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Reconceiving Infertility: A New View of Childlessness in the Bible
November 05, 2015
The Bible tells us to "be fruitful and multiply." But what if you can't? Two scholars offer a new perspective on the Bible's passages about barren women. And the Pentagon's secret scheme to turn Christian missionaries into government spies.
Tobey Hudson | Creative Commons
Getting Over 'Be Fruitful and Multiply' November 05, 2015
One in eight American couples struggle with infertility. If they turn to the Bible for guidance—as 20 percent of Americans say they regularly do—they may be disheartened by passages that paint child-bearing as a sign of blessedness and moral goodness. Two scholars of the Bible, who have faced infertility in their own families, offer new interpretations. Can we view Mary as a surrogate mother for Jesus? And what does it mean that all of the Bible's matriarchs had trouble conceiving children?

Candida Moss, Professor of the New Testament at Notre Dame and co-author with Joel Baden of Reconceiving Infertility
Joel Baden, Professor of the Hebrew Bible at Yale Divinity School

Corporation for National and Community Service
How the Pentagon Used a Christian NGO to Spy on North Korea November 05, 2015
The United States has always wanted to keep an eye on North Korea, long known to harbor nuclear weapons. But it's hard to spy on; North Korea is one of the most isolated countries in the world. It’s extremely difficult for foreigners to enter or exit--unless you happen to be a Christian missionary. Reporter Matthew Cole uncovered how the Pentagon secretly used a Christian humanitarian group to infiltrate the country's borders from 2004 to 2012.

Matthew Cole, National Security reporter for The Intercept

Pictured: Kay Hiramine, who allowed the Pentagon to use his Christian non-profit to spy on North Korea, receives a service award from President George W. Bush in 2007.