Posts in Opinion
‘Running For A Higher Purpose’ Highlights The Need For Physical And Spiritual Health

(REVIEW) A quick read at 148 pages, ‘Running For A Higher Purpose’ is the type of book perfect for a world that has been plunged into a pandemic since February 2020 and for those in need of both physical and spiritual assistance.

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Should Church Leaders Trust Facebook And Big Tech?

(OPINION) The pandemic has left us with questions about the relationship between churches and Big Tech: Could traditional faiths hold rites in virtual reality spaces, along with augmented reality Sunday school classes? Could ancient Jewish prayers chanted by mourners be replaced with waves of comments and clicks?

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Why Religion And Radical Islam Are Essential To Understanding The Taliban

(OPINION) Today, innumerable dangers are posed by the radical Islamist beliefs of the Taliban. And yet, in more than a few reports and discussions, terrorism is noted while the profoundly religious nature of the new Afghan government remains unaddressed.

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A Sobering, Yet Motivating, Reality On The 20th Anniversary of 9/11

(OPINION) We went into Afghanistan 20 years ago to punish the Taliban, and now, thousands of lives and trillions of dollars later, the Taliban run the country. This is as stinging as it is humiliating. And yet it reminds us of a sobering reality: Until Jesus returns, there will always be evil on the planet.

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At 20th Anniversary Of 9/11, Faith Remains A Big Part Of The Story

This week’s Weekend Plug-in summary reflects on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Plus, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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Inside A Summer Drama: Why Everyone Expected Pope Francis To Resign

(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.

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Why Is The American Government Blocking Refugee Flights From Afghanistan?

(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?

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From Ida To Afghanistan To Abortion, The Best Religion Reads In A Gigantic News Week

This 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.

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United Methodist Prelude: Small Denomination Faces Its Own Split Over Bible and Sex

(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?

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When Facing Vaccine Doubters In The Pews, Trust Instead Of Shame Is Crucial

(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.

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What Is An 'Evangelical?'

(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?


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Don't Overlook How The Catholic Church Has Helped Afghanistan For Years

(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.

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‘Pray Away’ Shows Christians Trending Away from Conventional Conversion Therapy

(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.

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Where The World's Most Severe Violence Based On Religion Is Occurring Today

(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.

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What the Afghan government's collapse means for Christians, Muslims, refugees

This 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.

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Afghan Christians Are Facing a Taliban Reign of Terror 

(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.

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