Since “11J,” the name given to the July 11, 2021, widespread protests in Cuba, state persecution of Protestant pastors spiked. Today, an increasing number of religious leaders and churches are questioning police repression or speaking out against the Cuban government.
Read More(OPINION) Discussions about women in the Mormon Church often revolve around whether they will ever be ordained. They may serve as leaders of women’s or children’s organizations, but power in the church remains firmly in the hands of men — though women’s status and leadership have noticeably increased within the family since the 1980s.
Read More(REVIEW) “Don’t Look Up” is a new Netflix movie that has generated some controversy for its straightforward message encouraging the world to care about climate change. While mostly ineffective, it raises questions about God’s involvement in the end of the world.
Read More(OPINION) So it seems to me that the Great Resignation is great for a few, mainly tech workers. It’s not so great for others. Most are stuck in an iron cage of capitalism rewarding efficiency and economic prosperity but less so those vocations tilted toward social well-being — like health care workers, teachers, and pastors.
Read More(OPINION) The conflict in Ethiopia continues to take new victims. Shortly after it began in November 2020, evidence of mass killings of several hundred people in the western Tigray town of Mai Kadra, started to emerge. In 2021, the U.N. raised its concerns regarding the emerging humanitarian crisis and the risk of famine.
Read MoreAs a Kentucky town recovers from a devastating storm, the owner of a bookkeeping business next to a low-income neighborhood runs a disaster relief center out of her parking lot, offering hot meals, temporary housing and prayer to suffering neighbors.
Read MoreChristian, Jewish, Muslim, atheist and other community members gathered Monday night in the sanctuary of White’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Southlake, Texas, and applauded Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker — just two days after the rabbi and three others were held hostage in Congregation Beth Israel in neighboring Colleyville.
Read MorePastor Jeremy Foster’s resignation from Hope City Church in Houston, Texas, due to an adulterous affair is the latest in a series of scandals linked to the Association of Related Churches, one of the largest church planting organizations in North America.
Read MoreIn advance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this week’s Weekend Plug-in looks at a fascinating piece on the last full year of the Baptist pastor’s life. Plus, catch up, as always, on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Read MoreThe 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago has ruled in favor of a Roman Catholic church that was sued by a former employee fired for his same-sex marriage, saying churches and religious groups have the right to hire and supervise staff according to their beliefs — without government intrusion.
Read More(OPINION) Interviews are forever the linchpin of all original reporting. The key to getting a good interview: preparation. You've probably heard the preacher's rule of one hour of work in the study per one minute in the pulpit. The reporter’s rule is more modest: at least 10 minutes of research per one minute of interviewing.
Read MoreAs health care professionals assess the lessons of the COVID-19 global pandemic, one unexpected message may be the importance of including spirituality in overall patient care. A pioneer in that movement is Dr. Christina Puchalski, founder and executive director of George Washington University’s Institute for Spirituality and Health.
Read MoreWhile Uncle Sam grants Americans tax deductions for charitable giving, the government prohibits deductions for donations to political groups. But a growing number of donors on the left and the right have used “dark money” to exploit a simple work-around.
Read More“Autobiography of a Yogi,” published in 1946, popularized Eastern religious concepts like “cosmic consciousness” and practices like yoga and meditation in the West. Brother Jayananada, who became a monk after reading the book over 40 years ago, spoke with ReligionUnplugged.com about its 75th anniversary and its lasting impact.
Read More(REVIEW) Coming of age film “The Hand of God” intertwines the life of a young Italian boy in the midst of tragedy and famed soccer player Diego Maradona. Both create mystical stories of hope tied to faith and strange miracles.
Read More(OPINION) Jan. 6 means different things to people. This year, the date became a polarizing remembrance of the U.S. Capitol insurrection, riots or whatever else one calls it. For Clemente, this Jan. 6 marked a special anniversary — the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking Boston Globe “Spotlight” team’s investigation into predator priests.
Read More(ANALYSIS) After the mismanagement of a Jewish festival in Meron, Israel in which 45 pious Jews were crushed to death in a stampede and tens of thousands more exposed to COVID-19, there was only one reasonable course for the government to follow in advance of last week’s planned Baba Sali celebration – cancel it. And then flip-flop.
Read MoreIn the 1970s and 80s, Bill Gothard’s Institute in Basic Life Principles’ week-long seminars filled arenas. But in recent years, the nondenominational ministry has seen a decline from its once-influential and well-connected source of resources and community for like-minded Christians after allegations of sexual harassment dating back decades.
Colorado officials are investigating claims that a small fire in December on a rural property of the “Jesus People” group Twelve Tribes jump-started two major fires south of Boulder, which, fanned by 100 mph winds, destroyed more than 900 homes and forced the evacuation of 35,000 people.
Read More(OPINION) Recent years have seen a crackdown on human rights and democracy in Hong Kong. Within a few months, three pro-democracy outlets disappeared from Hong Kong. Nonetheless, Hong Kong authorities have rejected claims of a crackdown and denied targeting the media.
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