Can Abstinence-Only Programs Without Religion Delay Teen Sex?
Abstinence-only programs have long been controversial—there’s little evidence that they prevent sex, and they’ve been linked to lower condom use. But for the first time, researchers say, a new scientific study shows that an abstinence-only approach to sex education can stop kids from having sex early on—by dropping religion and morality from the discussion and instead showing youth how to talk their way out of that compromising, pressure-filled moment. (Erin Anderssen, The Globe and Mail)

The Lasting Spiritual Impact of Mass Graves in Haiti
For Haitians in particular, the mass graves are wrenching. Professor of anthropology Karen Richman of the University of Notre Dame says Haitians place significant emphasis on dying with dignity and holding a funeral, a process that can take nine days. Relationships with the dead last forever; survivors believe their ancestors visit them in their dreams and give them guidance. (Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA Today)

Technology Tests Athletic Ethics
Sacramento’s Jeff Float, a 1984 Olympic gold medal swimmer, believes innovation should not always be punished—as long as everyone has the same access to gear. “That’s the way society is,” Float said. “We’re always looking for ways to get faster or stronger.” (Sam McManis, The Sacramento Bee)

Global Atheist Convention Sells Out
If the atheists who post on this blog are to be believed, they have nothing in common with each other except a lack of belief in “imaginary friends.” They stand for nothing together, hold no ethical precepts in common, hold no ambitions in common (except, perhaps, a desire to see a religionless world). So what on earth (given that heaven is ruled out) will they talk about? (Barney Zwartz, The Religious Write, The Sydney Morning Herald)

Q&A
Rebecca Newberger Goldstein
Rebecca Newberger Goldstein lives in Massachusetts, with her husband, Harvard University cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker. Haaretz spoke with her by phone from Seattle, where she was appearing as part of a book tour for 36 Arguments for the Existence of God. (David Green)

BOOKS
Faith and Health
Dr. Pat Fosarelli: With chapters on dilemmas such as suffering, false hope, health care, aging, the right to die, physician-assisted suicide, artificial organs, stem cell usage, abortion, and mental illness, this book seemingly has the potential to bring clarity to the various positions held by adherents to religions and organized medicine alike. (JAMA)

TELEVISION
Caprica, Episode 2
Here’s an exchange between Salman Hameed, Diane Winston, and Henry Jenkins, on episode two. (Religion Dispatches)