Don’t ask Mad Men. 

Is advertising morally justifiable? Philosopher Thomas Wells writes on the importance of protecting our attention over on ABC Religion & Ethics this week.

“As long as either our attention or our personal information is traded by third parties in markets that do not incorporate their value to us, they will tend to be underpriced and used in ways that are both against our wishes and detrimental to our well-being. That meets the definition of exploitation.” Read more …

Central Park evangelism

On a summer day in New York City this week, close to 60,000 people gathered to hear renowned evangelical speaker, Argentinian Rev. Luis Palau. Read about the event here. And while you’re at it, this headline caught our attention too: An evangelical revival in the heart of New York. 

No more Muhammed cartoons for Charlie Hebdo, says new editor

“We have drawn Muhammed to defend the principle that one can draw whatever they want. It is a bit strange though: we are expected to exercise a freedom of expression that no one dares to,” said Laurent Sourisseau, the new editor of Charlie Hebdo in a statement this week.

Commentator Mark Steyn says everyone is now on their knees.

“‘It may seem pompous, but I’d rather die standing than live on my knees.’ It’s not pompous, but it is lonely. And the slippery, weaselly nature of the post-bloodbath support told Charlie Hebdo it was only going to get lonelier. It’s hard standing on your feet when everyone else with the #JeSuisCharlie buttons is on their knees, bottoms in the air, prostrate before the fanatics. And so Charb’s successor has opted to live on his knees… #JeSuisCharlie? Even Charlie isn’t Charlie now.” Read more … 

Saint John’s saving grace

A wonderful story of what happened after John the apostle left Patmos and how he saved a youth who had fallen into sin. Read more …