Stories

An Iowa insurance company founded in 1958 has been reprimanded by the U.S. Department of Justice for offering faith-based homeowner and renter insurance policies, but continues to offer similar benefits on the basis of religion through its auto insurance program.

I spent some time today checking up on the Web sites of Iowa political groups to see whether anything has changed, and I came upon something I hadn’t noticed before.

After a wave of complaints, Des Moines Area Regional Transit buses will no longer display advertisements that acknowledge the existence of atheists in Iowa.

Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals affirms lower Iowa court decision that Wiccan prisoners were treated fairly
Three Iowa inmates, convinced that they were not allowed enough time for proper religious ceremony, have lost their claim on appeal. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, in a decision released today, affirmed the 2006 ruling of U.S. Magistrate Judge [...]

Since U.S. Magistrate Judge Jon Scoles handed down his decision that Sholom Rubashkin, former Agriprocessors chief executive, should remain in federal custody pending a hearing on various criminal charges, the Jewish community throughout the nation has openly questioned if at least a portion of the judge’s argument amounted to discrimination.
On Monday night, the final night [...]

How can evangelicals support a woman for president at the same time they worry about women as pastors? By reading the Bible very selectively.

No matter which side of the national debate you’re on, this weekend will be a big one in Postville.

The scene at St. Bridget’s Church in Postville isn’t so much different from what might be found at any facility where people in need gather for help. Children build forts out of rocks from the flower beds in front, knock them down, laugh and build again. Young adults chat on cell phones while waiting. Adults, [...]

Small plumes of smoke from newly extinguished candles rose in the sanctuary of Immaculate Conception Parish in downtown Cedar Rapids as a young Hispanic man, Sergao, explained why it was important for him to come to the church and pray for all affected by the recent immigration raids in Postville.
“It was important to pray for [...]

Theologians will gather in Iowa City this week to discuss — what else? God. In particular g(G)od’s existence or non-existence. Of course there’s more, including the infamous “death of God” theologian, below the fold…