A common question with no easy answer — The Problem of Evil is one of the thorniest philosophical and religious questions that has plagued the devout and the skeptical for centuries. The question asks, if God is all powerful, why is there evil in the world? Why can’t God unilaterally make everything better with a snap of his…

The dare altered hurricane tracking forever — Colonel Joseph B. Duckworth has a special place in US military history. Duckworth was a pioneer in instrument flying, which is the art of flying by using gauges and dials rather than by eyesight and visual cues. Instrument flying takes a lot of faith and a lot of brainpower, but…

And how guns became far more accurate almost overnight — Many people read about 18th and early 19th century warfare and wonder how soldiers could march shoulder to shoulder in a line toward the enemy when the enemy was armed with muskets. From a modern viewpoint, marching calmly into the face of enemy fire feels foolish. Take the famous Battle…

And where most of the world’s skyscrapers are located — There are a number of global cities known for their unique modern skylines. Cities like New York City, London, Tokyo, and Dubai are known for their imposing presence. These cities have long been linked to engineering marvels. But which city has the highest number of skyscrapers? It is not New…

A fraught history of violence, threats, and persecution — Countries surround Japan with millions of Christian adherents. The Philippines is the world’s fifth-largest Christian nation, with 93% of the population identifying with the faith. Korea’s population is 29% Christian. Even China, where Christianity is banned, has a 2.5% representation, with over 44 million suspected Christians practicing their faith illegally…

Not decadence, or warfare, or bureaucracy but something else — The discussion and debate over the fall of major empires is a popular thing to do around dinner tables and in classrooms around the world. The role of decadence, bureaucracy, and military failures play prominent roles in these discussions. But there is one thing that crops up time and again…

The year that Columbus sailed the ocean blue — In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. That is a rhyme that many American children learn to help them remember when Columbus left Europe for what would become the New World. But what else happened in 1492? Columbus changed the world forever in 1492, but some other major events also…

It is what we have earned for ourselves — According to estimates by the US Treasury, the United States is just days away from defaulting on its massive debt obligations. If you are surprised to hear that, you shouldn’t be. This annual (and sometimes biannual) ritual has been going on for years. The US spends too much money, doesn’t…

The murky history of the Third Punic War — Carthage was a great regional power that contended with Rome for over a hundred years. Carthage and Rome struggled for power in the southern Mediterranean from around 270 BCE until 146 BCE. The series of three wars, known as the Punic Wars, destroyed Carthage and set Rome on its rapid…