Posts in Religion
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.

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Pope Francis changes canon law: What it means for the Catholic Mass

(ANALYSIS) The move — in the wake of a decades-old priest shortage — will grant women the chance to serve as lectors, read Scripture and serve as eucharistic ministers. The changes, however, will continue to forbid women from being made deacons or priests.

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Televangelist Bob Rodgers ‘Curses’ Those Who Voted on the ‘Wrong Side’ in ‘Stolen Election’

Louisville televangelist Bob Rodgers cursed those who voted on the “wrong side” of the “stolen election” at his service this past week, condemning them to poor health and poverty. Members of the church cheered at the curses— affirming his notion that those who voted on the “wrong side” deserve punishment.

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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.

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Pilgrimage: Why D.C.’s Basilica of the National Shrine is worth a visit

(TRAVEL) Aside from its rich history and architectural majesty, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception may very well be one of the most under-appreciated places to visit in Washington. In a city dominated by so many architectural wonders connected to politics, it’s easy to neglect that it also has a very large Catholic presence.

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5 storylines involving the Catholic church to watch for in 2021

(ANALYSIS) What will 2021 bring? That’s the big question following a 2020 that will forever remain a year where the world was held hostage by a pandemic. It was also a year where we had a combative presidential election and a reawakened social justice movement that brought our divided politics out into our streets.

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International Court Says It Can't Investigate Crimes Against Uyghurs In China

(ANALYSIS) Last week, the Office of the Prosecutor for the International Criminal Court confirmed that it would not go further with the trials for the alleged crimes against the Uyghurs in China. The court does not have jurisdiction over crimes in China, allowing for senior Chinese leaders to continue religious persecution.

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In the year of the pandemic, counting down the top 10 religion stories of 2020

This week’s Weekend Plug-in counts down the top 10 religion stories of 2020, as determined by the Religion News Association. Also: our usual Friday roundup of the top reads in the world of faith.

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From the Vatican’s table to yours: New Christmas cookbook a culinary masterpiece

(REVIEW) David Geisser’s new cookbook in time for the holidays, The Vatican Christmas Cookbook, offers up over 100 recipes from around the world.

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Trump calls COVID-19 vaccine 'a medical miracle,' but many religious people are skeptical

President Donald Trump calls the first COVID-19 vaccine approved by the federal government a “medical miracle.” So why are many religious people so skeptical? That’s a key question in this week’s Weekend Plug-in.

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Why ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ Remains Beloved By Both Christians And Nonbelievers

(OPINION) Something truly magical happens by the end when Charlie Brown asks what the true meaning of Christmas is. Instead of more commercialism, Linus sets his friend — and everyone else — straight and delivers a truly important message.

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Justices flip the script on COVID-19 worship bans, but top health official urges closures

Ongoing court battles pit religious groups vs. governmental regulations designed to slow the spread of COVID-19. Weekend Plug-in highlights the latest developments and runs down the week’s top reads in the world of faith.

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Pope Francis' new book: Don't rely on news coverage for what's in it

(OPINION) That Pope Francis would put his name on a book — written by a British author — criticizing the United States, its media and politics without understanding the First Amendment is a major shortfall of the project. There is also more to this book that the mainstream secular press did not highlight — like the pope’s staunch opposition to abortion.

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Who's to blame for McCarrick depends on what news sources you read

(OPINION) A week after the Vatican released its much-anticipated investigation of former cardinal Theodore McCarrick, there remain many unanswered questions. Whether journalists will delve deeply into these unanswered questions remains to be seen.

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Lies, damned lies, statistics: For Biden, religious vote was crucial — maybe

This week’s Weekend Plug-in explores whether religious voters were important to President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Plus, check out the week’s top headlines and best reads in the world of faith.

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