From The Heritage Foundation, I'm Ernest Istook. … Read more
From The Heritage Foundation, I’m Ernest Istook. … Read more
Christmastime is a season of gratitude. Whether it’s because we reflect upon the birth of the Christ child or the blessings of the past year, the holiday often prompts a sense of appreciation and thankfulness as well as the tradition of gift-giving. And this year, the season… Read more
When the news hit that tornadoes had ripped through Alabama, helpers sprang into action. They handed out water and medical supplies. They provided food, clothing and shelter to the many victims and cleaned up the mess that Mother Nature left behind. FEMA? No, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). The New… Read more
Abstract: Government anti-poverty programs share the flawed assumption that poverty in America is primarily a material problem that can be solved by increased welfare and entitlement spending. Poverty in America is often the result of a relational problem, such as fatherlessness or community breakdown,… Read more
Abstract: Today, religious liberty issues are more complicated than simply freedom from government interference in religious worship or teaching. Threats to religious liberty and respect for conscience are emerging in the health care field, in the area of institutional religious freedom, and in the… Read more
Abstract: President Barack Obama’s FY 2012 budget proposal would harm charitable organizations by raising the tax rate on upper-income individuals and families and reducing their income tax deduction for charitable donations. These two changes in the tax code would discourage charitable donations and leave… Read more
Introduction[1] By extolling freedom of religion in the schools, President Bill Clinton has raised the level of debate on the importance of religion to American life.[2] The time is ripe for a deeper dialogue on the contribution of religion to the welfare of the nation. America has always… Read more
Over the past decade, considerable research has emerged that demonstrates the benefits of religious practice within society.[1] Religious practice promotes the well-being of individuals, families, and the community. Of particular note are the studies that indicate the benefits of Religion to the poor.[2] Regular attendance… Read more
The Obama Administration is moving rapidly to overturn federal "conscience clause" regulations protecting health care providers who object to performing procedures that violate their religious beliefs or moral convictions. These regulations implement longstanding federal laws expressing the decided opinion of Congress and the American people that no individual--doctor, patient, or other health professional--should be… Read more
STUART M. BUTLER: What does the evidence show in terms of the connection between religious practice and other characteristics of our society: poverty, welfare, health? Also, what might be the implications of this research and analysis, if any, for public policy? These are the objectives of this Center, and we are… Read more
(Archived document, may contain errors) 690 February 10,1989 lIlNERACY IN AIMERIcA= WHAT To DO ABOUT IT In addition, George Bush can take the lead in highlighting the issue, an d his Administration can support the research needed to help the search for INTRODUCTION solutions, just as the Reagan Administration led the debate over… Read more
Robert E. Moffit: We are in the midst of a major national debate on stem cell research. There are a variety of ethical, moral,… Read more
Abstract: The death tax: What does it kill? Who does it affect? It affects hundreds of thousands of small-business owners across the country—as well as their employees and community residents who benefit from the senior and day care centers, playgrounds, charities, and learning centers… Read more
STUART M. BUTLER: This is the second event undertaken by The Heritage Foundation's Center for Religion and Civil Society. The Center's functions are two. One is to discuss the appropriate role of religion in political and public life and to help policymakers work through the many associated issues. Second, the Center… Read more
Last April, The Heritage Foundation released a WebMemo titled "The Dirty Dozen: 12 New Policies That Undermine Civil Society."[1] Seven months later, many of these policies being advocated by Congress and the President have moved closer to becoming law. In addition, several new issues have emerged that deserve… Read more
Individuals who support marriage as the union of husband and wife have strong reasons to be concerned about nondiscrimination proposals like the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). ENDA would elevate sexual orientation to a protected status under workplace nondiscrimination laws. Proponents often argue that ENDA and similar laws at the state and local levels are focused exclusively… Read more
Abstract: A significant body of evidence suggests that sexual orientation nondiscrimination laws like the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) can function as important incremental steps toward same-sex marriage. This evidence, which shows how effective a step-by-step strategy can be for redefining marriage, provides substantial cause for individuals who support marriage as the union of husband and… Read more
Many nonprofit organizations are under severe financial pressure. They need donations more than ever, and the hurting people they serve have a stake in the unrestrained flow of those donations. However, President Barack Obama's proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2010 moves in the opposite direction. It would raise taxes on those who can give the… Read more
Secularists are wrong when they ask believers to leave their religion at the door before entering into the public square. Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, William Jennings Bryan, Dorothy Day, Martin Luther King--indeed, the majority of great reformers in American history--were not only motivated by faith but repeatedly used religious… Read more
The number of Americans dependent on the federal government has exploded over the past five years, reaching a record...… Read more
In his recent speech in Kansas, President Obama accused Republicans of advocating “you’re on your own economics”—a...… Read more
As marriage rates plummet and the percentage of intact families sharply declines, experiments that challenge the...… Read more
Many a bachelor has taunted and teased a groom-to-be that “I do” will be his famous last words. But for all the jesting...… Read more
A new Gallup poll released today reports that more than nine in 10 Americans believe in God. The number of believers has...… Read more
In 1966, God was pronounced dead. More recently, it was determined that God is back. But now a team of researchers has...… Read more
Despite the assertive statements of celebrity atheists, national book tours denouncing God and the perennial docket of...… Read more
Today's murder of Pakistani Minority Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti by religious extremists establishes a pattern of...… Read more
In the midst of a tense bilateral dispute between the U.S. and Pakistan over the case of Raymond Davis—an American...… Read more
Many leftist journalists, bloggers, and talking heads are shamelessly exploiting last weekend’s tragedy in Tucson,...… Read more
Research Fellow
Director, Domestic Policy Studies
Visiting Fellow