Election
Support for Israel becomes a top issue for Iowa evangelicals key to the first Republican caucuses
By Thomas Beaumont — October 25, 2023
NEWTON, Iowa (AP) — Support for Israel has leapt to a top priority for evangelicals in the leadoff Republican presidential caucuses now less than three months away, according to interviews with more than a dozen Iowa conservative activists.
Are white evangelical pastors at odds with their congregants? A new study says no.
By Yonat Shimron — August 9, 2023
(RNS) — A new study shows white evangelical clergy are as conservative, if not more so, as the people in their churches.
Vivek Ramaswamy and the Christian language of Hinduism
By Richa Karmarkar — July 28, 2023
(RNS) — Like many Republican candidates for president, Vivek Ramaswamy has been outspoken about religion on the campaign trail. But his Hindu faith has caused controversy among some evangelicals who view non-Christian religions with skepticism.
Poll: US Jews overwhelmingly backed Democrats in midterms
By Yonat Shimron — November 10, 2022
(RNS) — American Jews have strained in the past few months under a barrage of antisemitic attacks. Fears for democracy were first on their minds.
Abortion rights scored the biggest midterm victory
By Yonat Shimron and Jack Jenkins — November 9, 2022
(RNS) — Not only did voters support abortion rights ballot measures, they probably also helped Democrats stave off a red wave.
The American Renewal Project wants to mobilize pastors for the Republican Party
By Yonat Shimron — November 4, 2022
(RNS) — The goal is to bring Christianity back into the public square.
Oz’s Senate bid could be a Muslim first but is ‘complicated’
By Marc Levy — August 25, 2022
(AP) – Dr. Mehmet Oz, who calls himself a “secular Muslim," would be the first of his faith to ever serve in the U.S. Senate chamber if elected this fall.
Iraq Shiite cleric behind parliament sit-in steps up demands
By Samya Kullab — August 10, 2022
BAGHDAD (AP) — Al-Sadr's political rivals in the Coordination Framework, an alliance of Iran-backed parties, said earlier that the parliament would have to convene to dissolve itself.
In Sri Lanka, Buddhist monks’ involvement in protests raises familiar questions
By Haley Barker — August 4, 2022
(RNS) — The connection between monks and political figures has reportedly diminished some monks’ respectability.
EXPLAINER: What’s behind the storming of Iraq’s parliament?
By Qassim Abdul-zahra and Samya Kullab — July 29, 2022
BAGHDAD (AP) - Wednesday's storming of parliament came after al-Sadr's Tehran-backed political rival, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, nominated a pro-Iran politician to be Iraq's new leader.
Iraqi cleric shows power as thousands attend mass prayer
By Qassim Abdul-zahra — July 18, 2022
BAGHDAD (AP) — The event was among the largest gatherings of al-Sadr’s followers after the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003.
Buying into conspiracy theories can be exciting – that’s what makes them dangerous
By Donovan Schaefer — July 5, 2022
(The Conversation) — Overcoming conspiracy theories isn’t just about information. A scholar of religion explains that the emotions they inspire are part of their appeal.
With AIPAC funding primary campaigns, young Jewish progressives move further left
By Yonat Shimron — May 20, 2022
(RNS) — Young Jews are rejecting establishment-backed Democratic candidates supported by AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a group that supports pro-Israel candidates in both parties.
In voting, Orthodox Jews are looking more like evangelicals
By Yonat Shimron — February 19, 2021
(RNS) — American Jews are liberal and vote Democratic; but among them, Orthodox Jews are increasingly voting Republican and spouting familiar conspiracy theories.
David French on Christian nationalism and evangelicals’ existential angst
By Yonat Shimron — February 3, 2021
(RNS) — The conservative writer said Christian believers need to be reminded of the toxic effects of fear.
