Culture

Steven Spielberg is signing on to direct an interpretation of the classic "Ten Commandments," according to reports.

Warner Brothers is behind the new movie, tentatively titled "Gods and Kings" that will focus more on the life of Moses than the actual reception of the commandments. One insider told Deadline.com, "It's a movie like a Braveheart-ish version of the Moses story: him coming down the river, being adopted, leaving his home, forming an army, and getting the Ten Commandments."

This will be the first movie to challenge the 1956 classic starring Charlton Heston. That production was made by Paramount Pictures and is the highest-grossing movie of all time, with $977 million in 2010. The American Film Industry named "Commandments" one of its "Ten Top Ten" in the epic category. more >>

Atheist Richard Dawkins appears to be leading the charge among non-believers in the U.K. who are appalled that a Swiss philosopher and writer residing in London plans to build a "temple for atheists" in the city's financial center.

Alain de Botton said he wants to counter Dawkins' "aggressive" and "destructive" approach to non-belief by building a 151-foot tower to celebrate a "new atheism," according to news reports out of the U.K.

"Normally a temple is to Jesus, Mary or Buddha, but you can build a temple to anything that's positive and good," said De Botton, according to The Guardian. "That could mean a temple to love, friendship, calm or perspective. Because of Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens atheism has become known as a destructive force. But there are lots of people who don't believe but aren't aggressive towards religions." more >>

Studies reveal that children of atheist parents are more likely to experience depression than Christians and people of faith are happier living in largely religious countries.

A 10-year study of 60 depressed and non-depressed mothers and 151 offspring revealed that children who were raised in their mother's religion were better protected against depression.

The offspring of Protestant or Catholic parents were 76 percent less likely than the offspring of non-religious parents to experience an episode of major depression, The American Journal of Psychiatry revealed. more >>

A coalition of Maine gay rights groups announced on Thursday that they had secured enough petition signatures to force a referendum on legalizing same-sex marriage in the state.

Spokespeople for EqualityMaine, American Civil Liberties Unions of Maine and the Maine Women's Lobby said they had collected over 105,000 signatures of people who supported same-sex marriage – more than twice the amount of signatures needed to force a referendum.

Betsy Smith, executive director of EqualityMaine, said times have changed and Maine is poised to become the final state in New England to recognize gay marriage. more >>

While the words "16th century England" likely call to mind images of Shakespeare, Henry VIII, and Queen Elizabeth, one author has argued that another name should be held in higher renown.

David Teems, author of the recently released Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God an English Voice, argues that a Bible translator named William Tyndale was extremely influential in shaping the English language.

"Tyndale emancipated the English language," said Teems in an interview with CP, adding that Tyndale's translation of the Bible gave the English language "nobility." more >>

J.C. Penney has announced plans for transforming the company in the midst of cutting thousands of jobs nationwide.

At a launch event this morning, Chief Operating Officer Ron Johnson told the press, "We are going to rethink every aspect of our business, boldly pursue change…as we become America's favorite store."

New initiatives include an updated logo, "Fair and Square Pricing," monthly promotions and special discounts on the first and third Friday's of every month. The company is also adding and revamping over 30 brands and collections, including one by Martha Stewart. Ellen DeGeneres has been named a brand partner, or spokeswoman, as the company looks to appeal to a new market. more >>