Anthropology

"The notion that we are all self-aware software trapped inside computer-generated virtual reality first gained academic credibility in a 2003 paper published by Oxford philosopher and futurist Nick Bostrom. . . . One of the appeals of simulation theory, [Rothman] thinks, is that it 'gives atheists a way to talk about spirituality,' or something like it. It offers 'a source of awe.'" - Breakpoint

"Washington, Colorado and Oregon are now among the US states that have legalized the process of converting bodies into soil, a procedure the Catholic Church said fails to show 'respect for the body of the deceased.'" - RNS

"The Christian answer to the question “What does it mean to be human?” is different from the answer you get from atheistic naturalism, or from Eastern pantheism, or from the postmodern philosophy currently characterizing life here in the West." - Breakpoint

"Even atheists like Friedrich Nietzsche or the modern-day philosopher Luc Ferry, have acknowledged that our ideas about human dignity, human equality and human value were not present across cultures and civilizations, but were introduced to the world in Christianity. Why? Because of its core belief that humans were made in the image and likeness of God." - Breakpoint

"It’s the age of awkward elbows. Growth spurts. Acne. Body-image distortions. Hushed whispers at the lockers you’re convinced are about you....But today’s young people face a new challenge on top of all the regular stuff: the ubiquity of transgender ideology." - TGC

"As for the theme of this issue, we decided to focus loosely on the topic of human embodiment, paying significance and honor to the role of the body in our reflection on life and discipleship." - CBMW

"How the church can have a better conversation about the falling fertility rate and society’s changing expectations for mothers." - C.Today

"The Rev. Megan Rohrer was elected bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Sierra Pacific synod on Saturday (May 8), becoming the first transgender person to serve as bishop in the denomination or in any of the U.S.’ major Christian faiths." - RNS