(OPINION) “Weekend Plug-In” is a column by veteran religion writer Bobby Ross Jr. Look every Friday for analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. This week: In the wake of the deadly shooting at a Texas church, Bobby sought out top journalists’ advice for reporting responsibly on tragedies.
Read More(OPINION) The media’s reaction to the slap, from social media to major news organizations, again showed the divide that continues to exist among Catholics around the world. Those who like Francis saw a man being grabbed and reacting like anyone would. His detractors saw a man with little patience for parishioners.
Read More(OPINION) The mental health and lifestyle benefits of faith in adulthood are well-documented. A recent Harvard study suggests that kids are better off in many ways when raised in a religious tradition. As the media and grown-ups fret about the state of today’s youth, journalists should pay attention to what works.
Read More(OPINION) The Shiite General Soleimani's elimination may indicate a shift in U.S. strategy — from patience and refusal to treat Shia terrorists the same way it has been treating their Sunni counterparts since 2001 — to far less mercy.
Read More(OPINION) Introducing “Weekend Plug-In,” a column by veteran religion writer Bobby Ross Jr. Look every Friday for analysis, insights and top headlines from the world of faith. This week: how Bobby was the only media allowed in to the Texas church that witnessed a shooting Sunday, top religion stories of the week, a new religion beat reporter hired at the New York Times and more.
Read More(OPINION) This time of year brings with it pieces looking back on the biggest stories of the year. It’s also a time to look ahead. The coming year will certainly be a busy one once again for journalists who cover Catholicism, Pope Francis and the church’s hierarchy.
Read More(OPINION) A series of heightened attacks in recent weeks by terror groups in West Africa – Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger Republic and even at Nigeria’s border with Cameroon – gives credence to the theory that this region is targeted as the next formidable stronghold for ISIS.
Read More(OPINION) France’s president said anti-Semitism is at its worst since WWII. My son will spend the next few months there, so we’re going to have the Jewish version of “the talk.”
Read More(OPINION) In the new movie about the life of Fred Rogers, his spirituality shines through. The religious foundation of that spirituality is ignored.
Read More(OPINION) The church in China is under attack, but the famous missionary’s work there more than a century ago endures.
Read More(OPINION) Some observers anticipate a breakup of the United Kingdom once it leaves the European Union. There are a few scenarios that could play out for the nation’s churches if that happens.
Read More(REVIEW) In the new book Welcoming the Unwelcome, 83-year-old American Tibetan Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön moves past her usual style of writing in poetry and strict spiritual guidance and instead into a vulnerable teaching about how to overcome the pain of the world by explaining how she was led to do exactly that.
Read More(OPINION) A look back over the year can remind us of those who find sparks of light in their darkest hour. They serve as beacons for the rest of us.
Read More(OPINION) Israel ended a travel ban that now allows Gazan Christians to cross the border into Bethlehem and Jerusalem for Christmas, but the tiny (and shrinking) community continues to struggle under Hamas.
Read More(OPINION) An in-depth examination of the euthanasia case of a celebrated athlete by The New York Times neglected to grapple with religion’s role in the debate. There was plenty of opportunity to.
Read MoreResearch shows that on college campuses where Trump’s executive order to protect Jewish students from discrimination should theoretically have the greatest effect, it seems more likely to fall on highly skeptical ears.
Read More(OPINION) The term is used interchangeably with President Trump’s religious white voter base, but it steamrolls a varied landscape of perspectives and communities into a monolith. That’s bad journalism.
Read MoreMass protests erupted in India this week condemning a law that discriminates against Muslims. Police and para-military forces have responded to several protests with violence.
Read More(OPINION) Bible stories aren’t enough to convey to children what the biblical narrative is really about. They need to be able to see their place in it, argues Phil Vischer.
Read More(OPINION) An experiment planned for 2020 could pave the way for scientists in the field to “play God.” We should all be paying attention, and journalists should be helping us facilitate an important conversation.
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