The justices of the U.S. Supreme Court gather for an official group portrait. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Need to know: Friday, July 13, 2018
Why Catholics and Jews dominate at the Supreme Court
In the 20th century, there was a “Catholic seat” and a “Jewish seat” on the court, but today's mix of faiths has more to do with ideology and politics.
The surprising success of ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’
The hit documentary about 'Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood' has a deep spiritual center.
German Catholics’ confusing attempt to allow Communion for Protestants
New guidelines intended to allow Protestants to receive the Eucharist with their Catholic spouses has divided reformers and traditionalists.
The ‘king’ of Shambhala Buddhism is undone by abuse report
The leader of one of the biggest Buddhist groups in the West steps aside after allegations of sexual abuse. (Subscription may be required.)
In Plains, Ga., an evangelical politician like no other
In a politicized era, a Sunday school class given by former President Jimmy Carter focuses solely on spiritual power.
Latest news from RNS
Christian film producers plan movie about Thai cave rescue
NEW YORK (AP) — The producers behind Christian films like 'God's Not Dead' are already in Thailand with plans to develop a movie about the 18-day saga of the soccer team trapped in a flooded cave.
Supreme Court nominee dishes out mac and cheese to homeless
WASHINGTON (AP) — Brett Kavanaugh stood outside Catholic Charities in downtown Washington, where he spent an hour dishing out mac and cheese to a long line of people.
Inside the sacred danger of Thailand’s caves
(The Conversation) In Thailand, caves like the one the soccer team was trapped in are said to be ruled by nature spirits who offer their followers something that Buddhism cannot: assistance with love, money, and other things monks do not provide. At the same time, the spirits pose a danger if slighted.
More views from RNS
Catholic-heavy Supreme Court moves right as the church moves left
(RNS) — The confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court would drive the ideology of the Catholics on the court further to the right and exacerbate the already heightened angst about the institution’s ever more conservative Catholic majority.
Why has the Enneagram become so popular among Christians?
(RNS) — Why the uptick in interest in the Enneagram, especially among Christians? Next week, I'm attending an international conference to find out.
How I caused an earthquake in Israel
JERUSALEM (RNS) — A funny thing happened on the way to Jerusalem this past Shabbat.
