How did religion ever get started in the first place? We talked to renowned sociologist Robert Bellah shortly before he died. He said religion isn't about belief in God. Its origins go back to the rituals of our ancient ancestors, and ultimately to play.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
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Lee Ernst has played John Barrymore several times in a play about the actor by William Luce.
The French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, was presented with a Freedom on Expression award from the PEN American Center this week. Six high-profile writers boycotted the awards ceremony at PEN's big annual gala. Hundreds more protested, while others gave the magazine's editors a standing ovation. The chariman of the PEN World Voices Festival is Colm Toibin, the celebrated Irish novelist. Toibin shares his thoughs on the controversy.
Environmentalist Bill McKibben believes it's time for a new environmental paradigm: small and local.
If you think the American middle class has it bad, consider life in debt-ridden Italy or Greece. Best-selling financial writer Michael Lewis portrays the downfall of several European countries with his usual verve, in Boomerang: Travels in the New Third World.
When he was a young professor, philosopher Mark Rowlands adopted a wolf named Brenin, who turned into his constant companion. He reflects on the life lessons he learned from Brenin.
Millard Kaufman has a long string of successes, including two Oscar nominations as a screen writer. He tells Jim Fleming why he decided to take on a new kind of writing.
British composer John Tavener tells Steve Paulson that he merely records the music that God created, and that he scorns music like Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony which celebrates humanity rather than the Divine.
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