Monthly Archives: December 2013
Discussing the “War on Christmas” with Bill O’Reilly
By Chris Stedman — December 21, 2013
A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to appear on to the Fox News program “The O’Reilly Factor” to discuss a new Christmas-themed billboard put up by American Atheists. I’ve expanded on my thoughts about this issue in a new piece for CNN Belief: The “War on Christmas:” what —or who—is it good for? […]
Same sex marriage begins in Utah — in UTAH!
By Jana Riess — December 20, 2013
Let me join my voice to the chorus of joy to say I am feeling heartened and hopeful by this surprising news from Utah. I have many friends whose lives will be easier and better because they will be able to receive equal treatment under the law.
Francis Derangement Syndrome
By Mark Silk — December 20, 2013
Sure, conservative anxiety about Pope Francis has been building for months, but since His Holiness exhorted the faithful with his "Joy of the Gospel" there has been a serious outbreak of Francis Derangement Syndrome (FDS).
Christmas movies for the whole family, or not
By Laura Turner — December 20, 2013
When we were young, our family had a tradition that I thought was unique only to us: Every Christmas, after opening presents (in reverse age order) and eating a lethal combination of meat and See’s chocolates, we would pull out the newspaper and pick a movie for the whole family to go see. Now I […]
Ugandans don’t understand homosexuality, says former Anglican bishop
By Fredrick Nzwili — December 20, 2013
(RNS) A Ugandan cleric who ministers to homosexuals has criticized the passage of a controversial law that imposes life imprisonment for homosexual acts.
COMMENTARY: The Christmas Wars are over, and Christmas won
By Charles Austin — December 20, 2013
(RNS) Television pundits, conservative politicians and talk-radio loudmouths who believe there is a “War on Christmas” should look around, withdraw their troops and quit screaming. Because if there is a war on Christmas, Christmas has won.
Atheists battling supernatural villains: Q&A with Justin Aclin
By Kimberly Winston — December 20, 2013
(RNS) "Writing 'S.H.O.O.T. First' was part of that process of being able to admit that I am a full-on atheist."
Why evangelicalism needs controversies like Duck Dynasty
By Tobin Grant — December 20, 2013
Sociologists are not surprised by evangelical reactions to the Duck Dynasty controversy. It's how evangelicals engage in modern American culture while remaining distinct from it.
‘Duck Dynasty’ family: ‘Coarse’ statement was grounded in the Bible
By Ann Oldenburg — December 20, 2013
(RNS) "Phil would never incite or encourage hate. We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith, which is his constitutionally protected right."
Polygamy priest * Marxist pope * Offensive Satanists: Friday’s Religion News Roundup
By Kevin Eckstrom — December 20, 2013
(RNS) An Episcopal priest who said she's in love with polygamy has second thoughts. Pope Francis praises trash pickers and did anyone notice that yet another state has OK'd gay marriage?
At Adventist restaurants, meals are good for the body and the planet
By G. Jeffrey MacDonald — December 19, 2013
(RNS) Some patrons of The Ark are now rethinking how they relate to the natural world and other creatures -- even if they aren’t signing on to Adventism, which encourages but does not require a meatless diet.
Frank Schaefer defrocked by United Methodist officials
By Renée K. Gadoua — December 19, 2013
(RNS) A two-day church trial last month found Schaefer guilty of violating church law by performing the 2007 same-sex wedding of his son.
There’s no relationship between religiosity and sin
By Mark Silk — December 19, 2013
I'm afraid that's the conclusion that must be drawn from the Kansas State U. geographers' maps of the Seven Deadly Sins that have been spinning around the Internet over the past few days.
‘Soldiers of Allah’ found guilty in murder of British soldier
By Trevor Grundy — December 19, 2013
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) Two men describing themselves as "soldiers of Allah" were found guilty Thursday of murdering a British soldier in broad daylight in a South East London street earlier this year.
Remains of St. Marianne Cope to return to Hawaii
By Renée K. Gadoua — December 19, 2013
Syracuse, N.Y. (RNS) The remains of St. Marianne Cope, one of 11 American Catholic saints, will be returned to Hawaii, where the Franciscan sister ministered among patients with leprosy for 35 years.
