The Case for Idol Worship

Creation Math Toward the beginning of "How Plants Count," we read: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144 ... This list is the somewhat famous and definitely mysterious Fibonacci Series. If mathematics is indeed the language of the universe, this sequence of numbers can be thought of as a primary reader akin to the Dick and Jane books of old. The author then goes on to show how those numbers keep showing up all over creation. I found it amazing, which is not in itself amazing, since this is the sort of thing The Behemoth publishes all the time.

A Radical Mostly for God Here is a generous eulogy for Daniel Berrigan. It begins: When Daniel Berrigan died recently at the age of 94, obituaries throughout the world described the legendary Jesuit as a defiant pacifist, who will be remembered most for his political protests, legal trials, and time in prison. But there was also a more contemplative side—one that reveals his profound spirituality, love for the sacraments and Holy Scripture, and focus on eternal life. This appeared in First Things, a conservative Catholic journal hardly sympathetic to Berrigan's politics. But fortunately the author looked past politics to help us see what really drove him. And what really drove him should drive all who love Jesus, it seems to me.

Stalin's Brutal Inner Circle How can you not continue to read a book review that begins: "Team" is not the definition I would use for a group of 40 to 50 people (almost entirely men) who, at their captain's bidding, colluded in murdering over half their fellow members; nor does "team" fit men selected more for their incompetence than their ability as leaders, administrators, or planners. In her introduction to this superbly researched, intelligent book, Sheila Fitzpatrick concedes this, inviting readers to substitute the word "gang" if they prefer. Even "gang" is too bland for these "scorpions in a jar," as observers of the infighting put it. Perhaps "henchmen" is the word.

The Case for Idol Worship I just ran across this older piece by CT columnist Andrew Wilson and found it a spot-on satire on how some theology is being done these days. Anyone who has been in the mainline has heard this line of reasoning, not about idolatry, but certainly to advocate other theological innovations.

Grace and peace,

Mark Galli Editor, Christianity Today