Posts in Analysis
Coming soon: Southern Baptist Convention's biggest annual meeting in a quarter-century

This week’s Weekend Plug-in summary explores why the Southern Baptist Convention is preparing for its biggest annual meeting in a quarter-century. Plus, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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Why Ethiopia's Orthodox Synod Called Media, U.S. Sanctions On Tigray Conflict ‘Indirect Colonialism’

(OPINION) A viral video of His Holiness Abuna Mathias, a Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC), describing barbaric killings of civilians in Tigray has prompted heightened concern in the international community about human rights abuses, while many Ethiopians remain cautious and skeptical about whether disinformation campaigns driven by anti-government activists, geopolitical forces, “Ethiopia analysts” and media outlets are influencing Western communities and governments.

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At Tulsa Massacre's centennial, the role of repentance, reconciliation and reparations

Monday marks the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights the role of religion at the centennial. Plus, catch up on all the top headlines and best reads in the world of faith.

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Data on TV Viewership Shows White Evangelicals Love Fox News, Muslims and Hindus Watch CNN

(ANALYSIS) Recent polls comparing the news habits of Americans with their faith revealed interesting results, including that White evangelicals regularly watch Fox News, and Muslims and Hindus prefer CNN.

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In defense of Mother Teresa: Why she is a saint, not a 'cult leader'

(OPINION) Was Mother Teresa the head of a cult? It depends on who you ask, but the truth is she dedicated her life to helping the “poorest of the poor” and that should be celebrated.

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What 'Never Trumper' Russell Moore's departure from ERLC means for SBC

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights Russell Moore’s departure as president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Plus, catch up on all the week’s top headlines and best reads in the world of faith.

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Biden doesn't speak at Notre Dame's graduation: Is it still a news story?

(OPINION) For journalists, graduations have long served as easy news stories. Above all, the graduation speaker is what makes these ceremonies news. Is it still news if an invitation is declined? In the case of President Biden it certainly is, especially when that invite comes from Notre Dame.

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Mourning two amazing people and journalists: Rachel Zoll and Amy Raymond

This week’s Weekend Plug-in mourns the loss of two incredible people and journalists: Rachel Zoll and Amy Raymond. Plus, catch up on all the week’s best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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Catholic contributions to U.S. independence not a revolutionary notion

(REVIEW) The book offers readers a detailed history of Catholic thinkers, statesman and military leaders who helped the colonists during the American Revolution. Over the course of 12 chapters, author Dan LeRoy delves into what the fight for freedom would have been like without these figures and, almost more importantly, why they felt the need to help.

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Bishops-Biden Communion debate reflects Catholic power struggle

(ANALYSIS) Many Catholic bishops believe that President Joe Biden should not be allowed to take Communion because of his stance on abortion. But mixed responses within the Church point to a widening divide.

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Do you believe in medical miracles? The timely subject of religion and COVID-19 vaccines

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights the ongoing discussions related to COVID-19 vaccines and religion. Plus, catch up on all the top headlines and best reads in the world of faith.

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Murder conviction in George Floyd's death: Why the power of faith is important

This week’s Weekend Plug-in covers the key faith angles after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s murder conviction in the death of George Floyd. Plus, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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Sikhs in America: Community long misunderstood mourns deaths in Indianapolis mass shooting

(ANALYSIS) Four members of Indianapolis’ Sikh community were killed at the FedEx facility shooting. The community mourns, and some are calling for an investigation of bias as the shooter’s motive.

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Biden's faith a news-media talking point, but a survey about it isn't

(ANALYSIS) The culture wars have been on full display during the first two months of the Biden presidency. It isn’t so much that Joe Biden is fueling the wars — he’s actually steered clear of many of these recent battles that brew on Twitter and cable TV news. How the press covers his faith, however, isn’t helping matter.

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Bobby's middle finger suffers spiritual attack?

Bobby wrestles with a nasty finger infection. Meanwhile, evangelical leaders encourage congregants to take the COVID-19 vaccine, and a crucifix in a Michigan church was finally restored after being destroyed by a squirrel.

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