Black churches tout COVID-19 vaccines to skeptical flocks

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights efforts by Black churches to encourage members to take advantage of the COVID-19 vaccines. Plus, check out all the top headlines and best reads in the world of faith.

Should elite European officials outlaw Jewish and Muslim ritual slaughter for meat?

(OPINION) Ostling explores the new prospective European law that could require that animals must be stunned before being slaughtered — going directly against Halal and Kosher traditions and practices.

OpinionRichard OstlingJanuary 28, 2021Richard Ostling, Opinion, Kosher, Halal, EU Comment

Religious Freedom in Action: Disrupting America’s Prisons through Religious Partnerships

(ANALYSIS) Modern American prisons feature overcrowding, violence, harsh mental conditions and worsening recidivism. But new methods of correction — ones that emphasize religious freedom — are having real success.

Biden's executive orders will widen rift among Catholic bishops

(OPINION) Within hours of taking the oath of office on his family’s massive Bible, President Biden signed a raft of executive orders — something that went on in the ensuing days — to undo strategic executive moves during Donald Trump’s presidency. During that process, he fan afoul of traditional Catholic teachings and, once again, placed the spotlight on his Catholic faith.

Analysis, Catholicism, North America, Opinion, Politics, ReligionClemente LisiJanuary 26, 2021Clemente Lisi, Biden, Trump, abortion, religious liberty, Catholicism, RechargeComment

The Countries Most At Risk Of Mass Killings In 2021

(OPINION) The Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide of the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C., published a new report that identified Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the top countries at risk for new mass killings.

OpinionEwelina U. OchabJanuary 25, 2021Ewelina U. Ochab, opinion, mass killings, at risk groups, genocide, mass killing, Simon-Skjodt Center, HolocaustComment

Christian financial guru Dave Ramsey's company doxxes religion journalist

This week’s Weekend Plug-in delves into questions surrounding Christian financial guru Dave Ramsey’s multimillion-dollar Tennessee company and its sarcastic response to a religion reporter’s questions. Plus, catch up on all the faith-related angle from inauguration of President Joe Biden.

State and Federal Elections Spotlight America's Diversity and 'Religious Nones'

(OPINION) Though religious preferences don’t necessarily define policy standards — for example, Joe Biden as a pro-choice Catholic — there has been a notable shift away from mainline Christianity in the House and Senate. There has been a rise in religious “nones” as well as Muslims, Hindus, and Jews in the group of the latest elected representatives.

OpinionRichard OstlingJanuary 21, 2021Richard Ostling, Opinion, capitol riots, capitol riot, religious nones, diversityComment

'Human nature is like a drunk peasant': How Martin Luther's Words Predict Post-Inauguration Future

(OPINION) Just as Martin Luther said hundreds of years ago, “human nature is like a drunk peasant” — meaning that we topple from one drastic side to the other without acknowledging the wins and losses of each side.

OpinionMichael MetzgerJanuary 20, 2021Mike Metzger, Opinion, MLK, Martin Luther, inaugurationComment

The Capitol siege recalls past acts of Christian nationalist violence

(OPINION) Perry explores the dangers of fusing the Christian and American identity labels together and how it led Trump to inspire a group of Christian nationalists to cause violence and insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

OpinionSamuel PerryJanuary 20, 2021Samuel Perry, capitol mob, capitol violence, Christian NationalismComment

On the horns of a dilemma: The Catholic press prepares for the Biden presidency

(OPINION) With just hours before President Donald Trump’s term comes to an end and Joe Biden is inaugurated, how will the media — and specifically the Catholic press — cover this administration?

Personality Cults and Christianity — Trouble is Stirring Among Evangelicals

(OPINION) What are the dangers of hailing a political leader and making it a foundation of your faith like many evangelical right-wing Christians have with Trump? Where does this sort of personality cult become dangerous?

How A Self-Taught Artist Became A Hit In Christian Indian Circles

(OPINION) Never having had any formal training in drawing and painting, Coreen was entirely self-taught. Over the years, she developed her skill to the point where her works found acceptance in many parts of the country. Her first love was depicting flowers, believing that God has created this colorful tapestry for us to enjoy and so in the early years she focused on nature and landscapes.

Opinion, AsiaJennifer ArulJanuary 16, 2021Jennifer Arul, art, India Comment

Christians and the conspiracy theories that helped fuel the Capitol mob

This week’s Weekend Plug-in explores why Christians seem so susceptible to conspiracy theories. Plus, as always, check out the best reads in the world of faith news.

EU hypocrisy? Factory Farming Continues, but Kosher and Halal Traditions Nixed

(OPINION) Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are growing threats in Europe. The EU outlawed certain kosher protocols that also follow halal guidelines — expressing implicit bias towards animals over devout religious people. Though, they may need to prioritize cruelty during the animal’s life over cruelty during the animal’s death.

Religious freedom is central to the Epiphany (and condemns the Capitol violence)

(OPINION) This season of Epiphany, which we are now in, affords us the opportunity to honor Christ’s manifestation and ministry in the world. Epiphanytide invites us to reflect on the role of religious freedom and religious literacy in Christ’s manifestation to the world. This is perhaps even more relevant in light of the Capitol violence last week.

The Solution to Christian Nationalism? Better Theology

(OPINION) To combat a plague of Christian nationalism, seen on display in the recent Capitol violence, Christian leaders should teach the right Christian theology: that Christians should never seek to have the government privilege one religious group over another, God gives good ideas to all people, not only Christians, and our advocacy in the public square should not pretend everyone believes the Bible.

'Christians and Conspiracy Theories' Online Are Dangerous For Evangelism

(OPINION) Mattingly looks into Rev. Daniel Darling’s “Christians and Conspiracy Theories," outlining the danger of impulsive Christian social media posts and how it makes the faith seem “less attractive.” This sort of online community aided in harboring the Capitol siege on Jan. 6.

OpinionTerry MattinglyJanuary 11, 2021Opinion, Terry Mattingly Comments

'A republic, if you can keep it': How Benjamin Franklin's Response is still Applicable Post 'Capitol coup'

(OPINION) “A republic, if you can keep it” still threatens the U.S. political system to this day. After the ‘Capitol coup',’ the dangers of mob rule were brought to the surface. Are we trying to “keep” our republic?

OpinionMichael MetzgerJanuary 11, 2021Opinion, Mike Metzger, Capitol, capitol mob Comments

Capitol Violence Calls Us To Recommit To Redeeming Institutions, Not Tearing Them Down

(OPINION) The violence at the Capitol on Wednesday was a horrific assault on our essential democratic institutions, but it calls attention to the importance of sustaining the institutions of government, even when those institutions themselves are flawed.

The role of religion in President Donald Trump's tragic last stand

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights the key religion angles related to Wednesday’s violence by a pro-Trump insurrectionist mob at the U.S. Capitol. Plus, check out all the week’s top reads in the world of faith.

Address

Contact

Information