Veritas Riff

The rise of massively open online courses (MOOCs) is beginning to disrupt the world of higher education. What does this mean for the formation of Christian faith in that world? MIT professor and scientist Troy Van Voorhis tackles this question.

The latest discoveries in physics could revolutionize computing... and how our society engages with the mysteries of the quantum world.

Closing the education gap can't be done by government policy alone. Parents from more privileged backgrounds can choose to play a critical role.

Whoever wins the Presidential election this fall will be reasonably qualified for the job. The same won't be true of hundreds of his appointments. Vanderbilt University's David Lewis explains how political payback in the appointment process leads to poor government performance. (May 2012)

New laws and policies won't be enough to tackle the health care crisis. Dr. Ray Barfield of Duke University explains why addressing American spiritual beliefs about the end of life is a missing piece. (March, 2012)

A majority of polled Americans believe that a commitment to science conflicts with a commitment to religion. Oxford physicist Ard Louis seeks to change their minds. (Feb. 2012)

We live in the beginning stages of a medical revolution. But will we like where it takes us? With Joshua Swamidass.

Christians often ask, "Is homosexuality a sin?" The better questions are, "What is homosexuality?" and "What is heterosexuality?" and "Where did this label come from?" With Jenell Paris.

What is a work of art? A sentimental image of a candle-lit cabin, or a canvas with a single red square “my four-year-old could have drawn”? With Daniel Siedell.

If life is found on other planets, does Christian faith come unraveled? Or would other life forms also be redeemed by grace? With Jennifer Wiseman.

Andrew Chignell recounts how a philosophy class impacted a group of long term inmates.

How do government bailouts affect how Americans view responsibility, sharing pain, and our collective ability to handle the really big crisis just down the road? With David Skeel

Sitting in the waiting room of an ER means facing some of the basic issues in health care reform today. With Renee Hsia

Christian politicians are getting caught in the act at an alarming rate. What's going on? With Michael Lindsay