Monthly Archives: April 2012
Man spends 12 months practicing 12 different religions, and finds peace at year’s end
LUMBERTON, N.C. (RNS) Andrew Bowen isn't Muslim, or Hindu, or Baha'i, or Mormon. In fact, he's none of the 12 faiths he practiced for a month at a time during 2011. Finding faith in God again was not Bowen's aim; he was looking for faith in humanity. By Amanda Greene.
Friday’s Religion News Roundup: Duggars for Romney, Gay marriage wars, Muslim dirty laundry
Man behind ‘near-death experience’ ponders the afterlife
(RNS) In his new memoir, "Paranormal: My Life in Pursuit of the Afterlife," Raymond Moody, the man who coined the term "near-death experience," takes a look back, reflecting on his fascination with death, the effect of his life's work, and pondering what it's all meant. By Piet Levy.
Catholic bishops issue rallying cry for ‘religious freedom’
(RNS) The nation’s Catholic bishops are calling on the faithful to pray and mobilize to battle what they see as a series of threats to religious freedom, and they are setting aside the two weeks before July 4 as the centerpiece of their "Fortnight for Freedom" campaign. By David Gibson.
Muslim opposition grows to religious freedom nominee
WASHINGTON (RNS) More than 50 Muslim and other civic groups implored Congress Thursday (April 12) to rescind the appointment of Zuhdi Jasser, a controversial Muslim activist, to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. By Lauren Markoe.
Thursday’s Religion News Roundup: Romney’s converts, Mel Gibson’s Maccabee movie, death penalty dying
Religious questions for Pa. voter ID law draw fire
HARRISBURG, Pa. (RNS) Pennsylvania Amish and Mennonites can get an ID card if they have religious objections to being photographed after answering a series of questions on their faith and other personal information. Now that the state has passed one of the nation's toughest voter ID laws to prevent voter fraud, the scope of the questions is drawing criticism. By Jan Murphy.
Five years later, mother of Virginia Tech victim wrestles with God, finds peace
CENTREVILLE, Va. (RNS) It's been five years since Celeste Peterson's only daughter was killed in a shooting rampage at Virginia Tech. And while the grieving mother has rediscovered her faith, it hasn't been easy. At first, her prayers were near obligatory: "Thank you for this day. I'm not talking to you. Amen." By B. Denise Hawkins.
Is this the Mormons’ JFK moment? Maybe, maybe not.
(RNS) With Mitt Romney on the verge of becoming the first Mormon to head a major party presidential ticket, is it as pivotal as John F. Kennedy's win as the first Catholic president? Or is he more like Al Smith? By David Gibson.
Poll shows Christianity good for the poor, bad for sex
(RNS) Americans believe Christianity is a force for good on poverty and even women's rights, but has a negative impact on sexuality and America's image abroad, according to a new poll. By Annalisa Musarra. 250 words.
Mitt Romney on the cusp of making major Mormon history
WASHINGTON (RNS) As the seventh Latter-day Saint to attempt a presidential bid, Mitt Romney is on the cusp of becoming the first Mormon to carry the banner of a major party in a general election. By Thomas Burr and Peggy Fletcher Stack.
Wednesday’s Religion News Roundup: Mitt & Mormon history; Catholic sex abuse report; Holocaust violins
Vanderbilt faith groups follow Catholics off campus
(RNS) A coalition of 11 religious student groups at Vanderbilt University are insisting their leaders should be chosen based on shared faith -- the newest front in a growing battle over "religious freedom." By Annalisa Musarra.
British lawmakers approve prayer at town halls
LONDON (RNS) The British government has fasttracked the right of cities and towns to hold prayers as part of their official business, overriding a High Court order to stop the practice. By Al Webb.
Gay BYU students say ‘It Gets Better’ on Mormon campus
PROVO, Utah (RNS) Officials at Mormon-owned Brigham Young University say a group of two dozen students who posted a video about being gay will not face trouble as long as they abide by the school's no-sex honor code. By Rosemary Winters.