Christianity
Steven Curtis Chapman first contemporary Christian artist to earn 50th No. 1 song
By Adelle M. Banks — February 28, 2023
(RNS) — Chapman’s ‘Don’t Lose Heart’ was released in 2022 as a part of ‘Still,’ his latest album, and addressed the loss and grief his family has experienced.
Is the consumerist West headed toward killing those with dementia?
By Charles C. Camosy — February 28, 2023
(RNS) — We imagine anyone who needs help to thrive as a ‘burden,’ and thus the compassionate thing to do is end their lives. This is terribly ableist.
Bishop Scott Jones moves from ‘extreme center’ of UMC to new Global Methodist Church
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 27, 2023
(RNS) — He isn't the first bishop to leave the United Methodist Church for the fledgling conservative denomination. But his exit has arguably caused the greatest stir.
‘Jesus Revolution’ leaves out the tough stuff but gets the music right
By Leah Payne — February 27, 2023
(RNS) — The new film about the origins of the Jesus People is refracted through Greg Laurie’s memory, which is selective.
From Super Bowl ads to Kentucky revivals, stop the Christian cannibalism
By Christian Pinkston — February 27, 2023
(RNS) — This habit of attacking 'our own' on peripheral topics — especially in public — is obstructive to the spread of the gospel.
‘Holy Queer’ author seeks Black church inclusion beyond singing with choir
By Adelle M. Banks — February 27, 2023
(RNS) — ‘I focus on the Black church in my criticism because I love it,’ said the Rev. Karmen Michael Smith, author of ‘Holy Queer.’
A brief history of the Black church’s diversity, and its vital role in American political history
By Jason Oliver Evans — February 27, 2023
(The Conversation) — Millions of enslaved Africans were forcefully converted to the Christian faith. The Black church came about when African Americans began to establish their own congregations.
How did Saddleback get kicked out of the SBC? It’s complicated.
By Bob Smietana — February 24, 2023
(RNS) — Five congregations ousted this week were the first to be expelled from the SBC on a national level for having women pastors since the ban on women pastors was instituted in 2000.
A US rabbi bears witness to the trauma in Ukraine one year after Russian invasion
By Yonat Shimron — February 24, 2023
(RNS) — Rabbi Charles Feinberg joined an interfaith delegation that traveled to Kyiv and its surroundings where they saw leveled buildings, displaced people's centers and evidence of human rights abuses and atrocities.
‘Woke Wars’ infiltrate Christian colleges, prof under fire for racial justice unit
By Kathryn Post — February 24, 2023
(RNS) — What happens when racial justice education is flagged as indoctrination?
Two cheers for David French
By Mark Silk — February 24, 2023
(RNS) — The new New York Times columnist upholds principles his conservative tribe has abandoned.
Churches urge Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to stay execution of Donald Dillbeck
By Alejandra Molina — February 23, 2023
(RNS) — Maria DeLiberato, executive director for Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, said it’s been powerful to see the faith community join the cause, particularly Latino evangelical congregations and Catholic churches, as they honor their traditions in protection of life.
Will the zeal of Asbury University’s revival connect with God’s justice?
By Andre Henry — February 23, 2023
(RNS) — If it stays true to the call of the Hebrew prophets, the Asbury revival won't stop at summoning people to personal piety.
At Maryland church, it’s ‘Caribbean Sabbath,’ not just Black History Month
By Adelle M. Banks — February 23, 2023
HYATTSVILLE, Md. (RNS) — ‘It's a space where our members and their family and friends can feel celebrated, can feel affirmed,’ said Pastor Trevor Kinlock.
Debates over sacred images in the Byzantine Empire show why it’s hard to appease any side
By Paroma Chatterjee — February 23, 2023
(The Conversation) — Fierce debates about visual depictions of the sacred have existed for centuries. An art historian explains the controversies in the Byzantine Empire over images of Christ.
