Who were the 3 wise men who visited Jesus?
By Eric Vanden Eykel — December 14, 2022
(The Conversation) — As Christmas approaches, Nativity scenes showing three wise men visiting the newborn Jesus are put up around the world. A scholar of Christian literature offers an explanation on their identity.
New Japan law aims at Unification Church fundraising abuses
By Mari Yamaguchi — December 13, 2022
TOKYO (AP) — The new law allows believers, other donors and their families to seek the return of their money and prohibits religious groups and other organizations from soliciting funds by coercion or linking donations to spiritual salvation.
Mistrial after jury deadlock in Danny Masterson rape case
By Brian Melley and Andrew Dalton — December 1, 2022
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge declared a mistrial after jurors, who were leaning strongly toward acquitting the “That ’70s Show” actor, deadlocked following the monthlong trial in which the Church of Scientology played a supporting role.
Across the US, Native Americans are fighting to preserve sacred land
By Alejandra Molina and Emily McFarlan Miller — November 29, 2022
(RNS) — ‘It’s important that we unify, and we work together, and share the teachings to protect our sacred areas because once God, once our sacred and holy places are gone, we will no longer exist. Our religion will be gone forever,’ said one Native American activist.