'Big George Foreman': From Rage Fighter to Revived (Two-Time!) Champion

(REVIEW) Fighting Muhammad Ali and losing in 1974, Foreman began a downward spiral. Hit after hit to that newly accrued self-esteem eventually resulted in a near-death experience after a match. It’s after waking up from the blackout that Foreman experiences a transformational conversion, becoming a baptized Christian. 

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Our Sacred Documents Read Us As Surely As We Read Them

(OPINION) When learning to read and interpret literature effectively, a reader should keep in mind that often the novel you’re reading reads you as surely as you’re reading it. This insight useful for interpreting anything, from “The Sound and the Fury” to the U.S. Constitution, the latest news flash or the latest political screed — and the Bible.

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Gervonta Davis Vs. Ryan Garcia: How Religion Made An Unusual Appearance At The Fight

While the bright lights shined on the biggest boxing match of the year, another thing was also on full display in the recent fight between Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia in the form of comments before and after the match regarding faith and even religiously inspired walkout music.

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🐘 Faith And Freedom: For GOP Presidential Candidates, It's Cattle Call Time Again 🔌

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights first Republican presidential cattle call of the year in Iowa, where evangelicals are a crucial voting bloc. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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Repressive Enforcement Of Iranian Hijab Laws Constitutes Gender-Based Persecution

(ANALYSIS) On April 14, United Nations experts warned that the repressive enforcement of Iranian hijab laws, as announced by the state authorities, would result in additional restrictive and punitive measures on women and girls who fail to comply with the country’s compulsory veiling laws.

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Shifting Shape To Survive: St. Gertrude’s Monastery Reaches Beyond Sworn Sisters

St. Getrude’s is a Benedictine monastery in rural Idaho that was founded by Swiss nuns in the United States in 1882 and moved to Cottonwood in 1907. Today the property includes the monastery, an inn, a retreat center, gift shop and a chapel.

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What Should Americans Know About Each Others’ Faiths?

(OPINION) Faiths retain powerful impact in society despite the increase of people with no religious affiliation and other secular inroads. Relations among major faiths feel especially pertinent in 2023. So, in practice what do people know about other major world religions? What should they know?

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With World Championship In Astana, Islam’s Relationship With Chess Comes Into Focus

Since the end of the Cold War, four Muslim-majority countries — Kazakhstan, Libya, Iran and Indonesia — have hosted the FIDE World Chess Championship. Despite the fact that hundreds of Muslim players have been ranked by FIDE over the years, the game remains controversial with many mainstream Sunni and Shia scholars disapproving of chess.

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Many Catholics No Longer Go To Confession: Does It Matter?

(OPINION) In the movies, the penitent enters a confession booth, kneels and whispers to a priest behind a lattice screen, “Forgive me, father, for I have sinned.” This drama was, for centuries, at the center of Catholic life. But in recent decades, the number of Americans who go to confession has plunged to a shocking degree that church leaders have struggled to explain.

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‘Lashawan Qwadash’: One Of The Craziest Beliefs Of The Black Hebrew Israelites

(OPINION) Among a host of crazy Black Hebrew Israelite beliefs, one of the most bizarre is the idea that they have preserved the real pronunciation of the Hebrew language, which they call Lashawan Qwadash. This is similar to claiming that Pig Latin is the true form of English or that William Shakespeare was famous for shaking a spear. It is that patently and blatantly absurd.

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New Orleans Museum Of Art A Hub For Christian Art

It turns out New Orleans is more than Bourbon Street, burlesque and beads. The New Orleans Museum of Art, located five miles from the city’s downtown, isn’t afraid to pay homage to the state’s French colonial roots that have connections to Catholicism.

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The Dalai Lama ‘Incident’: How Not To Respond To A Troubling Sexual Situation With A Child

(OPINION) In education circles, an incident like the Dalai Lama asking a boy to suck his tongue is often called a teachable moment. But the real lessons to be learned from this video could be titled “How NOT to respond to possible child sexual abuse” Or “How NOT to respond to a troubling sexual situation with a child.”

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Has Donald Trump Won Nomination Already? Careful. And Keep A Hawkeye On Iowa

(OPINION) In nationwide polls, Donald Trump has defied multiple legal snarls to pad his already healthy margin over potential challenger Ron DeSantis for the Republican nomination. So far, those two swamp all other possible names, such as Nikki Haley. But might some or many evangelicals eventually turn against Trump?

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Behind Latter-Day Saint Church’s Wealth Are 2 Centuries Of Hits And Misses

(ANALYSIS) Revelations regarding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ finances have raised questions concerning the ethics of a religious organization amassing such a large amount of wealth, and how it is balanced with charitable giving. But headlines often overlook the long and surprising history of the modern church’s financial success — as well as the continued anxiety surrounding its economic reserves.

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Cambodian New Year: Temples, Buddha Statues And … Water Fights?

In Cambodia, the three days of celebration are centered on religious observances. The vast majority of Cambodians are Theravada Buddhists, and during this time they visit temples to complete various rituals. These include merit-making activities, such as praying and offering food to monks in exchange for a blessing. They also build sand hills on the temple grounds. These symbolize the heavenly “stupa” where relics of the Buddha’s earthly remains are believed to be kept.

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5 American Athletes Who Converted To Islam

Islam is one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. Some notable American athletes have converted to Islam starting in the 1960s, a trend that continues to this day. For some, the belief provides a chance to emphasize personal responsibility and social justice.

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📫 Does Requiring A Mail Carrier To Work On Sunday Violate His Religious Freedom? 🔌

This week’s Weekend Plug-in highlights a Supreme Court case involving a mail carrier who quit his job rather than delivery packages on Sunday. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.

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