Issues, ethics, memory
By Dennis Gruending The American sociologist and professor of religious studies, Mark Juergensmeyer is known and respected for his investigations into global religion. His latest contribution is a book called Global Rebellion: Religious Challenges to the Secular State, from Christian Militias to al Queda. Juergensmeyer believes that the contemporary world is experiencing what he calls... Continue Reading →
By Dennis Gruending My Pulpit and Politics blog placed second in the Politics category of the 2010 Canadian Blog Awards. Winners are based entirely on the number of votes they receive from readers, so thanks to everyone who took the time to cast a ballot. You can find the list of winners in all categories... Continue Reading →
My Pulpit and Politics blog remains in the running for a 2010 Canadian Blog Award in the Politics category. All ballots in this second and final round of voting must be cast by 12 Noon on Tuesday, October 26th. If you enjoy reading Pulpit and Politics I would ask you to please vote for it.... Continue Reading →
The competition for Canadian Blog Awards is on for 2010 and Pulpit and Politics is one of 16 blogs to be nominated in the Politics category. This is a good-natured affair and there is no monetary prize -- just some recognition among other bloggers and an opportunity to introduce readers to a growing number of... Continue Reading →
By Dennis Gruending I return to Saskatchewan every summer to visit friends and relatives and usually I drop in at St. Peter's Abbey near Humboldt. I attended boarding school there in the 1960s and I retain a respect and fondness for the Benedictine monks. I spent several hours on my 2008 visit with Father Andrew... Continue Reading →
By Dennis Gruending Gideon Levy was once an army recruit and an aide to former Prime Minister Shimon Peres but he is now a veteran journalist who writes for Haaretz, Israeli's oldest daily newspaper. He said that he feels compelled to tell his fellow Israelis a story they don't like to hear about their country's... Continue Reading →
By Dennis Gruending The House of Commons is poised to vote on the fate of the long gun registry. The Conservatives would scrap the registry and destroy all of its records but most other MPs want to keep it. The showdown in coming and the vote will be close. The Conservatives have orchestrated this issue... Continue Reading →
Writing clearly & concisely People often don’t think clearly about what they want to say. Lazy thinking produces fuzzy writing. English novelist and journalist George Orwell provided six rules for clear and concise writing that can improve your letters, articles, leaflets, speeches, and news releases. The points below are adapted from Orwell’s essay, Politics and... Continue Reading →
Meeting others is something that we all know how to do. But in public life you meet hundreds of people, often in groups or in crowded rooms. The secret is to establish a personal link with each person, even in the briefest of encounters. Your handshake should be brief and firm, but the grip should... Continue Reading →
Taking media calls Reporters may call for your reaction to comments or events. At times these may be cold calls, asking you to respond to something that you have not heard about. The stakes can be high, so be sure to negotiate the interview. You can respond immediately (if you feel prepared), or promise to... Continue Reading →
Pulpit and Politics 