The ‘Splainer
The ’Splainer: What’s a cardinal?
(RNS) On Nov. 19 at the Vatican, Pope Francis will officially name – or “create,” as the Catholic Church prefers to say – 17 new cardinals. What is a cardinal anyway? Where did they come from? What do they do? Let us ‘Splain …
The ‘Splainer: What is ‘Reformation Day’?
(RNS) Reformation Day is mainly marked by Lutherans and members of the Reformed Church, and in some churches it has developed into a holiday meant to rival Halloween. But does it? Let us ‘Splain . . .
The ‘Splainer: The ‘spiritual battle’ over the Dakota Access pipeline
(RNS) How is opposition to the Dakota Access pipeline rooted in traditional Native American spirituality? Let us ‘Splain …
The ‘Splainer: Lourdes and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
(RNS) Security is being beefed up as thousands of pilgrims flock to a Marian shrine in southwest France. Why Lourdes and what is the Assumption?
The ‘Splainer: Who is St. Sebastian and why do athletes claim him?
(RNS) From Christian martyr to sports icon, St. Sebastian is the patron saint of athletes and of Rio de Janeiro.
The ‘Splainer: Was Charles Koch using the term ‘blood libel’ correctly?
(RNS) Billionaire Charles Koch said rumors he would support Hillary Clinton for president amounted to “a blood libel,” but do they really? Let us ‘Splain.
The ‘Splainer: Who is Fethullah Gulen?
(RNS) In 80 countries — including the U.S. — Gulenists are making their mark.
The ‘Splainer: What is the Star of David and what does it mean for Jews?
(RNS) The symbol is newer to Judaism than you might think.
The ‘Splainer: What does the pope mean by ‘apologize’?
(RNS) What does it mean that Pope Francis thinks the Catholic Church should apologize to gays and other marginalized groups? Let us ‘Splain . . .
The ‘Splainer: Passover, the most beloved Jewish holiday
(RNS) Slaves, plagues, wine and matzo.
The ‘Splainer: Was the Last Supper a Passover seder?
(RNS) Most scholars say “nope,” but a growing number of Christians host their own seders. Let us ‘splain …
The ‘Splainer: Who was St. Patrick, and would he drink green beer?
(RNS) March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. But was there a real St. Patrick? Did he drive the snakes out of Ireland or use the shamrock to explain the Trinity? Why should this fifth-century priest be remembered at all? Let us ‘Splain.
‘The ‘Splainer: Making sense of exit polls
(RNS) These polls have given us “Trumpvangelicals,” true believers for Ted Cruz and confusion over Democrats and the God vote. Let us ‘splain.
The ‘Splainer: Pope Gregory makes the leap to leap year
(RNS) Whatever your feelings about this extra day of winter/school/work, you can thank a 16th-century Catholic pope for it. Let us ‘Splain . . .
The ‘Splainer: What to expect at Scalia’s Catholic funeral
(RNS) Will there be a Mass? A eulogy? Lots of sacred music? Let us ‘Splain . . .