Jerome Socolovsky
Jerome Socolovsky is an author at Religion News Service.
All Stories by Jerome Socolovsky
The Slingshot: Trump makeover; #Ashtags; Religion in China
By Jerome Socolovsky and Kimberly Winston — March 1, 2017
The president’s pivot makes use of inclusive religious language. A penitent symbol goes viral. Persecution of Catholics and others reportedly increase despite nearing Vatican-Beijing deal.
The dangerous perversion of religion and politics I warned about
By Jerome Socolovsky — February 27, 2017
(RNS) A decade ago, a critic said a book I wrote about the threat from the religious right was a 'paranoid rant' while another detractor wrote my 'alarmist' views were 'exaggerated and implausible.'
The Slingshot: Trump condemns; ‘The stealth persuader’ dies; Oblates boom
By Kimberly Winston and Jerome Socolovsky — February 22, 2017
Jewish leaders had hoped for more than a belated condemnation of anti-Semitism. Pastor behind National Prayer Breakfast organization dies. A California hermitage’s program for lay associates is thriving.
Ikea under fire for male-only catalog in Israel
By Jerome Socolovsky — February 16, 2017
JERUSALEM (RNS) In an effort to appeal to the country’s ultra-Orthodox Jews and their increasingly stringent modesty norms, the niche catalog depicts Orthodox men with side curls and boys wearing yarmulkes in domestic settings — at a table set for a Sabbath meal, in a study with display cases lined with religious books. But not a single woman or girl.
The Slingshot: RFRA in Dakota; Christian refugees; Hip-hop revival
By Kimberly Winston and Jerome Socolovsky — February 15, 2017
Sioux religious freedom argument fails to stop pipeline. Prioritizing Christian refugees is said to help ISIS. Rappers are getting religion.
The Slingshot: CBN bigtime; Repeal ramifications; Graham trouble
By Kimberly Winston and Jerome Socolovsky — February 8, 2017
Trump puts Christian broadcaster in the limelight. Johnson amendment repeal could boost liberal churches’ politics. Puerto Rican Baptists shun Graham over support for anti-immigration policies
Trump vows to let churches engage in politics
By Jerome Socolovsky — February 2, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) The promise, a mainstay of his campaign, was made in remarks upholding religious liberty as an American value.
The Slingshot: Gorsuch’s faith; Quebec radio; Falwell’s mission
By Kimberly Winston and Jerome Socolovsky — February 1, 2017
Faith facts on the Supreme Court nominee. Anti-immigrant talk radio faulted after mosque attack. Liberty University president to lead presidential task force on higher-ed.
People of all faiths reject refugee ban
By Jerome Socolovsky — January 29, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) Few if any of the people who protested this weekend, and especially those who did so out of religious convictions, believe President Donald Trump's contention that his refugee ban is not aimed at Muslims.
The Slingshot: Pope vs. media; SNAP allegation; Religious right funders
By Kimberly Winston and Jerome Socolovsky — January 25, 2017
The pontiff wants us to focus on good news. Leaders of clergy abuse victims’ group accused of profiteering. Major philanthropies that bankroll conservative Christian groups.
The Slingshot: Cathedral controversy; Inaugural clergy; Obama’s faith
By Jerome Socolovsky — January 18, 2017
Former dean objects to Washington Cathedral role in inauguration. Christian preachers chosen by Trump appropriate Jewish rituals. Obama was more openly spiritual than other recent presidents.
The Slingshot: Goodbye Obama; Swiss swim classes; icon of forgiveness
By Jerome Socolovsky and Kimberly Winston — January 11, 2017
The outgoing president urges faith and political engagement. Court rules Muslim girls in Switzerland must take swim classes with boys. New York cop who famously forgave the 15-year-old who shot him dies.
Jeff Sessions needs a Sunday school lesson on immigration
By Jerome Socolovsky — January 6, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) Confirmation hearings begin next week for Donald Trump’s pick for U.S attorney general, who finds fodder in the Bible to justify his reactionary anti-immigrant positions. But the Alabama senator is out of step with more than a millennium of Christian thought and discipleship.
The Slingshot: Congressional faith; Last Shakers; Death and meaning
By Jerome Socolovsky and Kimberly Winston — January 4, 2017
Surprise! Congress is overwhelmingly Christian. Only two Shakers left. A San Francisco hospice director seeks to change the way we die.
ISIS issues hit list of U.S. churches for holiday attacks
By Jerome Socolovsky — December 23, 2016
(USA Today) The Islamic State is urging its followers to attack U.S. churches and has published names and addresses of thousands of prospective targets, according to a report in the news website Vocativ.
