Monthly Archives: March 2014
Add basketball to Catholic colleges’ springtime rituals
By Michael Schulson — March 26, 2014
(RNS) Why are so many Catholic schools in the top ranks of NCAA men’s basketball? It may have a lot to do with the Irish potato famine, American nativism and 20th-century Italian demographics.
‘God’s Not Dead’ wins audiences, not critics
By Laura Turner — March 26, 2014
"God's Not Dead" opened in a surprising fifth place of all movies last weekend. What does that mean for Christian movies in America?
Jesus said, ‘Buy an assault rifle’ and other pro-gun Bible verses
By Tobin Grant — March 26, 2014
Last fall, Family Research Council’s Gen. Jerry Boykin told the ProFamily Legislators Conference that Jesus was going to return with an AR-15 assault rifle in hand. Citing Revelation 19, Boykin said that Jesus would return as a blood-stained warrior with sword in hand. “I’ve checked this out,” Boykin said, “I believe that sword he’ll be […]
Jews from Arab Countries Respond to “Zionism Unsettled”
By Religion News LLC — March 26, 2014
With the recent publication of their congregational study guide “Zionism Unsettled”, the Israel-Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (USA) has ignited the response of Jewish refugees from Arab nations. Known as Mizrahi Jews (Hebrew for ‘Eastern’), many of these communities endured violence and discrimination in their countries of origin, solely based on their Jewish religion. But […]
Letter from MLK to Rosa Parks goes on sale
By Jolie Lee — March 26, 2014
(RNS) In the 1960 letter, the civil rights leader tells Parks that "kind and encouraging words" from her and others sustained him when foes of racial equality harassed or tried to intimidate him.
8-year-old student not feminine enough, school says
By Melanie Eversley — March 26, 2014
(RNS) Officials at Timberlake Christian School said the child's clothing and behavior were inappropriate.
African clergy join fight to save elephants and rhinos from poaching
By Fredrick Nzwili — March 26, 2014
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) The escalating slaughter of elephants and rhinos is drawing the anger of conservationist clerics, who have begun enlisting church members in the battle to save Africa’s wildlife.
Why is this Muslim author advocating for atheists?
By Chris Stedman — March 26, 2014
Qasim Rashid is a Muslim who frequently advocates for atheists—surprising some theists and atheists alike. He talks with RNS about his advocacy, his book, and more.
A Message From Religion News Service
By Wendy Gustofson — March 26, 2014
Dear Religion News Reader, As president of the Religion News Service board, and as a journalist, my interest in RNS is both professional and personal. Religion News Service is an unparalleled source of original and substantive reporting on religion and spirituality around the world. Its mission is to provide quality coverage from a non-sectarian perspective […]
“Bling Bishop” Fired * “Conscious Uncoupling” * Pre-mortem Obits: Wednesday’s Roundup
By David Gibson — March 26, 2014
Actor James Rebhorn penned a lovely obit for himself before he died. A Virginia Christian school boots an 8-year-old girl over her boyish qualities. The Limburg bishop is officially toast, as is the Paltrow-Martin marriage, via a neologism.
JESUS: A Pilgrimage by James Martin, S.J. Debuts at #9 on New York Times Bestseller List
By Religion News LLC — March 26, 2014
JESUS: A Pilgrimage, the new book by James Martin, S.J., debuts at #9 on the New York Times Bestseller List in the Hardcover Nonfiction category on Sunday, March 30—just two and a half weeks after its release. The book also hit the Publishers Weekly nonfiction bestseller list this week at #20. In JESUS: A Pilgrimage […]
May we have a (civil) word about Hobby Lobby and World Vision?
By Rachel Marie Stone — March 26, 2014
It's been a contentious week in the religious blogosphere. For the sake of our nation (and our world) -- and the people in this whole, diverse, wild, human family, I hope we can share civil words about what we believe is at stake.
American Bible Society to sell 12-story NYC building
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — March 25, 2014
NEW YORK (RNS) The American Bible Society will sell its 12-story building on Broadway, vacating prime real estate in the heart of Manhattan that served a host of evangelical ministries.
When SCOTUS rules, watch for unintended consequences
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — March 25, 2014
No matter how the U.S. Supreme Court finds in the Hobby Lobby case, be sure to read the dissent. Decisions can have unintended consequences. Just ask Justice Antonin Scalia.
Quote of the Day: Evangelist Franklin Graham
By Ron Ribiat — March 25, 2014
“World Vision maintains that their decision is based on unifying the church – which I find offensive – as if supporting sin and sinful behavior can unite the church.” — Evangelist Franklin Graham, after the evangelical relief group World Vision said it would recognize the same-sex marriages of its employees.
