COMMENTARY

Religion is 'blind faith;' Anyone could have written Bible storybook

In my last column ("Scientology's wild claims no stranger than those of major religions," SN 6/28), I argued that Scientology doctrine, although undeniably nutty, isn't any more fanciful or unfounded than mainstream religious beliefs. One response published in The State News countered my point with the assertion that Christianity is different; it doesn't rely on faith alone but on "reasoned faith" ("Faith needs reason, not blind beliefs," SN 7/5). Let's examine that. Dictionary.com defines "reasoned" as meaning, "to determine or conclude by logical thinking." In contrast, "faith" is "belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence." Reasoned faith is a contradiction. Certainly, reason is absent with regard to the unsubstantiated belief in the virgin birth, the trinity and transubstantiation.

COMMENTARY

Campus radio station should diversify its daytime music rotation

The clanging and clattering of wrenches, the sounds of foul-mouthed bantering and a radio blasting out tunes from a classic rock station - ah, the noises of a bicycle shop in a college town. Since high school I've worked in a couple of shops in the Lansing area, and one thing they have in common is a disposition toward classic rock.

COMMENTARY

Writers must protect sources; recent arrests 'scary' for journalists

"If the judge would permit it, I would go serve some of her jail time because I think the principle is that important, and it should be underscored." These were the words of renowned journalist Bob Woodward when he spoke on "Larry King Live" on July 11.

COMMENTARY

Michigan's natural resources should be enjoyed by all citizens

Two weeks ago, during the Fourth of July weekend, my roommates and I had planned to go camping. The only problem, it seemed, was we couldn't find a vacant campground within a 200-mile radius of East Lansing on a week's notice. Well, I guess we should've seen that coming.

COMMENTARY

Lobbyists should be held accountable

Recently, I was made aware of some interesting news pertaining to some unethical practices of many of the most elite lobbyists in Washington.

COMMENTARY

United States could suffer same ill fate as previous world empires

During the past few months I have wondered about how we as Americans are destined to be portrayed in the distant future.

COMMENTARY

Student witnesses aftermath of recent London terrorist attacks

Less than 24 hours after the confetti had been thrown into the air and the cheers could no longer be heard at Trafalgar Square, the mood of London changed. I am staying in central London as an MSU student on study abroad, and I witnessed two international breaking news days back-to-back. First, my study abroad experience will be marked with the excitement of July 6 when London narrowly beat Paris to become the host of the 2012 Olympic Games. The following day, London's beaming smile abruptly disappeared after the worst terrorist attacks in Britain's history jabbed the nation in the mouth. I was able to see firsthand the excitement that the announcement of London winning the games' bid brought to the city.

COMMENTARY

Republican response to Granholm's budget irresponsible, troubling

In February, Gov. Jennifer Granholm introduced her budget proposal. Because the Michigan economy continues to struggle, the governor called for cuts, efficiencies, closing corporate tax loopholes and leveraging maximum available federal matching funds.

COMMENTARY

Outsourcing, globalization is a 'one-way street' out of America

The phone rings, so I walk over and pick it up, figuring the odds are about 50-50 that the call is from a telemarketer. "Hello, this is Peter Parker," says the man's voice on the other line in a heavy Indian accent.

COMMENTARY

News channels are for important stories, not mindless drivel

There's been a lot of talk the last few years about the political bias of the media. CNN is touted as being the "Clinton News Network" by some, and Fox is famous for leaning the other way.

COMMENTARY

Scientology's wild claims no stranger than those of major religions

I was in Germany a few weeks ago, channel surfing in a hotel room, recovering from a tiring travel day.

COMMENTARY

Flag burning offensive, but making it illegal could easily backfire

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a constitutional amendment June 22 that would "prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States." Eight representatives from Michigan voted for the amendment, including Mike Rogers, who represents East Lansing.

COMMENTARY

High school too severe in 'vandalism' punishment for LBGT allies

Seniors throughout the state have been proudly celebrating the culmination of 12 years of school completed.

COMMENTARY

Advertisements insult intelligence, are one more downfall of TV

My roommate got rid of his television a few months ago (it was the only television in the house), and we canceled our cable subscription.

COMMENTARY

Medical-marijuana ruling shows greed, corruption of illogical gov't

After hearing the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to have federal law supersede state laws regarding medical marijuana, I couldn't help but jump for joy.

COMMENTARY

Technology serves place in today's society, often at artistic cost

My next car will have a notebook set into the dash, and I'll tie a pen to my wrist every morning.

COMMENTARY

'Deep Throat' revelation proves White House scandals possible

Recently, many of us in "Generation X" have had a brief and interesting history lesson into a subject that we have heard lots about, but know very little of.

COMMENTARY

Medical society protects own wallets, not patients' interests

So I was pondering over column topics on a hot, muggy night not long ago. The budget resolution going through the Michigan legislature seemed like an appropriate topic, but a little boring.

COMMENTARY

Case-by-case basis needed for evaluation; honesty should be valued

People can be pretty good at sweeping their personal problems under the rug. Is your woman or man seeing somebody else?

COMMENTARY

ACLU invites those affected by April 2-3 disturbance to share stories

Most of us learned, at some point in our education, that the Bill of Rights exists as a personal guarantee of freedoms against the government.