Kyle Franklin

Spokane has recently found itself in controversy surrounding "bikini baristas" and questions surrounding the morality of these establishments. Women prepare drinks for clients. Money is exchanged for a product and the deal is complete.

A friend of mine recently asked me how I am able to keep calm and collected in the midst of major stress and uncertain times. On a recent occasion, she accidentally burned a hole in my carpet. Quite literally, my response was, "Okay.  And?" I recognized that what had occurred could not be undone. And, in all honesty, what would be the point of blowing up?

Symbols are interesting things. Whether we recognize it or not, symbols play a role in almost every aspect of our everyday lives. For example, if the government decided to remove the word “stop” from (what we recognize as) our stop signs, it is likely that we would still stop when we arrive at a red octagon on a post at an intersection.

Several days ago, I read an article in which Pope Francis “declared that everyone was redeemed through Jesus, including atheists.” I clearly expected much backlash as his statements are bold (to say the least) and have the power to rock the foundations of both Roman Catholicism and enrage those who believe Jesus to be the sole way to God.