race
Is talk of privilege ‘lunacy’? On Richard Dawkins, skepticism, and certainty
By Chris Stedman — December 10, 2014
Richard Dawkins and others have already demonstrated that they're not afraid to direct their skepticism toward religious ideas. But the freethinking spirit they strive to embody and promote can't be limited to this one area.
The fight to show that Black lives matter, in Ferguson and beyond, needs atheist allies
By Chris Stedman — November 24, 2014
I know not all atheists identify as secular humanists, but for those that do—for the nonbelieving individuals and groups who, like me, contend for secular rights and ethical reasoning conducive to the wellbeing of all humans—I need you.
Instead of hating on social justice, atheists should tackle STEM segregation
By Chris Stedman — November 21, 2014
As a racially polarized nation awaits the grand jury decision on the officer who killed unarmed teen Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, atheists and Humanists must step up on addressing STEM segregation and racism.
Atheism and social justice: Sikivu Hutchinson on the first People of Color Beyond Faith conference
By Chris Stedman — October 9, 2014
"Despite frequent tokenistic calls for 'diversity' within the 'movement,' there are virtually no people of color in executive management positions in any of the major secular, atheist, or Humanist organizations." Author and activist Sikivu Hutchinson tells RNS how a new conference is working to change that.
How Lecrae mixed rap and theology to find huge, mainstream success
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — September 26, 2014
(RNS) Rapper Lecrae’s popularity has been brewing for a few years now, but the churchgoing artist became the hottest Christian in the mainstream this month.
Ferguson: Why atheists should care — and what they can do
By Chris Stedman — August 21, 2014
It’s time for humanists to dig deeper. It’s time for humanists to stop being so lazy regarding issues of race violence. Race and the consequences of our racist society must become a priority within the humanist movement.
COMMENTARY: How Brown v. Board of Education still shapes our religious life
By Tom Ehrich — May 20, 2014
(RNS) How can a 60-year-old Supreme Court decision still be shaping religious life in America? It's because race still divides us.
On race and atheism: An interview with Anthony Pinn
By Chris Stedman — April 1, 2014
Dr. Anthony B. Pinn speaks with RNS about his new book and how atheists can get better at talking about the intersections of race, ethnicity, and nontheism.
‘Dear Martin’: Bishop’s letters to MLK trace the highs and lows in race relations
By Adelle M. Banks — January 16, 2014
(RNS) "While we are yet flawed by those among us who hold to racial bigotry and intolerance, they no longer define us as a nation or a people!” United Methodist Bishop Woodie White wrote in his 2014 letter to Martin Luther King.
Southern Baptists’ LifeWay apologizes for ‘offensive’ curriculum
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — November 6, 2013
(RNS) "What Rainer and LifeWay have done by acknowledging the error publicly, even nine years later, is to demonstrate that it is never too late to do the right thing and to pursue reconciliation," said author and speaker Helen Lee.
’12 Years a Slave’ prompts calls for racial reconciliation
By Adelle M. Banks — October 15, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) “12 Years a Slave” may depict a bygone era in American history but religious leaders say it should spark increased attention about today's race relations.
Asian-Americans troubled by stereotypes from white evangelicals
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — October 10, 2013
(RNS) It's the second dust-up in as many months involving Asian-Americans and megachurch pastor Rick Warren, who received backlash for posting a Facebook photo depicting the Red Guard during China’s Cultural Revolution.
Rick Warren gets backlash from Asian American Christians for posting photo
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — September 25, 2013
"People often miss irony on the Internet. It's a joke people! If you take this seriously, you really shouldn't be following me!" megachurch pastor Rick Warren initially posted in a Facebook comment.
Richard Land, controversial Southern Baptist leader, gets a new job
By David Gibson — April 12, 2013
(RNS) Richard Land, who is retiring from his longtime job as policy point man for the Southern Baptists after a series of controversies, will take over as head of an evangelical seminary in North Carolina.
Southern Baptists elect Fred Luter as first black president
By Adelle M. Banks — June 19, 2012
NEW ORLEANS (RNS) Pointing heavenward and wiping away tears, the Rev. Fred Luter was elected Tuesday (June 19) as the first black president of the predominantly white Southern Baptist Convention. By Adelle M. Banks.
