At the last minute during their convention, the Democratic Party added the name of God back into its platform. At the Republican Party convention, Republicans invoked the name of God 12 times. Since platforms and conventions are now more about symbolism than substance in our political culture, is this contrast between the political parties important? Actually, no. But there is a much larger issue at stake here. In so many ways, faith in the state and its benevolence is replacing faith in God. In some ways, this is the most important issue facing our culture today. Let me explain.

Many scientists begin their thinking with the proposition that there is a God; others do not. For example, physicists and others who practice science have been looking for a ?Theory of Everything,? a theory that explains everything in the universe. That was the passion of Newton in the 17th century, Einstein in the 20th, and currently Brian Greene in the 21st century. Greene?s contribution is the ?string theory,? postulated in his important book, The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory. He posits that the universe consists of a complicated combination of vibrating strands or strings. The language of his book resonates with the language of awe, majesty and near worship. But he leaves out God.

On Issues in Perspective over the last decade or so, I have argued that American culture is now Postmodern in its orientation and worldview. Among other things, Postmodernism means that truth is defined personally, as what works for you. There are no universal truths and the test of ?truth? is a pragmatic one?does it work, and does it work for me. The end result of this insanity is that as a culture, both individually and collectively, we really do not believe in anything. Personal autonomy trumps all other standards and beliefs. Two recent developments highlight this thesis.

What was once unthinkable becomes debatable and gradually becomes acceptable. That process is now active in America producing a culture of accommodation to ideas and practices hostile to the ethical absolutes rooted deeply in Scripture. There is no more perfect example of this culture of accommodation than same-sex marriage.

Since the administration of Dwight D. Eisenhower, both Republicans and Democrats have accepted the basic model of the New Deal Welfare State. Many Republicans under Eisenhower sought to unravel the welfare state programs begun during the New Deal, especially Social Security, but Eisenhower made the decision to keep the basic model of a moderate welfare state. Under President George W. Bush, the Republicans continued to basically support the moderate welfare state, especially with his addition of the prescription drug program to Medicare as a benefit.

?Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king?s horses and all the king?s men
Could not put Humpty Dumpty together again.?

Although the origin of this nursery rhyme is much disputed?the point for us is well taken: Once something is broken, it is most difficult/nearly impossible to fix or restore.

Once again, the pernicious issue of gambling is raising its ugly head in the state of Nebraska, the state in which I live. It is important to refresh our collective memories on the nature of gambling and its indisputable effects on culture and society.

The mixing of political and religious ideas is central to understanding Judaism and the modern state of Israel. Thomas Friedman, in his book From Beirut to Jerusalem, argues that there are four distinct groups of Jews within modern Israel (and the world).

Every 3 years, the OECD conducts exams as part of the Program for International Student Assessment, which tests 15-year olds in the world?s leading industrialized nations on their reading comprehension and ability to use what they have learned in math and science.

With the death of Apple founder and CEO, Steve Jobs, and the subsequent release of the biography of Jobs by Walter Isaacson, we have gained a new insight into the mind and heart of this remarkable man.