NEWS STORY
RNS-Baldoni-Book: Man or robot? ‘ Justin Baldoni takes on toxic masculinity in a new book
(RNS) — When ‘Jane the Virgin’ actor Justin Baldoni talked about the dangers of American male culture in his 2017 TED talk, women heaped praise on him, and men privately thanked him. Now he amplifies his thoughts about how men can become more human and feeling in a new book called “Man Enough.” A Q&A. By Paul O’Donnell. 1,280 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Metaphysical-Stores: Pagan ‘metaphysical’ shops navigate threats from Christian critics
(RNS) — Metaphysical stores are not only retail shops. They are also spiritual centers that offer classes and lectures, ritual space and spiritual counseling for those interested in magic and Pagan practices. They are also perceived, especially by conservative Christians, as devoted to the so-called dark arts and, often, a threat.
It’s frequently those Christians who threaten the stores. By Heather Greene. 1,095 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Catholic-Hospitals: California bill could bar UC Health from affiliating with Catholic hospitals that limit abortions
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — Under Senate Bill 379, UC Health would have to end partnerships with Catholic facilities or renegotiate those agreements to allow its staff to provide all necessary care, including gender-affirming and abortion care. The bill cleared the Senate Health Committee late April and is scheduled to be heard May 10 by the Senate Committee on Appropriations. By Alejandra Molina. 770 words. (category: a)
NEWS STORY
RNS-Pastors-Quitting: For some pastors, the past year was a sign for God that it was time to quit
(RNS) — Even before COVID, the Rev. Jeff Weddle was fed up with church and dreading Sunday mornings. The pandemic and the 2020 election were enough to make him leave the ministry. For some preachers like him, the stress of the past year and the uncertain future of the church have convinced them to find a new calling. By Bob Smietana 1,350 words. (category: a)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Salkin-Oped: Goodbye, Van Morrison
(RNS) — Van Morrison’s new song the song “They Own the Media” on his new album, “Latest Record Project, Vol. 1.” is a not-so-subtle work of antisemitism. The myth that the Jews control the media is one of the most popular, and ugliest, antisemitic canards in history. By Jeffrey Salkin. 706 words. (category: k)
COMMENTARY
RNS-Yoreh-Oped: I have faith: A secular response to tragedy
(RNS) — The reasons people like me are skeptical are as diverse as the snowflakes on a lazy winter morning, but when faced with tragedies, skepticism boils down to what may seem a cold hard truth: God won’t help us. God won’t help us, but faith can. Not faith in any higher power, but faith in ourselves, in the collective power of humanity to effect change for the better. By Tzemah Yoreh. 877 words. (category: k)