The nation’s Roman Catholic bishops overwhelmingly, though not unanimously, approved a new framework Thursday for policing their own conduct, hoping it would be enough to stanch a series of scandals over the last year that exposed sexual misconduct and inaction within their ranks.

So much of Christian theology and the rituals resulting over the centuries from that theology have focused on people basically being “worthless,” in ultimate need of salvation. Well, as I read the words and spirit of Jesus, “salvation” meant “healing” more than a ticket to heaven. So how might that worthlessness be healed? How about a vaccination?

My mom’s birthday and Mother’s Day are only about a week apart. I used to love the challenge of finding creative ways to celebrate both events.

When I was 7 years old, I got caught and punished for lying about completing homework. I don’t remember what the homework was; I don’t remember what the punishment was, but ever since that day, the value of truth (and to an extent, singular, objective truth) has been glued to the core fiber of my existence. Some part of me believes that brutal honesty makes the world a better place. Unfortunately, we live in an era where truth is all too difficult to find (and all the more difficult to find singular truth). Ratings and selling to an audience rules most press coverage. Personal comfort dictates how many people interpret what they hear, see, and read. (Harvard Business Review discusses the research.) Lies are perfectly acceptable and comfortable to people in their daily interactions, as long as their image and conscience are safe.