Jonathan Pryce as Cardinal Bergoglio, right, and Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict in a scene from “The Two Popes.” Photo by Peter Mountain/Netflix
Need to know: Tuesday, December 17, 2019
‘The Two Popes’ promotes dialogue in a polarized Catholic Church and society
Held together by engaging writing and artful acting, the movie ‘The Two Popes’ offers an intimate look at the relationship between Pope Francis and Benedict XVI, delivering a powerful message about dialogue and mercy along the way.
Former Harvest Bible Chapel pastor James MacDonald sues radio host ‘Mancow’
Former Harvest Bible Chapel pastor James MacDonald is suing Chicago radio personality Erich ‘Mancow’ Muller for defamation after Muller used his radio show to — in the host’s words — ‘bring down the cult of MacDonald.’
Keeping the longing for Christ in Christmas
Advent, with its carols and holiday parties, may be the last vestige of a liturgical life lived in common. But even those who want to keep the Christ in Christmas forget that the season is about the hunger that we feel for the redeemed world, writes Tara Isabella Burton.
A last-minute gift for the spiritual reader in your life
If you find yourself wondering, just days before Christmas, what gift to offer the Christian book-lover on your list . . . problem solved! I’ve got the perfect idea. You’re welcome, writes Jana Riess.
Will young white evangelicals turn their backs on Trump?
On social issues, younger evangelicals are drifting toward the center. But the data is mixed on whether they can stomach voting for anyone but the GOP, writes Ryan Burge.
Pope Francis issues sweeping sexual abuse reforms
The pope has vowed zero tolerance for offenders, but victims of abuse want him to do more and make bishops who allegedly covered up the abuse accountable.
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Who are Black Hebrew Israelites?
On Tuesday (Dec. 10), two men opened fire on a kosher supermarket in Jersey City, New Jersey, ultimately leaving four dead and three wounded in the shooting spree. One of the shooters had ties with the Black Hebrew Israelite movement, which includes organizations labeled as hate groups, in part due to some members voicing anti-Semitic rhetoric.
‘You’ve got to call out evil,’ says pastor of church with Nativity scene separated in cages
Claremont United Methodist Church is taking security measures after its Nativity scene showing Jesus, Mary and Joseph as refugees in cages has garnered widespread attention.
Reform Jews call for reparations for slavery
The resolution is the first such effort on the part of an American Jewish organization but has precedent among some Protestant groups.
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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.
Keeping the mystic, messianic faith of Star Wars’ Skywalkers
It’s time once more to tell the old familiar story, set on the outskirts of an ancient and powerful empire, of a child born of a virgin and destined to save the world, writes Bob Smietana.
Dear Democrats: Four religion requests from non-religious Americans
(RNS) — While by no means our only matter of concern, toning down talk of faith in politics would show some respect to what is rapidly becoming the largest ‘religious’ group in the country.
