I'm an immigrant and I've always wanted to write something about America.

I think I am very mainstream - I'm committed to good works in my life.

I've always shied away from conventional wisdom, though I know the power of it.

I am sensitive to the value of faith and religion and spirituality in people's lives because I'm a journalist.

Scholars will argue with each other about everything.

I think you can be cynical about religion on occasion, and certainly skeptical about the degree to which some people use religion to manipulate other people.

There's no such thing as an independent person.