Ahead of the Trend
Studies suggest spiritual practices may prompt people to get off the mat and engage
By Yonat Shimron — August 18, 2022
(RNS) — Criticism of spirituality as inherently selfish may be overblown, according to two new studies that suggest people who are spiritual but not religious are civically and politically engaged.
Ayurveda’s spiritual science makes inroads among foodies and healers
By Richa Karmarkar — August 17, 2022
(RNS) — At the intersection of science and religion, the ancient art of ayurveda is attracting believers seeking to improve their health by treating soul and body.
Non-affirming views continue to complicate HIV/AIDS response in Black churches
By Richa Karmarkar — August 15, 2022
(RNS) — A new study highlights an overall negative attitude toward homosexuality in the Black church. Now, Black LGBT clergy members are working to combat stigma in congregations about the public health issues of HIV and AIDS.
Millennials adopt digital worship, but not at the expense of IRL faith
By Kathryn Post — August 5, 2022
(RNS) — Forty-one percent of US respondents and 29% of Canadian respondents reported consuming religious or spiritual digital content at least once a month.
When preachers get political, do they change minds?
By Ryan Burge — August 3, 2022
(RNS) — Preachers tend to risk political speech only when they know it will receive a warm reception.
Survey: Post-Roe, White evangelicals remain outliers on abortion laws
By Bob Smietana — July 11, 2022
(RNS) — Americans are increasingly willing to only support politicians that share their views on abortion, according to a new survey.
The eternal truth behind the SBC presidential vote: Location, location, location
By Ryan Burge — June 16, 2022
(RNS) — Conservative Baptists may be looking ahead to getting on home turf next year.
Study: Girls raised by Jewish parents outperform Christian girls academically
By Yonat Shimron — May 12, 2022
(RNS) — Adolescent girls raised by Jewish parents have ambitious career goals and prioritize their professional success over marriage and motherhood, a study in the American Sociological Review found.
Even abortion foes will help friends who choose to end a pregnancy
By Bob Smietana — May 9, 2022
(RNS) — Americans hold complicated views on abortion — with many seeing it as immoral but necessary. And they often help out friends who choose abortion.
How America’s youth lost its religion in 1990s
By Ryan Burge — April 13, 2022
(RNS) — We are living in the aftermath of one of the most dramatic demographic shifts in American history.
Study: Women of no faith face discrimination — when they are seen at all
By Alejandra Molina — March 22, 2022
(RNS) — ‘Nonreligious Women in America’ details the extent to which women conceal their nonreligious identities, as well as the isolation, stigma and discrimination they face.
Who is best suited to protect religious liberty? It may depend on whom you voted for.
By Ryan Burge — March 16, 2022
(RNS) — Just 8% of Democrats under Trump believed that the president was a worthy champion of religious liberty.
Study: Black Catholics in US are a tiny minority increasingly drawing on immigrants
By Yonat Shimron — March 15, 2022
(RNS) — Only 68% of Black Catholics are U.S.-born. The rest are from Africa, the Caribbean or South America.
Americans support religious freedom — as long as it’s convenient for everyone
By Ryan Burge — February 15, 2022
(RNS) — Speaking in generalities about religious freedom will always win admirers.
The deadly dogmatism of Christian nationalism
By Samuel L. Perry — January 28, 2022
(RNS) — Christian nationalism is the leading predictor that white Americans are more dogmatic.