Other
Safe house in South Africa offers gays refuge, hope and ministry
By Brian Pellot — October 15, 2015
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (RNS) Inclusive and Affirming Ministries’ LGBTI safe house provides refuge for at-risk sexual minorities and a safe space to integrate “God’s gift of faith with God’s gift of sexuality.”
Snapchat spirituality: How technology can be a force for religious good or evil
By Jonathan Merritt — October 15, 2015
After Jefferson Bethke's video garnered 30 million views, he became "YouTube famous." He says that churches and Christians should use technology more effectively, but they should be careful not to abuse it.
Imagine John Lennon, 75 years old
By Jeffrey Salkin — October 8, 2015
I loved John Lennon. His song "Imagine" -- not so much.
Religious or not, many Americans see a creator’s hand
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — October 7, 2015
(RNS) A new survey, which asked no questions about evolution, looks at the origin of the universe and human morality in Christian terms.
How evangelicals’ flip-flop on ex-gay therapy can actually improve their credibility
By Jonathan Merritt — October 6, 2015
We should celebrate the humility and courage it takes to say “I got that wrong.” But Christian leaders must ask how this situation might help them become more prudent in expressing their opinions going forward.
California governor faces final call on right-to-die bill
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — October 1, 2015
(RNS) "Death with dignity" or "legalized suicide"? Gov. Jerry Brown could sign a bill making his the most populous state to allow physician-assisted dying -- or veto it.
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ stamp goes on sale
By Mary Bowerman — October 1, 2015
The booklet of 20 stamps features 10 still frames from the 1965 TV special “A Charlie Brown Christmas” celebrating the classic’s 50th anniversary.
8 banned books to celebrate Blasphemy Rights Day
By Brian Pellot — September 30, 2015
(RNS) The Bible and "Fifty Shades of Grey" share more than a few raunchy sex scenes. For Banned Books Week and International Blasphemy Rights Day (Sept. 30), these eight titles are still too hot to handle.
After winning 5 Grammy and 40 Dove Awards, Sandi Patty will call it quits
By Jonathan Merritt — September 28, 2015
Over her four-decade career, Patty became one of the most celebrated Christian musicians in the world and was almost ruined by a public scandal. At 59, she says she’s ready to hand in her microphone.
What does it take to produce a Pope event? Behind the scenes at next week’s mass
By Jonathan Merritt — September 17, 2015
The production company behind Pope Francis’ mass in Washington, D.C. next week says it is similar to producing a rock concert.
How Catholic are US Catholics? It’s all in how you measure
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — September 16, 2015
(RNS) Being Catholic is more about beliefs and values than about attending Mass, experts find.
Confucius for Christians? Evangelical college professor learns from unlikely source
By Jonathan Merritt — September 8, 2015
There are Christians, and there are Confucians. But according to Gregg Ten Elshof, there should also be "Confucian Christians."
BEST OF RNS: Coloring books for grown-ups: A spiritual practice?
By Leslie Miller — September 8, 2015
(RNS) Were there coloring books and crayons in your Christmas stocking? They're a hit with many adults. ICYMI: Here's RNS' look at what some consider a spiritual practice.
Instagram’s ‘Socality Barbie’ pokes fun at social media’s shallow spirituality
By Jonathan Merritt — September 3, 2015
Barbie ditched Ken for adventures, lattes, and Jesus. At least that's what you'd assume from flipping through this hilarious and popular Instagram feed.
Conservative Christians’ new scare word
By Jonathan Merritt — August 31, 2015
In the fight over gay rights, conservative Christians have a new enemy. No, it isn’t a politician or activist or organization. It isn’t a noun at all, in fact, but rather a verb: normalize.
