RNS Morning Report: Dementia and Faith; Watergate Remembered; Land Sale in Israel

RNS photo illustration by Kit Doyle

Need to know: Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Dementia and religion: ‘What if I forget about God?’

It’s a query that reflects the struggles of people facing diseases like Alzheimer’s and gives Louisville geropsychologist Benjamin Mast a chance to explain how workings of the brain can relate to functions of faith.

A journalist, a Mormon apostle and a data expert discuss lessons of Watergate

If an odd collection, the panelists were quick to show that Watergate tested them all similarly, by calling deeply on their respective expertise — journalism, data and faith.

Greek Orthodox Church faces Israeli homeowners’ ire after land sales

The secretive sale by the church, the country's second largest landowner, to a group of investors has outraged residents and church members alike.

Women strive for larger roles in male-dominated religions

In just over a year, the #MeToo movement has toppled powerful men around the world. Yet in most of the world's major religions, women are still relegated to second-tier status.

How Mormons handle doubt: Blame the victim

I’ve never seen a case where a doubter successfully returned to the Church through shaming tactics such as these. Not once, writes Jana Riess.

How religious conservatives are grappling with racism

Will Ford, a minister from Texas, is among several voices on the religious right urging Protestant Christians to recognize and act against race-based injustice.

 


 

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From the Bible Belt, EWTN shapes world Catholic news

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Israeli Christians protest artwork depicting Ronald McDonald as ‘McJesus’

The controversy has raised questions about the limits of artistic freedom in Israel, which prides itself on being both a progressive country and the home to holy sites of three world religions.

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Jimmy Allen, a Southern Baptist for everyone, taught us how to deal with change

History will remember the last moderate Southern Baptist leader for his grace in the upheavals that hit American religious and political life in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, writes Bill Leonard.