God and Caesar

There is a lawyer in Alabama who has sparked a tax protest based on the fact that her state has the smallest amount level of tax-free income. Families of four with as little as $4,600 of income are subject to tax. What makes Susan Pace Hamill's case interesting is that she voiced her concerns on theological grounds in a law review article. Her article has evidently created a whirlwind of activity among evangelicals and politicians, and especially among evangelical politicians. She makes a "least of these" argument involving how to rightly care for the poor. God and Taxes -- it is a relationship that we've trying to figure out for 2,000 years now. Hamill's argument is a step in that direction.

Neurotheology

It is a subject written about in John Horgan's book "Rational Mysticism." It is an interesting book in that it explores the intersections of science and spirituality. One of the topics covered is the study of brain chemistry as it relates to spiritual experience. Much of the book veers off into pseudo-science and faux spirituality, but the study of brain chemistry seemed like pretty hard science. Keep your ears open for this topic in the near future, as it may make claims that are insightful, or troubling, or fascinating. It is too early to tell.