Posts in Christianity
What Religious Freedom Can Look Like During Lent

(ANALYSIS) Lent serves as a profound reminder of the spiritual freedom we have in Christ, mirrored in His death and resurrection. As we journey through this season of contemplation and preparation, we are invited to make space for God in our lives, just as Jesus did in the wilderness. This concept of making space extends beyond personal reflection to encompass broader religious and spiritual freedom.

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Outlaw Historians: Chinese filmmakers and journalists Defy Country’s Communist Rule

In his new book, Ian Johnson features Chinese historians who record the darkest episodes of Communist Party rule. The current president of China, Xi Jinping, calls alternatives to the state-sponsored narrative of Communist rule “historical nihilism.” For Xi, Chinese Communism is “the conclusion of history.” 

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Calvin University President Forced To Resign Following ‘Inappropriate Messages’

The president of Calvin University, a Christian school based in Michigan, was forced to resign following “inappropriate messages,” the school said on Monday.

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Game On: The Religious Dynamics Of A Biden-Trump Race

(ANALYSIS) Assuming it’s game on for an inevitable rerun of Trump vs. Biden, with a predicted narrow victory margin, what religious dynamics will be playing out?

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Putin Critic Alexei Navalny Found Purpose In Christianity

In 2021, Navalny expressed hope that the Orthodox church in Russia could act as a mediator between the people and the state. He recognized this was unlikely; but if his demise tells us anything, it’s that moral courage in Russia’s mother church isn’t totally dead. On the contrary, we might see a resurrection yet.

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Alito Sounds Alarm After Christians Denied Jury Duty Service In Missouri

The barring of two Christians from jury duty in a trial involving a lesbian is evidence that Christians with a biblical worldview are increasingly seen as bigots, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito said after Missouri asked the High Court to review the ruling.

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Crossroads Podcast: That Shocking St. Patrick’s Funeral Was ‘Political Theater’?

It’s easy to focus on the celebratory language throughout The New York Times report on the St. Patrick's Cathedral funeral for “Cecilia Gentili, a transgender activist and actress, former sex worker and self-professed atheist whose memorial functioned as both a celebration of her life and an exuberant piece of political theater.”

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‘Ordinary Angels’ Reveals How Faith-Based Films Have (And Have Not) Grown in 20 Years

(REVIEW) “Ordinary Angels” is a welcome sign of how the baseline modern faith-based films have come a long way since their beginnings 20 years ago. Those who enjoy the formula will be happy at how the quality has increased and will get everything they’re looking for. Those who wish the industry would grow beyond that need to keep wishing – but will find the ride more enjoyable than 20 years ago.

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New York’s Cardinal Dolan Defends St. Patrick’s Priests Following Funeral Scandal

Cardinal Timothy Dolan defended the priests working at St. Patrick’s Cathedral this week, saying the funeral held there for a transgender activist came as a surprise and that the prelates “knew nothing about this that was coming up.”

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Pastors And Christian Ministers, Don’t Tie Your Reputation To A Political Leader

(OPINION) As leaders in the Body of Christ, nothing is more important than your personal testimony — your hard-earned reputation for soundness in life, faith, and practice. You are a representative of Jesus in a formal and public way, with believers looking to you for guidance and unbelievers looking at you, scrutinizing you for godliness.

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United Nations Experts Call For Immediate Release Of Jimmy Lai

(ANALYSIS) A group of independent United Nations human rights experts called on the authorities in Hong Kong to drop all charges against Jimmy Lai and release him. Lai, a pro-democracy and human rights defender, has been detained and subjected to multiple Kafkaesque trials for fighting for freedom of speech.

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Christians Challenged To Connect With God’s Creation During Lent

In an effort to care more for nature over the next six weeks, Christians around the world can improve lives through eco-friendly, sustainable lifestyles emphasizing the transformative nature of Lent. A group based in the U.K. hopes Christians across Britain and around the wold will heed that call this year.

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Mass Of Reparation: Why New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral Was Forced To Perform One

The Archdiocese of New York condemned the funeral of a transgender leader held last week at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, calling the entire thing “sacrilegious” and that church official had been duped into performing the service. As a result, the cathedral conducted a rare “Mass of Reparation.”

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Persecution Against Christians In Iran Continues To Worsen

Iranian Christians continued to face harassment, arrests and imprisonment last year for practicing their faith, according to a new report. The 35-page report, issued by four non-profit organizations advocating for persecuted Christians across the world, found that Christians have been deprived of their right to freely practice their faith.

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‘The Chosen’ Season 4 Part 2: A Darker Jesus Shines

(REVIEW) “The Chosen” remains one of the strongest pieces of faith-based content being produced these days. The fourth season is, on balance, one of the strongest to date despite some flaws. Hopefully, the groundwork being laid in these middle episodes will feel worth it in the future. 

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On Religion: Canterbury Goes Disco For A Chic Type Of Pilgrim

(ANALYSIS) Rocker Steve Taylor penned a snarky tribute in 1985 called, “Used To Be A Cute Cathedral.” Four decades later, the song surfaced during online chatter about dance nights held earlier this month inside Canterbury Cathedral, the Church of England’s most hallowed sanctuary.

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The Curious Case Of Javier Milei’s Catholic Faith And Love Of Judaism

It was quite a week for Javier Milei. Not only did he visit Israel in a show of support; the recently-elected Argentine president then flew to Vatican City, where he made peace with Pope Francis. While Milei is a Catholic, he hasn’t been shy about criticizing the pontiff in the past while also flirting with the idea of converting to Judaism.

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