Topic: Mother Teresa

Obama and the contraception mandate

The Obama administration plans to exempt only certain types of religious institutions from the health-care law's mandate for coverage of birth control. But in doing so, it redefines religion, which not only steps on a basic liberty but a basic understanding of religion's role in society.

When 'nice' is annoying

In striking up casual conversations, he unwittingly exasperates.

'Three Cups of Tea' a fraud? Judge dismisses lawsuit against Greg Mortenson.

A federal judge on Monday threw out a lawsuit by readers seeking damages from 'Three Cups of Tea' author Greg Mortenson. Parts of the nonfiction book are alleged to be fabrications.

Dalai Lama wins Templeton Prize as more than 'simple Buddhist monk'

The Dalai Lama has won the Templeton Prize for exceptional contributions to affirming life’s spiritual dimension by spreading his message of compassion worldwide.

Keep Tim Tebow? Why this Broncos fan doesn't want Peyton Manning.

Tim Tebow is surely gone now that Peyton Manning is a member of the Denver Broncos. But not all Bronco Nation is sold on trading Tim Tebow.  

Planting peace

A Christian Science perspective.

Five reasons to serve others

When you serve, you discover that often the most important things you have to offer are not things at all, says the founder of Servicespace.org

3 new novels for a new year

Three new novels to check out in 2012

Christopher Hitchens: 'God is not great' - but bookmobiles are

Author and staunch atheist Christopher Hitchens died yesterday, Vanity Fair reported. How did the man who could write on everything begin his life of learning? The bookmobile – a vital entity now in danger of becoming obsolete. Hitchens' mind was a testament to their ongoing necessity.

Christopher Hitchens was militant pundit and humanist

He was a most engaged, prolific and public intellectual who wrote numerous books, was a frequent television commentator and a contributor to Vanity Fair, Slate and other publications. He became a popular author in 2007 thanks to 'God is Not Great,' a manifesto for atheists.

3 stand-out 2011 novels by award-winning writers

Three new works by three award-winning writers look at love, regret, and memory in this month's fiction roundup.

Strauss-Kahn rape case dropped: A 'bad message' to vulnerable women?

The abrupt end to the Dominique Strauss-Kahn sexual assault case caused consternation among groups that say it sets too high a bar for some women to come forward.

An Unquenchable Thirst: Following Mother Teresa in Search of Love, Service, and an Authentic Life

A former nun, after 20 years of work with Mother Teresa, takes an unflinching look at her own experience and desires.

Pinkwashing: Another gay Middle Easterner who isn't on the level?

Move over Thomas McMaster. You've got competition from 'Marc,' who claims he's an LGBT activist jilted by the Gaza flotilla.

CSI meets Law & Order: Supreme Court rules lab techs must testify in court

The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the practice of permitting substitutes to testify about forensic evidence violates defendants’ constitutional rights to confront their accusers.

How M.F. Husain, the 'Picasso of India,' tested free expression

M.F. Husain went into self-imposed exile after threats by Hindus offended by his work. The modernist painter's work prompted hundreds of lawsuits.

Commencement 2011: what 10 eminent speakers told graduates

Here are the Monitor's hand-picked highlights from the 2011 commencement season.

How Rahm Emanuel might reinvent Chicago politics

He takes over a city that will test his legendary toughness and may become a laboratory for addressing the problems that plague urban areas in hard times.

Templeton Prize surprises Cambridge astrophysicist Martin Rees

Astrophysicist Martin Rees, a man of 'no religious beliefs,' was awarded the Templeton Prize for helping humanity address 'fundamental questions of our nature and existence.'

Marc Gold travels Asia paying it forward through little acts of kindness

'Shoestring philanthropist' Gold pairs tiny but powerful donations with acts of kindness

Once a high-tech exec, he now shares his passion for reading in Asia and Africa.

John Wood has turned his love of books, reading, and education into more than 10,000 libraries through 'Room to Read.'

CIA paying numerous Afghan officials, report says

Mohammed Zia Salehi, one of President Hamid Karzai’s senior national security advisers, is reportedly one of numerous Afghan officials on the CIA's payroll.

How Mother Teresa's work spurred growth of 'voluntourism'

Mother Teresa's Nobel Prize winning mission in India has prompted many people to work short missions and 'voluntourism' into their lives.

Italy's Silvio Berlusconi changes his party's tune – literally

Italy Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi changed the anthem of his political party, which sang his individual praises, in an effort to make himself appear more of a team player and uniter.

At Nobel prize ceremony, Michelle Obama keeps her husband in line