Monthly Archives: January 2014
Ham-on-Nye debate pits atheists, creationists
By Kimberly Winston — January 30, 2014
(RNS) Bill Nye may be “The Science Guy,” but Ken Ham is the “Answers in Genesis” man, and a debate between the two over the origins of life has nonbelievers and Christians wringing their hands.
Can atheists be spiritual? Sam Harris reignites long-running debate
By Chris Stedman — January 30, 2014
With the impending publication of 'Waking Up' by Sam Harris, many in the atheist community will debate whether it makes sense for atheists to use the word 'spirituality.' But this isn't the first time this debate has come up in recent years.
5 points about the SodaStream-Oxfam dust-up
By Dale Hanson Bourke — January 30, 2014
(RNS) What's at stake in the tug of war between SodaStream and Oxfam International over Scarlett Johansson, who recently accepted a role with the carbonation company and will appear in its Super Bowl ad?
Why we can wish Natalie Grant hadn’t left the Grammys
By Laura Turner — January 30, 2014
Christian singer Natalie Grant was nominated for two Gospel Grammys on Sunday night. She objected to some of the performances and left the ceremony early. Here's why I wish she would have stayed.
Green parrot * Skype exorcism * Original song: Thursday’s Roundup
By Yonat Shimron — January 30, 2014
Pope Francis blessed and held a green parrot named Amore. An Arizona pastor will banish demons via Skype. An Oscar-nominated original song has been rescinded.
Registration open for Religion Communicators’ National Convention
By Religion News LLC — January 30, 2014
Registration is now open for the 85th annual Religion Communicators Council National Convention. The meeting runs April 3 to 5 at The Inn at Opryland in Nashville, Tenn. Skill-building workshops and plenary sessions during the three-day meeting will focus on how communicators share stories of their faith groups. The convention schedule includes presentation ceremonies for […]
Why a band of American heathens is fighting to protect atheists — and Christians — abroad
By Brian Pellot — January 30, 2014
The Center for Inquiry’s Michael DeDora explains why his secular group is teaming up with unlikely allies on the Christian right to fight for freedom of expression around the world.
Why Rick Warren and 37 other Christians are joining the Hobby Lobby fight
By Jonathan Merritt — January 30, 2014
A group of influential Christians have joined the Hobby Lobby fight, adding one more shot across the bow in the religious liberty fight.
Mormon leaders want to “avoid an alcohol culture” by keeping Utah’s strict liquor laws
By Jana Riess — January 29, 2014
A legislator wants to soften Utah's liquor laws, but he's up against the full weight of the authority of the LDS Church.
Top brass say they’re not aware of bias against military chaplains
By Adelle M. Banks — January 29, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) Pentagon officials told members of Congress at a Capitol Hill hearing Wednesday that they are unaware of any pattern of religious discrimination in the chaplain corps.
Near St. Peter’s, an ancient burial site opens to the public
By Eric J. Lyman — January 29, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In the first century B.C., a grassy hillside just north of what is now St. Peter's Square was used as a burial place for local Romans. Now the Vatican is ready to let the public see what it uncovered there.
To get around Jewish law, some rabbis insist on prenups
By Lilly Fowler — January 29, 2014
(RNS) Some Orthodox rabbis are insisting that couples planning to marry have a prenuptial agreement to avoid the pitfalls of breaking free from a Jewish marriage.
Ruling may force Ireland to revamp Catholic school monopoly
By Jennifer Collins — January 29, 2014
DUBLIN (RNS) The Catholic Church runs 90 percent of primary schools in Ireland. The arrangement is unsettling to some parents who have little choice in where to send their children.
Pete Seeger’s legacy of peace and justice through music
By Laura Turner — January 29, 2014
Pete Seeger, who died Monday at 94: "I used to say I was an atheist. Now I say, it's all according to your definition of God."
In South Sudan conflict, churches attacked, looted
By Fredrick Nzwili — January 29, 2014
(RNS) African church leaders are urging parties in the South Sudanese conflict to respect places of worship, after rebels attacked and looted church compounds in the town of Malakal.
