The temptation to moralize is strong; it is emotionally satisfying to have enemies rather than problems, to seek out culprits rather than the flaws in the system.

In reality, there are no biblical literalists, only selective literalists. By abolishing slavery and ordaining women, millions of Protestants have gone far beyond biblical literalism. It's time we did the same for homophobia.

Human unity is not something we are called on to create — only something we are called on to recognize.

If your heart is full of fear, you won't seek truth; you'll seek security. If a heart is full of love, it will have a limbering effect on the mind.

It is not because we have value that we are loved, but because we are loved that we have value. Our value is a gift, not an achievement.

Only reverence can restrain violence - reverence for human life and the environment.

Diversity may be the hardest thing for a society to live with, and perhaps the most dangerous thing for a society to be without.