Ethics Classes in Australian Schools
According to the Sydney Morning Herald ethics classes will be introduced in New South Wales, Australia schools, offering an alternative to religious studies, the Premier, Nathan Rees, will announce today.  Ten primary schools will begin a trial next year of the classes as an alternative to religious education.  The programme will teach students about ”fairness”, the importance of telling the truth and about how to deal with bullying.  ”Parents have said they want their children to be fully engaged when they are at school,” Mr Rees said. “The current system, however, does not allow for educational classes for children who do not participate in s

Thanksgivings are more like Childish Pleadings
I recently saw a section in the Limerick Post’s Classified section called “Thanksgivings” which contains entries such as this one: Thanksgivings Dear Heart of Jesus in the past, I have asked for many favours. This time I ask for this special one (mention request). Take Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken Heart, where your Father sees it, then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour not mine. Amen. Say for 3 days and promise publication. Never known to fail. M.R. Viewable through the Digital edition of the Limerick Post on Page 90 –

Free to Offend
I’ve lifted this from The Ecomomist whole because it offers a great defence of free speech.  The only thing missing is a reference to our own blasphemy law.  JASON KUZNICKI at the Cato Institute offers a valiant defence of free speech against those who insist on a “right” not to be offended by what other people say.  He observes that challenges to free speech….. have lately arisen from the right, from the left, from Muslim perspectives and even in the name of protecting children online. These challenges seem to share an underlying concern, namely that we

Where does Morality Come From?
So you think you’re going to be in a tough debate – it’s like taking candy from a baby!

Is the Catholic Church a Force for Good in the World?
This is the recent Intelligence Squared Debate which featured Christopher Hitchens and Stephen Fry arguing against the motion and Archbishop John Onaiyekan and Anne Widdencombe MP arguing for.