Need to know: Thursday, May 5, 2016
Man who could be first atheist in Congress isn’t actually atheist
Jamie Raskin is actually Jewish. “One hundred percent Jewish," says Raskin. "Emphatically Jewish.”
German politicians suggest taxing Muslims to fight radicalization
Creating a “mosque tax” for Germany’s 4 million Muslims, who make up about 5 percent of the population, would tap a broad base of contributions that could replace foreign funds.
Ewan McGregor explores the humanness of Jesus
"Last Days in the Desert,” which opens in theaters May 13, stars McGregor as both Jesus and the devil.
Latest news from RNS
Catholic priest abducted in Yemen reportedly alive, could be released
ROME (RNS) Initial rumors fueled fears that the Rev. Tom Uzhunnalil had been crucified by ISIS-affiliated militants.
Nigerian cardinal escapes injury as attacks on clergy mount
(RNS) The attack on the cardinal comes amid increasing violence and kidnappings of clergy for ransom in the West African country.
The ‘bad boy’ cleric poised to be Iraq’s next kingmaker
While Moqtada al-Sadr is trying to cast himself as a populist and reformer, he has a bloody history in Iraq.
Court orders Texas prisons to allow Muslim beards, caps
State lawyers had argued that longer beards would become a “hotbed of contraband trafficking.”
More views from RNS
Bible study to address voting for Hillary Clinton (SATIRE)
(RNS) Critical questions for evangelicals who don't want Donald Trump to become president.
Cruz, the latest social conservative failure
But his failure in the year the GOP establishment fell apart sends an important message.
Trump isn’t Hitler: It’s OK for a person of faith to vote for Trump
Even this year, people can disagree on politics without sacrificing their faith.
Historians to discuss Joseph Smith’s polyandrous children, Mormons on YouTube, and Winston Churchill’s investigation of the LDS Church
Did Joseph Smith have a child with a woman who was married to another man? Why did Winston Churchill launch an investigation of the LDS Church in England? And other highlights from this year's Mormon History Association conference.
