Monthly Archives: February 2014
Conservative leader Bill Gothard on leave following abuse allegations
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — February 28, 2014
(RNS) Bill Gothard's Institute in Basic Life Principles was once a popular gathering spot for thousands of Christian families, including the Duggar family from TLC’s "19 Kids and Counting.”
Jewish student groups fight for a bigger tent on Israel
By Lauren Markoe — February 27, 2014
(RNS) Some students at Hillel, the Jewish college campus organization, say they want a more open forum on Israel.
Judge rejects California city’s religious war memorial
By Kimberly Winston — February 27, 2014
(RNS) On Thursday (Feb. 27), a U.S. district judge ruled that a granite monument depicting a soldier kneeling in prayer before a cross lacked “a secular purpose” and has “the unconstitutional effect” of endorsing religion over nonreligion.
INTERVIEW: Megachurch pastor Perry Noble admits depression, suicidal thoughts
By Jonathan Merritt — February 27, 2014
A prominent pastor admits his mental health problems and battle with suicidal thoughts while encouraging struggling Christians to consider antidepressants.
New documentary recounts story of heroic Muslim spy
By Omar Sacirbey — February 27, 2014
(RNS) The filmmakers knew they wanted to tell a story about a Muslim who did something heroic during World War II, because so few stories are known. Noor Inayat Khan’s story was the most alluring because of her deep spirituality.
Jesus: I’m too sexy for my cross
By Laura Turner — February 27, 2014
Any portrayal of the person of Jesus Christ will be culturally bound. But what do we do when Jesus is just plain sexy?
How Arizona’s ‘religious freedom’ bill became an ‘anti-gay’ bill
By Tobin Grant — February 27, 2014
Arizona's religious liberty bill became an anti-gay bill because both sides saw this a fight between religious liberty and LGBT rights.
Pope Francis: The church needs better bishops; go find them
By David Gibson — February 27, 2014
(RNS) The pope has blasted hierarchical “careerism” as “a form of cancer” and derided bishops who strut about in church finery as “peacocks.”
Imprisoned in England, Islamists vow to continue their fight
By Trevor Grundy — February 27, 2014
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) Two-thirds of imprisoned Islamists in England have told police and prison authorities that they will never change their violent ways.
Five Tips for Talking to Kids about the Story of Jesus
By Religion News LLC — February 27, 2014
As Son of God hits theaters this weekend, many parents will struggle with how to explain the more difficult aspects of Jesus’ life—such as the virgin birth and the crucifixion—to their children. Fortunately, American Bible Society’s Children’s Ministry Senior Advisor Margi McCombs is offering tips to help parents navigate the complicated conversations. “The Bible is the grand narrative […]
Up ahead? Massive social change, experts say
By Sharon Jayson — February 27, 2014
(RNS) Experts say societal changes will accelerate on issues such as same-sex marriage, interracial marriage, legalization of marijuana and childbearing among the unwed. One reason? Younger people are more liberal and less conventional.
COMMENTARY: It’s time to open the wartime pope’s records
By A. James Rudin — February 27, 2014
(RNS) According to a British newspaper, Pope Francis wants to release the Pius XII papers for study before determining whether to consider his controversial predecessor for sainthood. It's time he did.
Brewer’s veto * Texas’ ban * Dark Horse: Thursday’s Roundup
By Yonat Shimron — February 27, 2014
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer vetoes a religious exemption bill. Gays may be allowed to marry in Texas, but not yet. Katy Perry's "Dark Horse" brouhaha.
After Arizona: Should anti-gay churches have tax-exempt status revoked?
By Brian Pellot — February 27, 2014
If ongoing discrimination against women is any indication, houses of worship that discriminate against same-sex couples looking to marry probably won’t lose their tax-exempt status anytime soon. But should they? Join the debate.
Pope Francis: Scandal kills, and Jesus’ teachings are Christianity, not communism
By David Gibson — February 27, 2014
Also: the pope, in his homily at Mass on Thursday morning, says that all the Christian apologetics in the world won't convince an unbeliever to believe -- but living a genuine Christian life can.
