Is The Archdiocese Of Detroit Built For A Church That No Longer Exists?

(ANALYSIS) Sometimes the doom scrolling really does pay off. I hate to admit it, but flicking through thousands of social media posts a week is a way that I can find interesting stories to write about for Graphs about Religion.

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Texas’ Bible Curriculum Revives Debate Over Religion In Public Schools

A recent Texas State Board of Education decision requires all public school literature classes in grades 1 through 12 to learn about 10 Old Testament and five New Testament passages.

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What Americans Think Of Israel And Gaza Since The Oct. 7 Attacks

It’s the conflict that seems to never end — and Americans have shifted their opinions on it. Following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, a messy war ensued in Gaza. Americans fiercely debated which side, if any, the U.S. should align with. After almost three years of war, researchers have been able to gauge how American sentiments about Israel, Palestine and Hamas have changed over time.

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Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Media Moves To Chapter 7 As Fight With TBN Deepens

Merit Street Media, the television venture founded by Dr. Phil McGraw and backed by Trinity Broadcasting Network, has been converted from Chapter 11 reorganization to Chapter 7 liquidation. An independent trustee now controls the estate as litigation between McGraw, TBN, and other creditors continues through the bankruptcy process.

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A Religious Freedom Martyr Took Risks. A Book About Him Should, Too.

(REVIEW) Shahbaz Bhatti united religious and ethnic minorities in Pakistan to bring about greater equality in the nation — until he was assassinated for his work. A new graphic novel about him is tragic and moving, but it also lacks narrative depth and character development.

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Religious Schools That Get Public Funds Must Follow Anti-Discrimination Laws

The ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Boston came after two schools — Saint Dominic Academy in Auburn and Bangor Christian Schools, run by Crosspoint Church — asked for exemptions from the Maine Human Rights Act so they wouldn’t be required to enforce policies that contradicted their religious beliefs, such as admitting students who were openly gay or transgender, for instance, or requiring teachers to use students’ preferred pronouns.

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In Muslim-Majority Pakistan, Some Schools Now Have A Hindu Curriculum

A controversial educational program will be offered for some Hindu students in Pakistan, providing them with structured learning opportunities designed to support their academic development, but is it compatible with their faith? Nationwide, more than 95% of residents are Muslim, and Islamic studies have been a regularly required course for most students at government-run schools.

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Dowry Killings Have Faded From Public Attention In India

(ANALYSIS) A new academic study argues that India has built an “infrastructure of inattention” around dowry killings — referring to legal and cultural processes that once made such deaths the focus of mass public protest but now allow such murders to pass with little public attention.

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Christians Turn To Tobacco Farming Despite Religious Objections

As members of the Johane Masowe, an African Apostolic sect, tobacco was a big “no” for their Christian faith. But today, many of its members are among the best tobacco farmers in the country and having joined the growing bandwagon of those who were tempted to reconsider their position, finding the lure of the tobacco dollar too riveting to resist.

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🏥 My Friend’s Cancer Battle: ‘This Is Going To Be One Really Cool Obituary’ 🔌

It’s a call you never want to receive. “I’ve got cancer,” your loved one says. Not only that, but it’s pancreatic cancer — often a death sentence. Immediately, your brain goes into a fog.

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Myths Aren’t Lies: Why The Bible’s Power Lives In Metaphor, Not Literalism

(OPINION) I invite you to see biblical stories more metaphorically, mythically — guilt-free even. You may discover surprising, more expansive visions of how God works with humans — and through humans — to expand our understanding of our place in the world God is still creating.

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Parents Expect Answers To Moral Questions About Smartphones

(ANALYSIS) A pediatrician recently asked one of Emily Harrison’s kids a logical question during pre-exam paperwork: Do you have a smartphone? Doctors often ask children practical questions, such as whether they’re getting enough sleep, have seen changes in their appetites or have started playing sports. These days, they may ask about anxiety or depression.

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‘Love Your Country And Keep Christ First’: Chosen Road Celebrates Jesus And America

Amid celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, bluegrass band Chosen Road released what they believe is one of the most unique recordings in the band’s 18-year history. The 13-song album American Morning dropped July 3, featuring more than 50 minutes of new music from the band.

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Even At The World Cup, England’s Flag Carries Meanings Beyond Soccer

(ANALYSIS) When England walk onto the field to face Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals, thousands of St. George’s flags will wave inside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Millions more will adorn pubs and homes across England. For many fans, the flag — which from the Late Middle Ages has been associated with Saint George — remains inseparable from soccer itself.

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‘Standing For Dignity’: Faith Leaders Urge Officials To Protect Midterm Elections

Faith leaders representing more than 1,500 congregations held coordinated events in nine states, calling on election officials to protect voting rights and follow election laws ahead of the 2026 midterms this November. Organizers described the campaign as nonpartisan and focused on election integrity and ballot access.

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Advocates Seek Expanded Understanding Of Antisemitism

Antisemitism spans the political spectrum. On the far right, antisemites may support a vision of America under white supremacy. On the far left, antisemites may consider Jews oppressors and white colonialists. 

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How Daoism Provides A Framework For Understanding The World

(ANALYSIS) Throughout its history, Daoism never lost touch with the local traditions. Local gods and even vengeful ghosts come to be incorporated into Daoist pantheons, where they now serve to keep troublesome spirits from upsetting the community. As a result, Daoism continues to be an integral part of everyday life.

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Analytical Thinking Doesn’t Make People Less Religious

(ANALYSIS) A culture that laughs off the parting of the Red Sea will nod along when a man declares himself a woman. A culture that calls the Jesus’ resurrection absurd will assure you civilization can thrive after dismantling family, faith and biology. Walking on water is preposterous. Walking away from every inherited moral guardrail is sophisticated.

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