Articles written by Roger Prather

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About me - Roger Prather

Roger is a lifelong writer - compelled to write, whether he wants to or not. He currently holds down a day job in the Massachusetts criminal justice system. When he isn't contributing to public safety, he ponders the problems of history and spirituality. On

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Politics, News & Issues > Politics, News & Issues (Other) English is the official language of the USA: 1 of 17
In the 1600s, boats full of Englishmen began arriving on the continent of North America. For some, coming to North America was a religious pursuit. For others, the journey was driven by profit. In any case, during the following century, the eastern seaboard of North America became a center of commerce and culture. A new, uniq... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Energy Issues Is conservation or increased domestic production the key to reducing foreign oil dependence?: 1 of 11
Oil, its supply, demand, and price, has the uncanny ability to make markets rise and fall very quickly and very drastically. The economies of entire nations depend upon a ready, affordable supply of oil. Without oil machinery doesn't operate, employees don't drive to work; in short, the energy is sucked out of the economy - l... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Religion & Spirituality (Other) Should one's faith influence a citizen's vote?: 35 of 308
Thomas Jefferson, in an 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptist Association, referred to the First Amendment as having "[built] a wall of separation between church and state." This constitutional doctrine is one of the bedrocks of American freedom. However, for many secular-minded voters, it is a common misconception that this ame... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Religion & Spirituality (Other) Can God and Darwinism coexist?: 22 of 115
In a 1997 article, the paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould proposed the principle of Nonoverlapping Magisteria as an answer to the question of "Can God and Darwinism coexist?" Dr. Gould's principle, known as NOMA, is a legitimate and worthwhile way of viewing the interaction between theology and science. In short, God and Darwin... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Republican Leaders Non-religious founding of the US: Exposing America's Christian foundation myth: 3 of 15
Any claim that the United States was founded as a Christian nation is baseless and false. Proponents of this view rely on anecdote and inference to support their claim, but to no effect. Anecdote and inference have no bearing on the legal and social origins of the U.S. This fact is clearly demonstrated by examining the Declar... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Politics, News & Issues (Other) Should the federal government give assistance to American auto makers?: 4 of 17
About three miles from my in-law's house, someone has a Chevy Suburban in their driveway with a "For Sale" sign on it. No doubt, the owner of that Suburban had serious second thoughts when gasoline hovered around $4.00 per gallon for months. The Suburban has been sitting in that driveway for about a year now. Apparently, the ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Party Politics & Ideology Are we witnessing the death of the GOP?: 1 of 4
Some ideologues have suggested that the electoral landslide victory of Barack Obama is just another nail in the coffin of the Republican Party. However, popular vote tallies from the 2008 election indicate otherwise. Forty-six percent of American voters cast ballots for John McCain - hardly indicative of a dying GOP. However,... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Justice System Is the death penalty just or unjust?: 21 of 46
The existence and use of the death penalty in the United States is one of the most controversial issues facing voters and political leaders. Throughout the country, there are influential groups on both sides of the issue, each with compelling arguments. Because there are so many in America arguing both for and against, it is ... More..
Arts & Humanities > Philosophical Concepts Is truth absolute or conditional?: 17 of 29
In everyday English vernacular, the concept of truth is equated with honesty. In other words, something is either true or false. Either you cheated on your spouse or you didn't. Either you stole the candy bar or you didn't. You either came to work on time or you didn't. With this construct, it is easy to believe that truth is... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Bible Study Is the Bible outdated and irrelevant?: 61 of 95
What do William Shakespeare, Barack Obama, and 83% of Americans have in common? The answer is the Bible. When one considers these associations, it is easy to understand why the Bible is not outdated nor irrelevant.William Shakespeare is considered by many, scholar and layman alike, to be the most important writer in the Engli... More..