exhibit understood to be "in response" to growing creationist fervor.

(Oh NO you did not just brought the Creation Museum! Oh yeah we DID just brought the Creation Museum, unbelievers! Oh yeah well watch us while WE bring the evolution exhibit, fundies! [Slaps. Hair-pulling. Quiet sobs.])

Cynicism, cynicism, nuance

Or is it just me?



Fine, the candidates didn't select these pull quotes--and Edwards, in particular, showed more depth of thought in his full quotes here than the lede would suggest. How utterly cool that Sojourners sponsored a forum to ask the Democratic candidates about their faith. It's great to see liberals making faith an issue with other liberals--it distorts reality when Democrats treat their beliefs as something to be trotted out only in front of Republicans.

Edwards was asked to name the biggest sin he ever committed, and couldn't pick just one. Fascinating to picture him coming up with a specific answer, isn't it? How would you answer that question?