Opponents of gay marriage are optimistic about the Supreme Court. Atheists can be excuted in seven countries. Who is "Monsignor 007"? 

(RNS) The traditional Christmas image of the Virgin Mary -- silent, obedient, observant -- has cemented a potent ideal in the Western imagination. Now the masterful Irish writer Colm Toibin puts a jackhammer to the cozy, safe, Christmas-card version in "The Testament of Mary.'' By Karen Long.

Bring your bubbe a 2013 calendar of Nice Jewish Boys for Hanukkah. But dont spark a doobie around Mark Driscoll, or buy tickets for Kathie Lee Gifford's evangelical Broadway debut.

KENSINGTON, Md. (RNS) John Linder and Tim Welsh aren't Jewish, and probably don’t understand the religious symbolism in the menorahs, mezuzahs and dreidels they create. But the two autistic men know that in the weeks leading up to Hanukkah, their quick and expert manipulation of glass, copper and steel are crucial to getting a truckload of Judaica into the homes of Jews around the world. By Lauren Markoe.

British kings and queens may soon be allowed to marry Roman Catholics. A cadet quits West Point saying it disrespects nonreligious cadets. A new biography explores Nicholas of Myra, aka St. Nick.

NEW YORK (RNS) An exhibit at the Museum of Biblical Art in New York City reveals a spiritual side of master designer and craftsman Louis C. Tiffany, the man responsible for decorating some of the nation's landmark churches. By Chris Herlinger.

World magazine picks not just one but three people this year who exemplify Daniel. Is it OK to fake being gay to make a moral point? And so Jews don't get jealous: a gingerbread Hanukkah house.

The Pope joins the Twitters. Nevada court upholds the state's same-sex marriage ban. The Old South Church in Boston is selling a prayer book from 1640. 

Vampires are on the loose in Serbia, apparently. Pastafarians are waiting for the Flying Spaghetti Monster to drop some marinara sauce down the chimney, and the Vatican says conservative and liberal Catholics are both heretics (sort of).

VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican newspaper criticized media coverage of Pope Benedict's latest book on Jesus, saying that misdirected attention on minor remarks on Christmas traditions oveshadowed the pontiff's key message. By Alessandro Speciale.

Rick Warren says President Obama is unfriendly to religion. A Cairo Court sentences to death seven Coptic Christians for participating in an anti-Islam video. Pussy Riot video too extremist for web.

Angus Jones apologizes. Jewish counseling center sued over gay therapy. Godbaby, and "our Lord and Savior, Barack Obama." 

Today is for more spending, tomorrow for more giving? In religious Ghana, humanists rally. And four smart people square off on Pius XII.