Monthly Archives: February 2014
COMMENTARY: India’s fundamentalists win this round
By Stephen Prothero — February 25, 2014
(RNS) The banishment of a U.S. scholar's book in India is emboldening those who claim to speak on behalf of all Hindus.
Choreographed Baptisms * Bold Atheists * Vatican Wine : Tuesday’s Roundup
By Lauren Markoe — February 25, 2014
Can a mass baptism be staged? Can atheists appeal to conservatives? What country loves its wine more than any other? Hint: Not France or Italy.
Publisher develops app for every Catholic parish worldwide
By Religion News LLC — February 25, 2014
SIMI VALLEY, CA, February 25, 2014… “Churches must adapt to the new realities of “mobile Catholicism” or be left to question whether it makes sense to even have a website,” said Wally Arida, publisher of ParishWorld, the California-based developer of the new app, ParishWorld for Catholics. “Churches around the globe are losing touch with […]
Best-selling author of Soul Feast Returns with New Lenten Study
By Religion News LLC — February 25, 2014
Louisville, Kentucky—Marjorie J. Thompson, the author of the best-selling book Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life, takes a close look at our understanding of forgiveness in a new Lenten study. In Forgiveness (Westminster John Knox Press), Thompson uses biblical examples along with real-life situations to help address such questions as the following: […]
COMMENTARY: US Senate should ratify disabilities treaty
By Curtis Ramsey-Lucas — February 24, 2014
(RNS) More than 40 religious organizations have voiced support for the disability treaty. They join more than 700 U.S. disability, civil rights, business, and veteran organizations. It's time for the U.S. Senate to do the same.
Mormon urban development in Philly
By Jana Riess — February 24, 2014
Mormon plans to develop two city blocks in Philadelphia have met with mixed reviews.
Inspired by St. Francis, young adults look to emulate his bond with nature
By Renée K. Gadoua — February 24, 2014
(RNS) The national ecumenical program encourages young adults, aged 18 to 35, to connect social and environmental justice activities with Franciscan teachings that stress the interconnectedness of creation.
Vatican City consumes more wine per capita than any other country
By Eric J. Lyman — February 24, 2014
(RNS) According to the Wine Institute's latest statistics, the tiny country consumed 74 liters of wine per person per year, nearly double the per-capita consumption of its closest neighbor.
Video: Blurred lines church signs parody
By Sally Morrow — February 24, 2014
"God responds to knee mail," and "We ain't too scholastic, but we're quite handy, with letters made of plastic," are some the clever quotes from this musical video parody of Robin Thicke's popular hit "Blurred Lines," which uses church signs to send messages.
Megachurch pastor Steven Furtick’s ‘spontaneous baptisms’ not so spontaneous
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — February 24, 2014
The “spontaneous baptisms” are to be done quickly, "on average between 30 to 45 seconds," to keep things flowing, the guide suggests. "Think of the (changing) room in terms of a NASCAR pit stop," the guide explains. "It has to be quick in and quick out."
Why I love the Oscars, and you should too
By Laura Turner — February 24, 2014
The Oscars are narcissistic, indulgent, and a ridiculous waste of time for any serious-minded person. Except when they're not.
What does Notre Dame want?
By Mark Silk — February 24, 2014
Last Friday, a somewhat puzzled federal appeals court panel denied Notre Dame an injunction against having to comply with the terms of Obamacare's contraception mandate because the university had in fact complied with them. Huh?
5 reasons atheists shouldn’t call religion a mental illness
By Chris Stedman — February 24, 2014
A number of prominent atheists have equated religion with mental illness. Here are five reasons atheists should avoid this problematic parallel.
Anne’s diary * Francis reforms * Amish driving: Monday’s news roundup
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — February 24, 2014
Copies of Anne Frank's diary have been vandalized in Japan. Pope Francis is launching reforms. The star of the show "Amish Mafia" has been sentenced for driving with a suspended license.
Quote of the Day: Tea Party activist Julie McCarty
By Ron Ribiat — February 24, 2014
“My preference is a straitlaced Baptist to an everything-goes Methodist.” — Dallas-area Tea Party activist Julie McCarty, co-founder of the NE Tarrant Tea Party, on why she’s endorsing one judicial candidate over another, based on church affiliation. She was quoted by the Star-Telegram.
