(OPINION) The press gets very, very, very excited when it comes to the election of a new pope. It is, after all, a global news event and a type of power struggle the press thinks that it can cover like it does a political election. That’s something the press understands better than complicated things such as doctrine, tradition and history.
Read More(OPINION) Reporting on the Taliban’s rise must understand the rigid form of Islam that dominates Afghan culture. In rural villages across the countryside, where most live, mullahs with rudimentary schooling are part of the influential elite establishment.
Read More(OPINION) “Why are our efforts being blocked?” The question is being raised everywhere — in daily emails, WhatsApp messages or texts from people on the ground in Afghanistan. Why are these Afghan refugees becoming “refuseniks,” those refused permission to leave?
Read MoreThis week’s Weekend Plug-in covers a big, big week in religion news, from the chaotic end of the war in Afghanistan to a momentous development in the nation’s battle over abortion. Plus, as always, catch up all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith, including disaster relief efforts gearing up after Hurricane Ida.
Read More(OPINION) The Reformed Church in America, one of those small denominations that usually get little ink despite rich history and accomplishments, is set to celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2028. But what will the RCA consist of by then?
Read More(ANALYSIS) When exploring data on vaccine hesitancy, it is hard to peg down the religion factor in the drama. At some point, secular and religious leaders who sincerely want to change minds on the vaccine issue will need to "stop calling people ugly names" and try listening to some of their fears and concerns.
Read More(OPINION) In America, the term “evangelical” essentially covers the conservative wing of Protestantism — a varied constellation of denominations, independent congregations, parachurch ministries, media outlets and individual personalities that is organizationally scattered but religiously coherent. But is that really the best definition?
(OPINION) A recent U.S. national intelligence report – "Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena"– discusses incomplete technical data and the possibility of hostile spy drones. Experts have no scientific explanations for 140-plus reported "UAP" episodes.
Read More(OPINION) The past four U.S. administrations have talked a lot about Islamic women having equal rights and making Afghanistan a modern democratic country. But all four administrations seem to been clueless as to what gave rise to these rights.
Read More(OPINION) I want to place a spotlight on the important work of Christian groups across Afghanistan over the years, the little mention they have received by the secular press, a recent story that illustrates both the plight of Afghan refugees and the Catholic converts now living outside the country who have been crucial in helping people get out.
Read More(REVIEW) A new Netflix documentary on conversion therapy and other ex-gay ministries features leaders of the Christian ex-gay movement who now denounce the movement. The complex cast of characters show how Christianity played a role in both their ex-gay leadership and beyond it.
Read More(OPINION) Aug. 22 marks the U.N.-designated International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. While the day was established as a direct response to the atrocities perpetrated by Daesh (ISIS) against religious minorities in Syria and Iraq, similar acts of violence continue to this day globally.
Read MoreThis week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights religion headlines after the Taliban’s takeover of the government in Afghanistan. Plus, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Read More(OPINION) As this story unfolds, many of us are experiencing something like déjà vu. In the summer of 2014 we watched as Islamic State/ISIS rampaged across Iraq and committed genocide against Christian and Yazidi communities. Although ISIS and the Taliban have fought each other, they practice the same deadly tactics.
Read More(ANALYSIS) The Taliban – which means “the students” in Pashto – seized control of Afghanistan in 1996 after capturing Kabul in the Afghan civil war. The Taliban regime was then toppled in 2001 by the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan. Here, Afghanistan experts offer insight into the Taliban – then and now – and explain the United States’ role in Afghanistan’s collapse.
(OPINION) The return of Taliban rule after 20 years will likely produce the typical mayhem and murder when a regime suddenly collapses. But much is also at stake for world Islam, a crucial aspect that the media have tended to slight thus far. Journalists may be witnessing a new phase in what Georgetown University expert John Esposito has called a long-running "struggle for the soul of Islam."
Read More(OPINION) "One could say that the two Masses have built two cities: the Mass of All Times has built a Christian city; the New Mass seeks to build a humanist and secular city."
Read More(OPINION) The three-time governor leaves behind a mixed legacy among Roman Catholics. Like his father Mario (who also served three terms as New York governor and was for years on the short-list of lawmakers who could be president), Cuomo represented a new generation of liberal Catholic politicians in this country.
Read MoreThis week’s Weekend Plug-in summary starts with the latest, complicated news on the COVID-19 vaccines and religion. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith news.
Read More(OPINION) The seeds were sown long ago, in America’s first pilgrims. They mostly came here to be left alone. Our seedbed of stubborn independence was stirred in the Second Great Awakening. It sprouted an evangelical form of Christianity suspicious of institutional authority and traditions.
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