How wearing masks and masculinity got confused
(RNS) — Some of the most robust arguments against masks have also come from some of the political and religious right’s paragons of performative masculinity.
What movies by and about African Americans can teach us in this hard present
(RNS) — Two films that show how Hollywood has depicted race relations might help us wrestle with our current moment.
A 24-hour online vigil will name some of the people who have died of COVID-19
(RNS) — The effort seeks to humanize and honor the people who have died. It's part of a marathon reading of names with songs and prayers interspersed.
Four young people of different faiths move into a home together, then a pandemic happens
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — Hadar Cohen, Ala’ Khan, Maya Mansour and Jonathan Simcosky were selected to move into the Abrahamic House, a co-living and co-creating space in the Koreatown neighborhood of LA.
A new book on Tara explores a portal to the divine in a female form
RALEIGH, N.C. (RNS) — Author Rachael Wooten hopes Tara’s different emanations can help people overcome suffering and cultivate compassion, even if they never embrace Buddhism.
On LA’s Skid Row, Catholic Worker’s ‘Hippie Kitchen’ adjusts to COVID-19
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — Volunteers at the Los Angeles Catholic Worker soup kitchen are improvising to continue services while preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Yale’s popular happiness class gains an online following among the socially distanced
(RNS) — More than 2.2 million people have enrolled in the 10-week online class called ‘The Science of Well-Being,’ which explores the things people think will make them happy — and the things that actually bring lasting life satisfaction.
At virtual Family Chapel, the 'spiritual but not religious' find community during pandemic
(RNS) — Traditional houses of worship have moved worship for their members online. For seekers and those unaffiliated with any faith, there is Family Chapel.
David J. Halperin on why UFOs tell us more about life on Earth than outer space
(RNS) — In his new book “Intimate Alien,” he explores UFOs as myths, but not in the sense that they are false or fake news. On the contrary, Halperin thinks they may contain deep and profound truths.
Snowstorm didn’t stop this Alaska church from hosting drive-in worship service
(RNS) — A pastor in Alaska donned a parka, cleaned hymnals with Clorox wipes and held church in the snow this week.
Bart Ehrman on why everything you’ve been told about heaven and hell is wrong
(RNS) — Best known for his popular books debunking the central assumptions of Christian Scriptures, the New Testament scholar continues this quest in his latest book, ‘Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife.’
How Reddit is helping ex-La Luz del Mundo members cope with life after the church
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — The subreddit appears to include commentary from former and current members of the church who may be nonbelievers but who remain in La Luz del Mundo for their families and loved ones.
Play about first African American priest in the US highlights current issues
PASADENA, Calif. (RNS) — Churches in the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles hosted performances of the play, 'Tolton: From Slave to Priest' during Black History Month.
Trump’s California funding threat over abortion puts nuns in unexpected spot
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — It's been nearly three weeks since Trump health officials in the Jan. 24 notice gave the state 30 days to comply or risk losing federal funding.
Canceling authors: The debate over who owns our stories
(RNS) — In the age of fan fiction, the age of memes, the age of mashups and YouTube compilations, we no longer take for granted that there is a single, fixed narrative — one that belongs to the author, by virtue of him or her having invented it.