(ANALYSIS) The Texas abortion law could affect the religious liberties of those providing pastoral care for women considering abortion or Jews who, in accordance with Jewish teaching, seek an abortion to save the life of the mother.
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(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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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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Officials are threatening Pastor Vyacheslav Goncharenko and other members of New Life Pentecostal Church in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, with administrative and criminal charges for continuing to hold meetings for worship in the open air in the church’s car park.
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(REVIEW) After much anticipation, Kanye West’s tenth studio album, “Donda,” released. The 27-track album shows the evolution of Kanye’s Christian faith and its inspiration for impressive pop music.
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The Category 4 storm downed power lines and tore roofs from buildings, including the meeting places of at least two Churches of Christ, and caused damage across the city.
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(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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(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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A state government in North India known for its Hindu-first moves is increasing its number of “anti-terrorism squads” in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. Meanwhile, a Muslim member of parliament appeared to support the Taliban on social media, sparking online harassment against Muslims.
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Executive Editor Paul Glader interviews Fernando Arroyo about his time as a soldier in Afghanistan, dealing with the trauma of war, the loss of friends and what rehabilitation can look like at the Orange County Rescue Mission after the 20-year conflict.
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Jehovah's Witnesses and Muslims in Russia jailed on "extremism"-related charges for exercising freedom of religion or belief face years of restrictions and stigma after the sentence ends, including blocked bank accounts, restricted movement and voting rights, harsher penalties for another offense and more. This means that the religious lives, health, reputations and finances – of people who have not engaged in any violent activity or infringed upon the human rights of others – could be adversely affected for well over a decade.
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(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?
Hot off the success of its second season, Jesus series “The Chosen” is inviting fans to be in the crowd of 5,000 Jesus miraculously feeds in the third season’s adaptation of the gospels. Fans shouldn’t expect to spend time with Jesus for free, however.
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In hard-hit Waverly, Tenn., a town of 4,300 people near Nashville, 19 died and hundreds are displaced after historic flooding destroyed or damaged their homes Aug. 21. Donations continue to pour in as a church provides shelter to those in need.
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One of the families at the gate of the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul Thursday had gone there with papers John and Jan Bradley helped them acquire and a letter the retired Air Force general had written for them. As of late Thursday afternoon, the news from Afghanistan was not good. And not clear.
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(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.
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This week’s Weekend Plug-in starts with the deadly explosions that rocked the Kabul airport as the U.S. military attempts to evacuate thousands. Besides the Afghanistan news, catch up, as always, on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
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After more than two decades struggling with a post-Soviet economic recession and destabilization brought on by war and anti-terrorist operations, Georgia’s Pankisi Valley is rebuilding its reputation and attracting tourists — enough to secure a coveted spot in the world’s most popular guidebook, “Lonely Planet,” in 2020.
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A fake online auction targeted Muslim women in India with derogatory language, harassment and rape threats. Muslim women activists who endure frequent cyber bullying from Hindu nationalist online trolls say it’s far from an isolated incident in India.
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(ANALYSIS) As scholars who research ethno-religious conflicts in South Asia, we have studied the origins of the Taliban’s religious beliefs. The roots of this ideology – Deobandi Islam – can be traced to 19th century colonial India.
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