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.
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.
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.
Head of Founders Ministries hospitalized
(RNS) — The prominent Baptist conservative is said to be in stable condition after collapsing in front of his congregation on Sunday.
Christian higher ed can't win the LGBTQ debate unless it transforms
(RNS) — At Christian schools across the country, an eruption over LGBTQ policy may be only a day away.
Retiring NAE head Leith Anderson: Evangelicals not just white or political
WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘I want the standard to be what the Bible teaches, not what the polls report,’ said Leith Anderson, outgoing president of the National Association of Evangelicals.
Harvest report pins ‘massive corporate governance failure’ on MacDonald
CHICAGO (RNS) — A law firm's review blamed the megachurch's ousted pastor's “powerful and subversive leadership style.”
Kay Warren to host annual gathering for survivors of suicide
LOS ANGELES (RNS) — As she hosts her seventh Survivors of Suicide Loss Day at Saddleback Church this year, Kay Warren said there have been many strides in mental health awareness, but more needs to be done.
With Joel Osteen, Kanye drops a clue about his faith, and his kinship with Trump
(RNS) — If Kanye’s understanding of God comes through the lens of African American New Thought, his egotism, ostentation and seeming megalomania have a historical and theological context.
Paige Patterson’s career ended after she came forward. Her struggle continues.
GREENSBORO, N.C. (RNS) — The sexual abuse scandal has made household names of several Southern Baptist women who have come forward alleging abuse. Megan Lively, now 40, doesn’t want that kind of recognition.
Vatican appears to rebuke new US West Bank settlement policy
(RNS) — The Vatican criticized ‘recent decisions’ it says undermine the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced this week that the U.S. no longer sees Israeli settlements on occupied territory as illegal.
Trump advisor calls Pompeo's West Bank decision an answered prayer
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Monday (Nov. 18) that it no longer considered Israeli settlement illegal, instead calling them 'ill-advised,' a term borrowed from Ronald Reagan. Pro-Israel evangelical leaders praised the move, but other faith groups criticized it.
People of faith are heard online — but the partisans are winning
(RNS) — The bad news is that the most outspoken religious people on social media are no less partisan than anyone else. The good news is that they are likely speaking to a silent majority of political pragmatists.