Doctrine & Practice
Vegetarian or vegan? What about lab-grown beef? Hindus follow scriptures for diet advice
By Richa Karmarkar — October 20, 2023
(RNS) — Many Hindus, already vegetarian, are going vegan for health and religious reasons. But fake or lab-grown beef is still up for debate among religious authorities.
Why Hamas is selling its assault on Israel as a holy war
By Michele Chabin and Yonat Shimron — October 17, 2023
(RNS) — The reference to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, was a rallying cry to unite Muslims everywhere.
Survey: US religious groups do not view climate change as a crisis
By Yonat Shimron — October 4, 2023
(RNS) — Among white evangelicals, the view that the Earth is in crisis actually dropped — from 13% in 2014 to 8% today.
World Communion Sunday is about more than Christian unity
By Jennifer Butler — October 2, 2023
(RNS) — World Communion Sunday should be understood as a ritual that helps us envision ourselves beyond our own religious, racial, gender or national tribe and unified instead by a vision of human and planetary flourishing; a realization that all are one.
Suspended UMC Latina bishop found not guilty on all charges
By Yonat Shimron — September 22, 2023
(RNS) — Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño, a leader of the California-Nevada Conference, or region, of the United Methodist Church, will return to her role after an 18-month suspension.
On Janmashtami, Krishna devotees feed the Lord and the poor with their best vegetarian offerings
By Richa Karmarkar — September 7, 2023
(RNS) — This Janmashtami, ISKCON temples around the world will double up their Chhappan Bhog practice with a community food offering.
For Jews, pandemic-era online worship has an enduring upside
By Yonat Shimron — August 31, 2023
(RNS) — The embrace of videoconferencing and livestreaming is actually helping Jews engage more fully with their faith.
The story of Emmett Till is the story of America
By Robert P. Jones — August 29, 2023
(RNS) — If we trace the historical stream further back, we can see, in Emmett Till’s story, America’s oldest struggles. Indeed, the land itself testifies to the cultural world in which Till’s murder was conceivable.
Robert Jones’ new book roots white supremacy in 500-year-old papal decree
By Yonat Shimron — August 22, 2023
(RNS) — The Doctrine of Discovery shaped the way America’s white, European Christian settlers saw themselves and their mission and gave rise to uncontrollable outbursts of violence.
A religious calling to protect democracy
By Chris Crawford — August 16, 2023
(RNS) — Most religious doctrines do not require an embrace of democracy. But in today’s world, authoritarians are attempting to do the opposite — to recruit communities of faith to undermine democracy.
Beware the Black Robed Regiment cosplay
By Karen Swallow Prior — August 15, 2023
(RNS) — Dressing in the garb of Revolutionary clergy in the 21st century reflects neither biblical wisdom nor sound theology.
Halal nail polish raises complex discussions among Muslim consumers
By Fiona André — August 11, 2023
(RNS) — The halal cosmetic market is growing rapidly, but many customers remain skeptical.
Episcopal bishop’s family accuses denomination of mishandling abuse allegations
By Kathryn Post — August 11, 2023
(RNS) — Nivedhan and Eklan Singh shared allegations of physical abuse, alcoholism and emotional abuse against their father, Prince Singh, an Episcopal bishop in Michigan.
For many Pittsburgh Jews, Robert Bowers deserves the death penalty
By Yonat Shimron — August 3, 2023
(RNS) — The execution may be years or decades away, if it happens at all, but for the country’s worst act of antisemitism the death penalty sent a message that hatred of Jews should never be tolerated.
Rebecca Todd Peters is on a mission to get churches to talk about abortion
By Yonat Shimron — July 13, 2023
(RNS) — A Presbyterian minister and scholar is working to shift the cultural paradigm that abortion is sin.
