A survey shows that independent school graduates are much more likely to work for the common good. How can that be bad?
By Doug Sikkema and Dr. Beth Green Cardus More than six per cent of children in Ontario are enrolled in independent (non-public) schools. In the 1960s, such independent school enrolments made up a mere 1.8 per cent of the student population. Six per cent might not seem like much, but the long-term trend in Ontario…
Religious and faith communities are among the most racially and ethnically diverse parts of Canadian society
Depending on political preference, most Canadians would likely agree that diversity is our strength or is a product of our strength. Regardless of the preferred permutation, those views recognize diversity as a central feature of Canadian society. That’s all well and good, but what does that commitment to diversity really mean? A quick scan of…
Canada's universities once proudly proclaimed links to faith. But their mottos and intentions have been dangerously watered down
When I was a younger man, back when Lester Pearson was prime minister and Pluto was still a planet, I attended the University of Saskatchewan. It had a very simple coat of arms: three wheat sheaves and an open book whose pages displayed the motto “Deo et Patriae” – “For God and Country.” Years later,…
The Supreme Court's TWU decision shows once again that when it comes to Canadian courts, sexual rights trump religious ones
Two thousand years ago, two small religious groups fought against the prevailing sexual morality of the Roman Empire. Unlike their neighbours, who were permitted to abuse their wives, have sex with their slaves, keep concubines, patronize brothels, attend orgies and leave their unwanted babies out in the open to die, Jews and Christians behaved differently.…
Prince Charles hardly seems a fitting successor to the crown. But the monarchy has faced worse over the centuries and still serves us well
The recent marriage of Prince Harry to an American divorcée and the declining vigour of our sovereign majesty Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God Queen of this Realm and of Her Other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, has led some to wonder whether our ancient monarchy (in business…
Personalism embraces the goodness in every one of us. It encourages us to become our best selves, and it requires love and respect for everyone
It’s fascinating how certain ideas can unite all people, yet we can be so unaware of their presence. According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, “Personalism posits ultimate reality and value in personhood – human as well as (at least for most personalists) divine. It emphasizes the significance, uniqueness and inviolability of the person, as…
The Supreme Court decision reeks of judicial activism and defies liberty and freedom
The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled 7-2 against Trinity Western University’s proposed new law school. The majority opinion believed it was “proportionate and reasonable” for TWU to limit religious rights and values, so that potential LGBT students could have open access to study law on the campus. With all due respect to the highest…
By living lives of integrity, by doing our best despite our imperfections, we find a way to move forward
When saying goodbye to people, I’ll often add: “And remember, no matter where you go, there you are.” While I’ve always been aware this phrase was giving people something significant to ponder, I didn’t know its history. It’s actually attributed to Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher. In 1994, Jon Kabat-Zinn expanded on this idea in…
The Trinity Western University case represents one of the most important religious freedom decisions of the past 20 years
On Friday, the Supreme Court of Canada will release its ruling in the Trinity Western University case. Until the judgment is made public, of course, no one knows which way the court might swing. For all who’ve tracked the dispute’s progress through the legal process, however, it stands to be among the most important religious…
We should be more willing to sit with the mystery of the puzzle in order to discover the unknown
Spring may have sprung but most of my yard is still hidden under inches of snow. This year's Easter egg hunt will have to be indoors. For three generations, our yard has been the site of an annual hunt. One hunt, however, stands out more vividly than the rest. Our daughter was about four, the only…