The Slingshot: Video games for Christians and Buddhists

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A Thai temple complex created in Minecraft. Screenshot from YouTube


Need to know: Wednesday, February 7, 2018

If you build it, will they pray? Constructing religious worlds with Minecraft

The chunky video game popular with kids is becoming a tool for exploring and advancing religion among some gamers, especially Christians.

In Thailand, Buddhist monks grapple with the meaning of video games

At a 14th century temple, writer Robert Rath found monks with deep, considered opinions on what place Buddha’s teachings have in a technological world.

Benedict XVI says he is on a pilgrimage home

The 90-year-old retired pope, in a letter to readers of the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, says he is in the final stages of his life. (Subscription may be required)

Poland ‘death camp’ law tears at shared bonds of suffering with Jews

Shared pain with Jews has given way to anger after Poland’s president signed legislation making it a crime to accuse the country of complicity in Nazi atrocities. (Subscription may be required)

Syria Christians hold first prayer in years in ravaged Deir Ezzor church

After Syrian troops recaptured the city in November, residents have been trickling back and last weekend they held their first prayer service, attended by Muslim clerics.

Latest news from RNS

Mercedes in China apologizes for quoting Dalai Lama abroad

(AP) — The Dalai Lama quote — 'Look at situations from all angles, and you will become more open' — appeared Monday on Mercedes’ account on Instagram, one of a number of foreign social media services Beijing tries to prevent China’s public from seeing.

On college campuses, some evangelicals find room to reflect

Twenty-four Christian study centers at some of the nation's most competitive universities want to cast off the perception that evangelicals are anti-intellectual or anti-science.

Top German cardinal signals cautious support for blessing same-sex couples

Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Archbishop of Munich, did not explicitly endorse the blessing but indicated some movement on the issue of gay unions after German Catholic leaders opposed their legalization last year.

More views from RNS

Praying for some snowboard diplomacy

(RNS) — I hope Vice President Pence has some private conversations with the high-level North Korean government officials who are accompanying their athletes.

Where have you gone, Paul Simon?

Paul Simon's music was often Christian. And sometimes, more Jewish than he thought.

Paul Ryan faces an urgent moral challenge

(RNS) — More than 100 young immigrants a day lose protection and the ability to work legally. House Speaker Paul Ryan is now the most important leader in determining their future.

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