(ANALYSIS) There’s a running joke in American religious life that goes something like this: Ask 10 Catholics what the church teaches on a given issue, and you’ll get eleven different answers. It’s meant to be affectionate, a nod to the big-tent nature of a tradition that has managed to hold together nearly a billion people across wildly different cultures, languages and political contexts.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Singapore’s national soccer team made it to the second round of qualifiers, but fell short of making it to the FIFA World Cup again this year. Nonetheless, the spirit of the game still very runs strong through the help of church congregations. Many parishes and congregations organize games and leagues open to their members, friends and the wider public.
Read MoreThe World Cup is Planet Earth’s most-watched sporting and cultural event. No one should be surprised that it receives waves of news coverage and that religious beliefs and customs affect some of the drama and tensions. Thus, this week’s “Crossroads” podcast focused on religion news at the 2026 tournament — what was covered and what was not.
Read More(ANALYSIS) The question is no longer “Does mindfulness work?” Scientists now ask: “For whom does it work?” “Under what conditions?” “What kinds of support are needed?” To answer these, there is growing interest in screening, safety protocols and individualized approaches.
Read MoreMonths before his death, Houston Christian University President Robert B. Sloan Jr. gave one final, impactful charge to leaders of Christian institutions: Hire professors and staff who are fully committed to your Christian mission.
Read MoreBrazil’s World Cup elimination has fueled a national debate over whether the country’s rapid growth in evangelical Christianity has altered its soccer culture. While critics reject any link, the discussion reflects broader questions about Brazil’s changing identity, faith and the future of its once-dominant national team.
Read MoreA recent Texas State Board of Education decision requires all public school literature classes in grades 1 through 12 to learn about 10 Old Testament and five New Testament passages.
Read MoreAs members of the Johane Masowe, an African Apostolic sect, tobacco was a big “no” for their Christian faith. But today, many of its members are among the best tobacco farmers in the country and having joined the growing bandwagon of those who were tempted to reconsider their position, finding the lure of the tobacco dollar too riveting to resist.
Read More(OPINION) I invite you to see biblical stories more metaphorically, mythically — guilt-free even. You may discover surprising, more expansive visions of how God works with humans — and through humans — to expand our understanding of our place in the world God is still creating.
Read More(ANALYSIS) A pediatrician recently asked one of Emily Harrison’s kids a logical question during pre-exam paperwork: Do you have a smartphone? Doctors often ask children practical questions, such as whether they’re getting enough sleep, have seen changes in their appetites or have started playing sports. These days, they may ask about anxiety or depression.
Read More(ANALYSIS) When England walk onto the field to face Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals, thousands of St. George’s flags will wave inside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Millions more will adorn pubs and homes across England. For many fans, the flag — which from the Late Middle Ages has been associated with Saint George — remains inseparable from soccer itself.
Read More(ANALYSIS) A culture that laughs off the parting of the Red Sea will nod along when a man declares himself a woman. A culture that calls the Jesus’ resurrection absurd will assure you civilization can thrive after dismantling family, faith and biology. Walking on water is preposterous. Walking away from every inherited moral guardrail is sophisticated.
Read MoreAkinyi Kaula postponed the “American Dream,” dropped out of her nursing degree studies and flew back to her homeland of Kenya — only to end up in a polygamous marriage. Now, her story is igniting online debate in Africa. The debate over polygamy, Christianity and Western values continues as many men ponder whether to wed multiple wives.
Read More(REVIEW) At a time when religious differences are frequently portrayed as sources of division, a new book — featuring a collection of pieces from various authors — provides a thoughtful and hopeful alternative grounded in education, justice and, more importantly, mutual respect.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Being around academics for my entire working career has taught me that most of them grew up in highly populated areas and want to live in close proximity to large population centers. I never really wanted to do any of that. I’m happy to live in a small town where housing is cheap, crime is low, and traffic is non-existent. But I also realize that my environment shapes my work. I understand American religion through the lens of a guy who has lived in the rural Midwest for four decades.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Did the founders of the United States intend to create a Christian nation? Political leaders who addressed a prayer rally on the National Mall on May 17 seem to think so: House Speaker Mike Johnson led the crowd in rededicating) the United States of America as “one nation under God.”
Read More(ANALYSIS) Struggling with the loss of her child, a mother asked Father Peter Jon Gillquist a question that pastors are hearing more often — about getting a tattoo.
Read MoreThe Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that schools may separate athletic teams based on biological sex, upholding Idaho and West Virginia laws challenged under Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause. The decision drew praise from the ERLC, Alliance Defending Freedom and West Virginia Baptists supporting protections for women's sports.
Read More(OPINION) Being an agnostic isn’t a bad thing. It’s almost unavoidable if you’re thinking seriously. There are just too many unknowns.
Read MoreThe Texas Rangers’ recent “Faith and Family Day” was not the team’s first. But for multiple reasons, the latest one became a culture war flashpoint — stirring debate across the country and on social media, sparking comments by everyone from the governor of Texas to the Catholic bishop of Fort Worth. June is dedicated to LGBTQ Pride, and other sports teams often set aside a night to celebrate.
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