On Religion: Why Are Clergy So Timid When It Comes To The Smartphone Crisis?

(ANALYSIS) As the star of the scathing documentary "Religulous" — "religious" plus "ridiculous" — Bill Maher has never hidden his agnostic views about faith. But that doesn't mean the stand-up comic doubts the reality of evil. Consider his blistering comment on smartphones, drawn from his “Real Time” talk show earlier this year.

Analysis, Christianity, Culture, Entertainment, Health, News, Religion, TechnologyTerry MattinglyNovember 20, 2024news, Christianity, pastors, churches, technology, mental health, health, Analysis, religion, Primary feature Comment

Cannabis Prohibition In France Over The Past 50 Years Has Disproportionately Punished Its Muslim Minority

(ANALYSIS) About one-fifth of current French prisoners were convicted for drug offenses, according to the French Ministry of Justice — a rate comparable to that of the United States. Nearly all of them are men. There is no demographic breakdown of this population, because the French credo of “absolute equality” among citizens has made it illegal since 1978 to collect statistics based on race, ethnicity or religion.

Europe, AnalysisDavid A. Guba Jr.August 12, 2022France, David A. Guba, race, European Union, Cannabis, drugs, colonialism, Muslims, Medical Cannabis, CDB, AnalysisComment

When Facing Vaccine Doubters In The Pews, Trust Instead Of Shame Is Crucial

(ANALYSIS) When exploring data on vaccine hesitancy, it is hard to peg down the religion factor in the drama. At some point, secular and religious leaders who sincerely want to change minds on the vaccine issue will need to "stop calling people ugly names" and try listening to some of their fears and concerns.

Opinion, North AmericaTerry MattinglySeptember 1, 2021Analysis, Vaccine, vaccine hesitancy, Evangelical, Christians, Anti-vax, Anti-vaccination, VaccinationsComment

Taliban’s Religious Ideology Has Roots In Colonial India

(ANALYSIS) As scholars who research ethno-religious conflicts in South Asia, we have studied the origins of the Taliban’s religious beliefs. The roots of this ideology – Deobandi Islam – can be traced to 19th century colonial India.

NewsSohel Rana and Sumit GangulyAugust 25, 2021Analysis, Afghanistan, Sohel Rana, Sumit Ganguly, War in Afghanistan, Human rights, India, Islam, Taliban, Secondary FeatureComment

As South Sudan turns 10, questions over the role of the church emerge amid anti-clerical violence

(ANALYSIS) On July 9, 2021, South Sudan will celebrate its 10th anniversary of independence – but it does so amid concern over violence in the young nation. Recent attacks on two Catholic priests have also put a focus on the role of the church in South Sudan. The country’s freedom was achieved after two lengthy civil wars against its now northern neighbor, Sudan, in which religious identity played a key role.

NewsChristina DarnellJuly 9, 2021Analysis, sudan, south sudan, South Sudan war, Christians in Africa, Church, anti clerical, Christopher Tounsel, Secondary feature, Secondary Feature, secondary feature, primary featureComment

Following the Wars Inside the Southern Baptist Convention

(ANALYSIS) It's hard to follow warfare inside the Southern Baptist Convention without a working knowledge of biblical symbolism. Here is a recap of some of the images and references at play.

OpinionTerry MattinglyJune 30, 2021Terry Mattingly, SBC, Southern Baptists, Southern baptist, southern baptist convention, Southern Baptist Convention 2021, sexual abuse, biblical imagery r, biblical womanhood, terry, mattingly, AnalysisComment

Indians forced to change rituals as COVID-19 rages through cities and villages

(ANALYSIS) The deadly second wave of COVID-19 currently sweeping India is causing a cultural change in the way the country handles the treatment of the dead.

Analysis, Asia, NewsNatasha MiklesMay 5, 2021Natasha Mikles, Indians, COVID-19, covid-19, Muslim, India, cremation, covid-19 in India, Asia, Analysis, Hindus, Sikhs, ritual burial, Sikh, Secondary Feature, ZengerComment

The military coup in Myanmar presents opportunities to Buddhist nationalists

(ANALYSIS) Myanmar’s military has held a prominent political position in the country for decades. For almost 50 years, the country was under successive military regimes. These regimes displayed an ambivalent attitude to the country’s main religion, Buddhism – Buddhist movements, which were on the whole in opposition to military rule, were severely repressed.

Analysis, News, AsiaAnders C. Hardig and Tazreena SajjadFebruary 8, 2021Anders C. Hardig, Tazreena Sajjad, Secondary Feature, analysis, Analysis, Myanmar, Buddhist nationalists, Buddhism, Buddhist, military coup, Christian, Muslim Comment

Will U.S. Push For International Religious Freedom Continue Under Biden?

(ANALYSIS) As Joe Biden prepares to enter office, religious freedom advocates are searching for signs that his administration will maintain the delicate institutional framework built during the Trump administration. Without a commitment from the president-elect, they fear it could all evaporate.