opinion
What Ötzi the prehistoric iceman can teach us about the use of tattoos in ceremonial healing or religious rites
By Allison Hawn — September 28, 2021
(The Conversation) — When the 5,300-year-old mummy of Ötzi the Iceman was found 30 years ago, researchers found 61 tattoos on it. A scholar explains how tattoos have been a sacred part of many cultures across the world.
How the world’s biggest Islamic organization drives religious reform in Indonesia – and seeks to influence the Muslim world
By Ahmet T. Kuru — September 27, 2021
(The Conversation) — Nahdlatul Ulama is the world’s biggest Islamic organization, initiating a reform movement, which it is calling ‘Humanitarian Islam.’
What Harvard’s humanist chaplain shows about atheism in America
By Wendy Cadge and Penny Edgell — September 27, 2021
(The Conversation) — Americans are getting more comfortable with new forms of spirituality, but their views of atheists are still complicated.
US family discovers Chinese nuns who rescued adopted baby daughter
By Melanie Lidman — December 24, 2018
(Global Sisters Report) — Teagan is happily enjoying life in Chattanooga, Tennessee, doted on by her older siblings, and looking forward to her first Christmas in America.
How to change hearts on race
By Richard Mouw — January 23, 2018
(RNS) — Ultimately, doctrines of racial superiority have to be destroyed in the deep places of our souls. But a smartphone can help.
RNS Best of 2017: Eugene Peterson backtracks on same-sex marriage
By Jonathan Merritt — December 31, 2017
(RNS) — After condemnation from conservatives, 'The Message' author says he regrets telling RNS columnist Jonathan Merritt that he would officiate a same-sex wedding.
Sexuality, race, and gender: 3 explosive insights about America’s 100 largest churches
By Jonathan Merritt — December 29, 2017
Last October, evangelicalism was rocked by the launch of ChurchClarity.org, an organization that reports churches’ LGBTQ+ policies and rates congregations based on their level of clarity. The website angered Christians on both sides of the issue. Some conservatives attacked the CC’s liberal leadership, while some progressives claimed that labeling churches undermined progress. Nevertheless, Church Clarity persisted. […]
Why I decline to sign ‘prophetic’ declarations
By Richard Mouw — December 7, 2017
(RNS) — I talked a lot about being 'prophetic' in my early days of social activism, but I don’t use that word much these days.
You have been warned, Pat Robertson!
By Richard Mouw — October 3, 2017
(RNS) It didn’t take long for some preachers tell us why God caused the horrible mass murder in Las Vegas to happen. The best response to such bad theology came from a bus driver I met several years ago in New Orleans, writes RNS columnist Richard Mouw.
Fish, fowl — and faith
By Richard Mouw — August 29, 2017
The farmer did not want to reduce chickens to something less than they are. But neither did he want make them into something more. They are chickens, and that is a sufficient reason to treat them with some dignity—chicken dignity.
Twisting the cross: The deadly theology of white supremacy
By Lauren Markoe — August 28, 2017
(RNS) — 'A symbol of love can become a weapon. The icon of redemption can become an instrument of terror,' writes Shane Claiborne.
Don’t throw the word ‘Nazi’ around
By Holly Lebowitz Rossi — August 25, 2017
(RNS) — 'Nazism shouldn’t be a casual catch-all term to describe the bad guys,' writes Holly Lebowitz Rossi.
Evangelical Trump adviser: Why I won’t bail on the White House
By Johnnie Moore — August 24, 2017
(RNS) — 'I wouldn’t back down for the same reason I wouldn’t have left President Obama or Secretary Clinton had they asked me to be an adviser, even though I largely disagreed with their policies,' writes the Rev. Johnnie Moore. (COMMENTARY)
Government: Does size matter?
By Richard Mouw — April 5, 2017
I find myself quickly going beyond the limits set by those who speak most loudly about “getting the government out of our lives.”
Clearing the remaining obstacles for Americans with disabilities is a moral obligation
By guest — June 17, 2016
(RNS) As we approach the ADA’s 26th anniversary, Americans with disabilities continue to face unemployment and poverty rates twice the national average and discrimination in many areas.
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