The original ‘Blue Christmas’: New Advent resources focus on grief, justice before celebration
(RNS) — A number of new Advent resources available this year admit a bleak midwinter spirit, drawing attention to grief and injustice.
The stubborn faithfulness of liberal Mormons
(RNS) — Liberal Mormons aren't clamoring for women's rights or LGBTQ equality because we oppose the church; we do so because we took the church at its word.
Over 10,000 Christians petition Boston College to reject Koch grant
BOSTON (RNS) — More than 10,080 Christians have signed a petition urging officials at the Jesuit university to reject a potential donation from the Koch Foundation toward the school's political science department.
Charlie Kirk, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove float debate on Jesus and socialism at Liberty University think tank
(RNS) — On Thursday (Dec. 12), the Twitter account of the newly created conservative think tank posted a challenge to the Rev. Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, a progressive faith leader in North Carolina, offering to host a debate over whether Jesus was a socialist.
Study: Christians, Jews have smaller families, solo living and parenting styles
(RNS) — The Pew Research Center study found that Muslims across the globe live in the biggest households. Christians fall in the middle. One in 10 Jews worldwide live alone.
How Christians of color in Colonial Virginia became 'black'
(RNS) — Although the British settlers imported Africans from the first as slaves, the earliest Virginians had yet to establish many of the basic rules regarding slavery.
Seven years in, pope's Twitter account garners success, criticism and comic mishaps
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Seven years ago, with a tap on an iPad, the pontificate was ushered into the world of social media, creating a new space for evangelization and papal communication.
In 'Hidden Life', Terrence Malick says freedom is won in standing up for beliefs
(RNS) — God is never mentioned in the philosophical director's latest film: There is no need. God’s presence is always implied in the physical world.
Luke Putney testifies to the healing power of music, helping others
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — Aspiring musician Luke Putney hopes to help others while recovering from a brain tumor and stroke that left him unable to walk and play his guitar or bass. Earlier this fall, he walked a modified marathon — a mile a day for 26 days — to raise money for his charity, which helps provide funds for music therapy.
Actor Mark Ruffalo blends film and faith-fueled activism in ‘Dark Waters’
(RNS) — The actor said his own diverse faith background not only motivated him to take on the starring role in "Dark Waters" and to produce the film, but it has also grounded his activism over the years.
Postcards from the Protestant decline in America
(RNS) — A weekend trip to my hometown makes the statistics more personal (and painful): Only about 1 in 5 young adults were Protestant in 2018, compared with twice that when I was in high school.
North Dakota county votes to take limited number of refugees
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota county on Monday voted to accept no more than 25 refugees next year, after initially signaling it would be the first to ban them since President Donald Trump ordered that states and counties should have the power to do so.
How the purity movement created a sense of shame in evangelical women
(The Conversation) — Extreme abstinence culture goes beyond sexual mores to advise women not to pursue leadership roles or speak out in mixed company.
The new science of spiritual fortitude: The key to enduring faith
(RNS) — Resilience has been touted as the key to a successful life. But the concept didn’t resonate with my personal experience of suffering from cancer.
Pope Francis taps Filipino Cardinal to Vatican's evangelization powerhouse
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In a surprise move, Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, Philippines, as the head of Propaganda Fide, the major Vatican department for evangelization, and signaling a possible papal successor.