WASHINGTON — It's not much of a report card.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ECK, book discussion, first of six Sunday sessions. 11 a.m.-noon, June 29, Honolulu Eckankar Center, Room 201; free. 735-7719.

One of the great religious questions, especially in Christianity, is what do we need to do in order to be saved?

The feelings of some people are hurt easily. They are too sensitive and thin-skinned. They are wounded at the slightest provocation. They take innocent remarks as criticism. To save themselves from misery, they must cultivate a sense of humor so they may laugh off real or imaginary slights.

As authorities have investigated a polygamist sect in Texas, Mormon church leaders in Salt Lake City have largely stayed on the sidelines, weighing a response.

Al Bloom, a professor emeritus from the religion department at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, will discuss "My Awakening as a Shin Buddhist" at 7 a.m. Wednesday at the Interfaith Open Table.

PHILADELPHIA — As a 19th-century Augustinian friar, Gregor Mendel was expected to pursue his groundbreaking genetics research with the same passion he reserved for his religious studies.

NANJING, China — The factory looks like it could be any plant in this export-driven nation. Hundreds of Chinese workers huddle over loud machines churning out large orders for customers at home and abroad.

It's raining cats (looking for homes) and dogs (in costumes) this weekend at two furry events.

Kama'aina can enter the Polynesian Cultural Center for free after 3 p.m. today, Family Day, which celebrates the grand opening