Christian
Ray Lewis, Faith, and Super Bowl
By Omid Safi — February 3, 2013
Even if Lewis was a sinner, and turned to faith to turn his life around, he is in good company with many religious figures throughout human history.
White House expands religious exemptions to contraception mandate
By David Gibson — February 1, 2013
(RNS) The Obama administration on Friday unveiled new rules on its controversial contraception mandate designed to provide greater flexibility for religiously affiliated organizations though not for privately owned businesses.
An Assault on the American University
By Omid Safi — February 1, 2013
Our democracy is best served by sending a strong message to those behind the assault on our universities: We are not for sale.
Retired Los Angeles cardinal punished over abuse revelations
By David Gibson — February 1, 2013
(RNS) Retired Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony has been stripped of his official duties in an unusual public rebuke by his successor that followed the release of thousands of pages of internal church documents showing how Mahony and aides for years conspired to cover up the sexual abuse of children by clergy.
Catholic, Reformed churches agree on baptism
By Adelle M. Banks — January 31, 2013
(RNS) Leaders of Catholic and Reformed churches have signed an agreement to recognize each other’s sacraments of baptism in a public step toward unity among groups often divided by doctrine.
Vatican admits it doesn’t fully understand youth culture
By Alessandro Speciale — January 31, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican's culture ministry warned that the Catholic Church risks losing future generations if it doesn't learn how to understand young people, their language and their culture.
Ravens or Niners? Christians face a ‘Super’ dilemma
By David Gibson — January 31, 2013
(RNS) A new survey shows that more than a quarter of Americans think God will help decide the winner of Sunday’s Super Bowl. But that doesn’t help the Almighty’s football-loving followers, especially Christians who may need divine wisdom to separate the saints from the sinners in the matchup between the Ravens and the 49ers.
Photo Slideshow: Bilingual Presbyterian Service
By Sally Morrow — January 30, 2013
Click any image below to see photo slideshow. Photos by Sally Morrow/Religion News Service
David Lamb: Is God really ‘Angry, Sexist and Racist’?
By Kellie Moore — January 30, 2013
COLUMBIA, Mo. (RNS) Evangelical theologian David Lamb tackles some of the Bible’s most troubling passages in his book, “God Behaving Badly: Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist and Racist?” His answer: yes and no.
At halftime, a religious alternative to Beyonce
By Lauren Markoe — January 30, 2013
(RNS) Whether to avoid the raunch, or simply to capture part of the Super Bowl’s supersized audience, some religion-oriented programmers are producing their own halftime shows.
The Japanese Jesus
By Michael J. O'Loughlin — January 29, 2013
Jesus didn’t die on the cross. His twin-brother filled in for him to trick the authorities, and Jesus traveled to a remote village in Japan, fathered a few children, and lived to a fulfilling life until his death at 106.
Pope Benedict XVI says lack of ‘faith’ could be used in marriage annulments
By Alessandro Speciale — January 29, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI has asked the Vatican's highest appeals court to consider reviewing church rules on marriage annulments -- a statement that may signal a change in tone more than a change in substance.
Arkansas Senate OKs guns in churches
By Doug Stanglin — January 29, 2013
(RNS) The Arkansas Senate has passed a bill lifting a ban on carrying concealed weapon in church, but church leaders would be allowed the final say.
The 10 best things I was ever told about ‘Christian sex’
By Melissa Otterbein — January 28, 2013
I've heard the most appalling -- and the most beautiful -- messages about sex in the church. Too often, the church is silent and bashful about sex, and when the church has spoken out about sex, many messages I heard have either been shaming or repressive. Here's the 10 best thing I've ever heard about "Christian sex."
So long, Catholic Boy Scouts?
By David Gibson — January 28, 2013
Surprising news: Boy Scouts of America Says Discussing End to Ban on Gay Members By REUTERS DALLAS (Reuters) – Boy Scouts of America is discussing ending a longstanding ban on gay members and whether to allow local organizations to decide their own policy, a spokesman said on Monday. Lifting the ban would mark a dramatic […]
