(ANALYSIS) Manger scenes displayed at Christmas usually feature an ox and an ass beside the infant Jesus. According to the Gospel of Luke, Mary placed her child in a manger “because there was no room for them in the inn.” No mere babysitters, the ox and ass harken back to the Book of Isaiah 1:3, which early Christians interpreted as a prophecy of the birth of Christ.
Read More(ANALYSIS) In a move that underscores the priorities of the Catholic Church in the U.S., Pope Leo XIV replaced Cardinal Timothy Dolan as Archbishop of New York, appointing Bishop Ronald Hicks to lead the nation’s second-largest diocese. The announcement represents both a generational and ideological shift at the helm of a historically influential U.S. archdiocese.
Read More“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” has been celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike. It has a 92% from critics and 94% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, and Christian outlets like Christianity Today have given the film glowingly positive reviews and specifically for its representations of faith.
Read MoreRed post boxes are one of the most well-known and iconic British symbols — but at Christmastime, they take on a very different ambiance, often virtually overnight. Posting Christmas cards becomes even more fun as you never know quite what might appear on top of the post box in many part of the U.K.
Read MoreFor the fourth time in six years, Isaiah 41:10 was the most downloaded Scripture of the year on the YouVersion family of Bible apps, which according to its founder has been installed on one billion devices nationwide. “I think this verse keeps rising to the top because it addresses one of our deepest needs, the assurance that we’re not alone,” YouVersion Founder and CEO Bobby Gruenewald said.
Read More(ANALYSIS) After several years of conversations while traveling nationwide, Father Andrew Stephen Damick is convinced these ancient prayers are painfully relevant to many converts surging into the small, but now growing, Eastern Church in America. It is no longer unusual to meet converts who have worshipped other gods and spirits.
Read MoreIn 1982, a 3-month-old girl named Rebecca became the 13th child adopted through Lifeline Children’s Services. The Birmingham, Alabama, nonprofit — launched the previous year — grew out of an evangelical crisis pregnancy ministry called Sav-a-Life.
Read MoreThe United States Mint pressed its final penny — ending more than two centuries of production for the humble one cent coin that also bore one of the country’s most enduring spiritual mottos: “In God We Trust.” The decision closes a chapter of American history in which faith, national identity and economics mixed on a copper surface.
Read MoreAn estimated 3,300 languages have their own translation of the Scriptures. In order to improve the speed and accuracy of Bible translations into more rare languages, Avodah Connect is using AI technology. The organization recently held a webinar for those interested in learning more about how artificial intelligence is being utilized to speed up translation projects.
Read MoreSeveral families of Camp Mystic victims who died in the July 4 floods along the Guadalupe River in Texas have filed a state lawsuit against the camp, its owners, and several related entities.
Read More(EXPLAINER) When a life-size skeleton dressed like the Grim Reaper first appeared on a street altar in Tepito, Mexico City, in 2001, many passersby instinctively crossed themselves. The figure was La Santa Muerte — or Holy Death — a female folk saint cloaked in mystery and controversy.
Read MoreIndia’s Catholic educational institutions have become unlikely climate champions. Now, they are teaming up with other faith leaders in the “Green Revolution.” In fact, across India’s sprawling landscapes, Christian organizations are stepping up with urgency and creativity to confront the mounting challenges posed by climate change.
Read MoreFor months, a Washington state bill generated controversy over two critical interests: protecting children from abuse and protecting the freedom of religion. Signed by the governor this past May, SB 5375 designated clergy as mandatory reporters, requiring them to report child sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect — even if they learned of the abuse during a confidential sacred rite.
Read MoreThis past September marked the 175th anniversary of the legal restoration of the Catholic Church in 1850. Pope Pius IX issued the papal bull Universalis Ecclesiae, restoring the Catholic hierarchy in England and Wales and creating 13 new dioceses. Since then, figure show that the number of Catholics has grown steadily.
Read More(ANALYSIS) European lawmakers have criticized Serbia’s use of force against anti-government protesters. But the Serbian Orthodox Church — representing 85 percent of the country’s population — has been largely urged the student protestors to “go back to their classes” and not protest.
Read MoreThe history of San Francisco Church in Valparaíso is so intertwined with the Chilean port city that when a fire burned down the building in 2013, one neighbor felt like she was losing a friend. The city owes its nickname “Pancho” to the church (men named “Francisco” are often called “Pancho” in Latin America).
Read More(OPINION) “If you are there and you’re listening, I’d appreciate some help,” the writer prayed. The response was stone silence.
Read MoreWhen people say they “lose themselves in music,” it can describe the spiritual-like experience of entering a trance or altered state evoked by rhythm or melody. In various cultures and faith traditions, music acts as a bridge to spirituality. Interpretive choreography, beating on drums, humming and chanting — all create an atmosphere that draws people into connection with something greater.
Read MoreAfter the assassination of Charlie Kirk, pastors found themselves in a difficult position — whether or how to address the event from the pulpit. Todd Fisher, executive director of Oklahoma Baptists, received messages from pastors confused by their congregations’ reactions, prompting him to address the issue. Many pastors were unaware of Kirk’s cultural influence, especially among younger members.
Read MoreU.S. adults don’t think God changes. Their beliefs about the divine have basically stayed the same, as well. The latest State of Theology study from Lifeway Research and Ligonier Ministries finds significant stability across a wide range of theological beliefs.
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