Worthwhile reading from different points along the Jewish-observance spectrum--see these posts by dilbert & Velveteen Rabbi

I found dilbert's http://houseofhock.blogspot.com/Tuesday, May 24, 2005 posts, "A Historical approach to most every controversy in Judaism," parts 1-3, as well as his summary post of May 26, fascinating and informative reading.

I also recommend Rachel's June 01, 2005, post, "Braided halakha", at http://velveteenrabbi.blogs.com/blog/ It's a beauty.