Theology

Most religions worldwide hold that God interacts with humans on Earth. But in the Christmas story, something quite different happens. In Christian teaching, God doesn't just visit Earth, but becomes human. Understanding that difference, say clergy and scholars, is key to grasping the theological underpinnings of Christmas. Even Christians brought up in the belief that Jesus Christ is God's son may not be aware that this teaching, compared with other faiths, is unique. The Rev.

To millions of fans, he's the Boss, the troubadour of the American heartland who finds nobility in the grind of daily life. Across 35 years in dozens of rock anthems, including "Born to Run," "Glory Days" and "Born in the U.S.A.," Bruce Springsteen has chronicled lost souls, haunted war veterans, gritty factory workers and highways jammed with broken heroes -- but he has also advanced themes of redemption, hope and keeping the faith. It's been a rich vein of spiritual motifs, and the politically progressive 58-year-old singer-songwriter has given voice to society's dispossessed.

The Rev. Stanley L. Jaki, 84, a Benedictine priest who was a leading thinker in the philosophy of science and theology and on issues where those disciplines meet and diverge, died of a heart attack April 7 in Madrid, where he had traveled from Rome after delivering a lecture. Jaki, who held doctoral degrees in physics and theology, was a physics professor for many years at Seton Hall University in New Jersey and achieved the rank of distinguished university professor in 1975. He wrote more than 40 books and hundreds of articles, chapters and essays, and also taught and gave lectures at scores of colleges, universities and institutions around the world.

Ray S. Anderson, 83, longtime Fuller Theological Seminary professor and prolific author of academic and popular works, died June 21 in Fountain Valley of complications from kidney failure, the school announced. His books "The Shape of Practical Theology" (2001) and "An Emergent Theology for Emerging Churches" (2006) had wide influence among Christian ministers, and his 1994 study "The Gospel According to Judas: Is There a Limit to God's Forgiveness?" helped revive debate about the deceitful disciple in academic as well as popular circles.

As candlelight cast a lounge-like glow, college students on a recent Thursday night filled their cups from an icy keg of beer and chewed over peanuts, pretzels -- and God. It may not be the traditional model for an informed theological discourse. But organizers of "Theology on Tap" at USC say the setting allows students to socialize and debate the merits of such topics as the Apostle Paul's teachings on sexual morality or the place alcohol has in modern Christian life.

In death, John Paul II has united millions of Catholics in an outpouring of grief, but in life, the pope was often a polarizing figure. As the late pontiff is eulogized for his profound personal piety and globe-spanning charisma, voices of dissent serve as reminder that the church today is sharply divided and uncertain about its future.

Benedict XVI may travel less than his globetrotting predecessor, but few expect him to act like a "caretaker" pope. Instead, the 78-year-old pontiff is expected to pursue an activist agenda, topped by a mission to revitalize the Roman Catholic faith and identity where it is threatened by secularism, particularly in Europe.

It was just a few nights before Christmas as Pastor Santos Carrasco, smiling broadly, sat in his small storefront church in Echo Park strumming his guitar and singing of God's goodness. "How good God is. How good he is," Santos sang out in Spanish. "He forgives my sin. How good he is." But whatever else the pastor would sing that night -- or any other time this week including Saturday or Sunday -- it wouldn't be Christmas carols. Neither Christmas trees nor presents are thought appropriate.

An unlikely duo, quantum physics and spirituality, hook up in "What the Bleep Do We Know?," a below-the-radar film with a message of personal empowerment. As solid evidence of its dictum that we create our own reality, the movie has defied the predictions of Hollywood pundits who said there's no room for such esoterica in today's crowded, youth-oriented marketplace. Since its February premiere, the word-of-mouth hit has taken in about $4.

The woman behind the name tag nancey murphy looks marooned, albeit cheerfully. even in a swirling sea of misfits--a New York Academy of Sciences conference on Madison Avenue--she stands out. She has green eye shadow, dumpling features, eyes that hum on the edge of surprise. Eventually a scientist from Denmark wanders over to ask a collegial question, which she answers--but in a herky, Captain Kirk cadence, as if she's replying by satellite.