NEWS STORY
RNS-Pope-Predecessor: New Book by Pope Francis points to continuity with predecessor John Paul II
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — A book released on Tuesday (Feb 11) in Italy marks the 100th birthday anniversary for Pope John Paul II. “We told the story of John Paul II through the eyes of Pope Francis,” said Father Luigi Maria Epicoco, who interviewed Francis for the book, adding that the book touches on many subjects that are dear to both the pontiffs. By Claire Giangravé. 1,047 words. (category: i)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Nones-Stabilizing: Is the decline in religious affiliation slowing? Some scholars say maybe
(RNS) — For the past 25 years, the number of Americans claiming no religion has steadily ballooned as more and more people quit church, synagogue or mosque and openly acknowledge being called a so-called “none.” But this week, three political scientists who study religion have raised the possibility that the number of nones may be leveling off. By Yonat Shimron. 800 words. (category: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Stevens-Oped: How a Western megachurch pastor fell in love with Eastern meditation
(RNS) — Some Christian leaders have cast meditation as a dangerous pagan practice. But contemplation and interior silence have been central practices for Christians since at least the second century. By Jarrett Stevens. 1,000 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Reese-Oped: Prophets are social critics not fortunetellers
(RNS) — Attacking political and economic elites for not taking care of the poor, God’s messengers challenge today’s leaders and preachers who ignore their civic responsibilities. By Thomas Reese. 600 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Riess-Oped: Mormon $100B fortune offers opportunity to do more good
(RNS) — The needs in the world right now are too great for one small denomination to be sitting on a nest egg of $100 billion “just in case.” People are in poverty now. People need clean water now. We have the resources to bless so many people. But will we share those resources, or continue to hoard them? By Jana Riess. 1,041 words. (category: k)
