When people say they “lose themselves in music,” it can describe the spiritual-like experience of entering a trance or altered state evoked by rhythm or melody. In various cultures and faith traditions, music acts as a bridge to spirituality. Interpretive choreography, beating on drums, humming and chanting — all create an atmosphere that draws people into connection with something greater.
Read MoreA recent study on AI’s reliability to answer theological questions reminds users that answers don’t come without human influence.
Read More(OPINION) When people think about online misogyny, they probably envision forums and video game chat rooms filled with young men using lewd language, promoting sexist stereotypes and longing for the good old days when women “knew” their place. Arguably the most popular anti-feminist content today, though, is produced by women: tradwives.
Read More(ANALYSIS) If I asked you to think of one quote about race and religion in the United States, I am going to bet that if you could conjure one up quickly it would be, “11:00 on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in America.”
Read MoreDoing this interview was consistent with Charlie Kirk’s history of reaching out to leaders on the other side of the chasm between red and blue America. I would argue that many other conservative groups should take a similar approach, if their leaders are sharp enough to handle these kinds of encounters (with both sides recording what happens).
Read MoreAs he took the bench, Jerry Crosby II told the court that he was serving as the circuit court judge. Crosby intentionally used the word “serving” because of his faith. “I never say I am the judge,” he said. “I understand the only person that’s the true judge of all things and of all of us is God. I want to make sure each and every day.”
Read MoreAfter the assassination of Charlie Kirk, pastors found themselves in a difficult position — whether or how to address the event from the pulpit. Todd Fisher, executive director of Oklahoma Baptists, received messages from pastors confused by their congregations’ reactions, prompting him to address the issue. Many pastors were unaware of Kirk’s cultural influence, especially among younger members.
Read More(ANALYSIS) In his first major interview as pope, Leo XIV offers a glimpse into a papacy shaped by his American identity and a diplomatic, morally grounded approach. Speaking to Crux for an upcoming biography, the first U.S.-born pontiff addressed global issues including President Trump, artificial intelligence, and the crisis in Gaza.
Read More(OPINION) Like many, I sat in disbelief hearing the news of the vile acts committed over these last few weeks.
Read More(ANALYSIS) These so-called “Jesus glow-up” posts, and their influencer authors, communicate a message that a relationship with Christ provides a “blessing of heightened physical beauty.”
Read MoreU.S. adults don’t think God changes. Their beliefs about the divine have basically stayed the same, as well. The latest State of Theology study from Lifeway Research and Ligonier Ministries finds significant stability across a wide range of theological beliefs.
Read More(ANALYSIS) More recently, a 2021 study from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative looked at 200 popular movies and found that Muslim characters were either completely missing or shown as violent. Despite the consistency of negative representations of Muslims on television following the rise in Islamophobia, the post-9/11 climate actually saw the introduction of more diverse Muslim characters.
Read MoreChina has introduced sweeping new regulations that strictly control how clergy from the country’s five state-recognized religions can operate online. The 18-article “Code of Conduct for Religious Clergy on the Internet” bans livestreaming, social media preaching, AI-generated religious content and all online outreach to minors.
Read MoreOnly 66 percent of American Christians accept the biblical teaching that all have sinned, George Barna said in its newest release from the 2025 American Worldview Survey he overseas at Arizona Christian University. Most Christians, 72 percent, also believe people are “basically good at heart.”
Read More(ANALYSIS) Justice cannot be replaced by roads and hostels. The violence in Manipur was not a clash between two aggrieved groups, but the targeting of the Kuki-Zo minority by extremist groups from the majority Meitei community, allegedly backed by the state government. Ignoring the killings and rape sends a message to future perpetrators that violence with political support can be excused or even rewarded.
Read More(OPINION) When I read or listen to the news, I often think: What is God calling us, specifically as Christians, to say and do in response to this moment?It is so effortless for me to take pre-existing political talking points — they are waiting for me like TV dinners, ready to heat up and serve — to sprinkle the salt of a couple of Biblical proof texts on top of them and to call that my response. Maybe you share this facile temptation with me.But I reckon that God expects something more robust of us than that.
Read More(ANALYSIS) As you may have heard, the United States is facing a looming fertility crisis. Put simply, Americans are having fewer children. The total fertility rate (TFR) in the United States is currently 1.6 children per woman.
Read MoreApple TV’s sci-fi drama “Severance” was the most-nominated show at this year’s Emmys — and for good reason. The series boasts a chillingly unique premise: Workers at mega-corporation Lumon have the opportunity to undergo surgery which renders them into two, an “innie” who works from nine to five and an “outie” who lives a regular life outside of work — all to manufacture a twisted work-life balance and preserve confidentiality around work.
Read MoreThe only humans yet to set foot on the Moon are American astronauts in the series of six Apollo landings that ended 53 years ago. But last January, President Donald Trump’s Inaugural Address proclaimed a far more extraordinary goal: “We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars. . . . Americans are explorers, builders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and pioneers. The spirit of the frontier is written into our hearts. The call of the next great adventure resounds from within our souls.”
Read MoreA large part of Charlie Kirk’s political activism centered on what education should look like. Amy Lieberman, The Conversation’s education editor, spoke with Daniel Ruggles, a scholar of conservative youth activism, to better understand the beliefs about education that influenced Kirk and the connection he tried to make with young people.
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