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Yesterday McAfee told students in his class, Religion 1496: "Light in the Darkness: Religious Faith and Secular Values in Contemporary Anglo-American Cinema," that the class would be his "swan song...
...familiarity, though, doesn't make it any less susceptible to criticism - from predictable opponents as well as less likely foes. There are plenty of conflicting reports as to whether or not faith-based community programs are more, less, or just as effective as those run by secular organizations - an uncertainty that only serves to fuel the fierce debate over entwining something as public as federal dollars with something as private as religious beliefs...
...days leading up to the President's announcement, religious leaders appeared to be divided on the issue; some expressed worry that a governmental mantle could force their programs into a sort of purgatory of purpose - stripped of their outright religious intent but nonetheless considered less than legitimate by secular peers...
...Fine, say the plan's critics. But there are plenty of secular service groups making a difference in underserved communities. Wouldn't those groups - with no unspoken or overarching purpose but to serve - be a more appropriate target for federal beneficence...
...Time will tell, and ongoing studies may help reveal the respective weaknesses and strengths in faith-based and secular service programs. In the meantime, however, these proposals are no doubt being studied by legions of lawyers with a trip to the Supreme Court in mind...