Monthly Archives: November 2014
Oprah’s network releases sneak peek of ‘The Rob Bell Show’
By Jonathan Merritt — November 24, 2014
After pastor Rob Bell questioned whether hell was real, many conservative Christians tried to oust him from the inner circle of evangelicalism. Now he's back with a talk show on Oprah Winfrey's television network.
Mormon polygamy on NPR
By Jana Riess — November 24, 2014
Terryl Givens and I discuss Mormon polygamy and changes in the LDS Church with NPR's "Interfaith Voices."
Brazilian bishop urges ordination of married community elders as priest shortage grows
By Benjamin Soloway — November 24, 2014
BELEM, Brazil (RNS) Brazil's National Conference of Bishops is considering a proposal to ordain married community elders as a way to ease the shortage of Catholic priests in rural areas.
Is the Marriage Pledge a Trojan Horse?
By Mark Silk — November 24, 2014
As in, a way to allow the divorced and remarried to receive Communion.
New Book Explores Impact of Digital Media on Buddhism
By Ron Ribiat — November 24, 2014
Buddhism has been uniquely affected by the digital revolution and integration of new media into its spiritual practices. Buddhism, the Internet and Digital Media: The Pixel in the Lotus offers a collective interdisciplinary exploration of the existence and nature of Buddhism in the digital and highly networked era we live in. This is the first […]
Marion Barry funeral * The Good Wife’s atheism * Ferguson fuel: Monday’s Roundup
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — November 24, 2014
A longtime mayor of DC could receive quite the funeral. TV tests: Will voters vote for an atheist? Plus, Ferguson activists are finding safe places in churches.
The Occasional Pilgrim: San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral
By Kimberly Winston — November 24, 2014
SAN FRANCISCO (RNS) Grace Cathedral, begun in 1928, is now an epicenter of spirituality in the City by the Bay. Fifty years after its formal completion, the landmark cathedral attracts pilgrims from around the world.
Bring out the Magic of the Holiday Season with “Just Believe: Stories of Inspiration” by Rosemarie Monaco
By Religion News LLC — November 24, 2014
Nyack, NY — Inspiration can be found in the smallest of things – a pine cone, a butterfly, a key. Since Christmas of the year 2000, Rosemarie Monaco has been sending hand-made ornaments, accompanied by inspirational stories of faith and hope, to her clients, family and friends. “Just Believe: Stories of Inspiration” is a collection of […]
This letter of dismissal shows everything that’s wrong with how the church responds to LGBT people
By Eliel Cruz — November 23, 2014
This letter from Faith Presbyterian Church is exactly how not to respond to an LGBT person.
Remembering R. Judson Carlberg, Seventh President of Gordon College
By Religion News LLC — November 21, 2014
R. Judson Carlberg, who served Gordon College for 35 years, including nearly 20 years as its president, has died. Surrounded by loved ones, he passed away early Thursday morning, November 20, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, Massachusetts, after a battle with cancer. He was 74. He began his career at Gordon in […]
Churches to serve as safe spaces after Ferguson grand jury announcement
By Lilly Fowler — November 21, 2014
ST. LOUIS (RNS) With a grand jury decision on whether to indict the officer who fatally shot African-American teenager Michael Brown, expected by the end of the month, churches in the area are prepared to offer refuge.
Pope Francis tackles autism as families seek hope, support
By Josephine McKenna — November 21, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Advocates hope that Pope Francis' lending his support to autism awareness can give hope to weary parents and chip away at some of the stigma.
Mormons’ immigration stance reveals some surprises
By Jana Riess — November 21, 2014
Statistically, Mormons have more favorable views of immigration than other conservatives, particularly evangelicals. Why?
Are Jews better off outside Israel? Alan Wolfe reconsiders the Diaspora
By Lauren Markoe — November 21, 2014
(RNS) In the Diaspora, writes Alan Wolfe, Jewish can embrace universalism -- applying Jewish values to make the world a better place. "Jewish particularism" better describes the defensive, inward posture of Jews in Israel.
Kenyan city of Mombasa tense after mosque closures
By Fredrick Nzwili — November 21, 2014
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) In the first such move in Kenya’s history, the government announced the closure of four mosques in the coastal city of Mombasa, which has been wracked by religious-based violence.
