Recent Articles
ISNA Urges Adoption of Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) has signed on to a letter urging adoption of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. ISNA is asking Muslim leaders to increase renewable energy investments and to divest from fossil fuels.
Hey, Church! Take a Clue From Snitker
Worried about what your congregation will look like after the pandemic? Perhaps you need to follow the lead of Atlanta Braves’ manager Brian “Snit” Snitker.
Religious Liberty Under Attack in Myanmar (Burma)
Human rights, and specifically religious liberty, are increasingly under attack in Myanmar (Burma), following a military coup. A new report from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom highlights some of the atrocities.
What Should Be the Basis for Charitable Giving?
Why do people donate to charitable causes? Is it guilt, greed, altruism, some combination of all three? Let’s take a moment to reflect on our philanthropy.
November 9, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: How Covid Raised the Stakes of the War Between Faith and Science; French Catholic Church to Sell Assets to Settle Sex Abuse Claims; Women Describe Abuse, ‘Stolen Babies’ at Youth Christian Group Homes. Now, They Push for Change; and more
‘Great Resignation’ Offers Insight, Warning to Churches
Millions have quit their jobs during the pandemic, in what has been called “the Great Resignation.” What are the factors contributing to this trend? What parallels, insights and warnings does this offer churches?
Six False Gods of White Evangelical U.S. Christians
Many white, evangelical Christians in the U.S. find themselves in bondage to several idols or false gods. Here are six examples, among many.
Attendance Lags as In-Person Church Nears Pre-Pandemic Levels
Church attendance remains below pre-pandemic rates, even as in-person gatherings have returned to January 2020 levels, a new report found.
November 8, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: How Leonard Cohen’s Hits Were Influenced by Christianity and Judaism (CBC Radio)
George Group Brings Women of Different Faiths Together; ‘We’re Not Gonna be Knocked Down’: Middletown Church Under Attack by Racist, Anti-LGBTQ Christian Groups; Virginia Pastor: If You Want to Ban Books that Make Children Uncomfortable, Start with the Bible; and more
Dia de los Muertos and Shared Altars
I have slowly begun the work of decolonizing my identity as a Latina and a Christian. Part of this journey has been introducing and honoring practices of the culture, such as honoring the dead and their lives.
On the Need for Informed Voting
Informed citizens are vital for a functioning, effective democracy. We should encourage more people to vote, and make it as easy as possible, while emphasizing the importance of researching the candidates and proposals on the ballot.
COP26: the Science, the Scientists, the Politics and the Christians
COP26, currently taking place in Glasgow, Scotland, is a crucial meeting about the world’s future. How did we get to this point? And what are the key issues that must be addressed?
November 5, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: ‘Champing,’ or Camping in a Church, is a New U.K. Travel Trend (Marketplace)
Feds Prompt Michigan to Revise Religious Practice Restrictions on Prisoners; How Religion Helped African Migrants During a Risky Atlantic Crossing; and more
Is America Moving to the Right, Again?
The first election cycle following the 2020 president election raises questions about the direction in which the country wants to go. While the implications are not yet clear, people of good faith should look forward as they continue working for justice.
Disinviting Jon Meacham a Teachable Moment for the Wrong Reasons
Samford University’s decision to disinvite Jon Meacham from speaking due to student protest is the latest iteration of ‘cancel culture’ in some institutions of Baptist higher education. It offers a teachable moment for all the wrong reasons.
U.S. Majority Says Opposing Racism ‘Essential’ to Faith Tradition
A majority of U.S. adults say opposing racism and racial discrimination is an essential part of their faith, a new report finds. However, more than 10% of Black adults report facing some form of discrimination in religious settings.
November 4, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Foes of Death Penalty Offer Spiritual Support at Executions; Faith Groups Increasingly Join Fight Against Climate Change; QAnon Expert: Unhappy Believers are Now Being Lured Into Far-Right Extremist Groups; ACLU Files Suit Against Mississippi Town Over Rejection of Mosque Site Plan; and more
Let Them Learn
Education has been one of many COVID-19 casualties. First, teachers, students and parents had to navigate virtual learning. Then, another struggle emerged that might have a more enduring negative impact.
Climate Reports Paint Bleak Picture of Global Temperature Increase
Two climate reports published in late October suggest it is unlikely global warming won’t move beyond the 1.5°C pre-industrial level target. This is largely the result of commitments from nations not matching their actions.
Beware of Your Inner Circles
Polarization seems ubiquitous these days, with many rejecting John Donne’s aphorism, ‘No man is an island.’ We need to cultivate relationships with others who are different from ourselves, being open to true dialogue.
November 3, 2021
In today’s featured curated news and analysis headlines: Competing Visions of America: An Evolving Identity or a Culture Under Attack? Findings from the 2021 American Values Survey; How Extremist Christian Theology is Driving the Right-Wing Assault on Democracy; U.S. Missionaries Have Long Tried to Convert the ‘Unreached’ in the Amazon. Now Indigenous Groups are Fighting Back.; and more
Why, Yet Again, We Can’t ‘Just Move On’
White evangelicals in the U.S. are often opposed to a sober reckoning with the racial injustice woven throughout U.S. history, suggesting that we ‘just move on.’ Here is why this is both impossible and improper.
COP26 ‘Last Best Hope’ to Mitigate Climate Change
World leaders are gathered in Glasgow for COP26, a conference seen by many as the ‘last, best hope’ to mitigate climate change. Let’s stay in tune and in prayer for COP26 over the next few weeks.
Global Child Labor Increased in 2020
Child labor increased in 2020, rising to 160 million worldwide. The U.S. Department of Labor report cited the pandemic as a factor, while noting that “the story begins much earlier.”
November 2, 2021
In today’s featured news and analysis headlines:A Bible Given to Beatles’ George Harrison by First Baptist Dallas is Up for Sale; Supreme Court Turns Down Chance to Consider Whether a Catholic Hospital Can be Sued Over Transgender Rights; B&O Museum Named Underground Railroad Site; and more
Is the Health and Well-Being of Women Not a Good Use of Tax Dollars?
Discounting their voice and experience is a common reality faced by women worldwide. It’s seen in business decisions, in church actions and in legislative agreements, such as paid family leave being jettisoned from a trillion-dollar spending bill.
How Should You Respond When Someone Expresses Suicidal Thoughts?
I learned a lot about suicide while working as the mental health manager in an east Texas prison. Here is some information about how you should respond when someone expresses suicidal thoughts to you.
White Evangelical Protestants Outliers in Church-State Views
White evangelical Protestants are more likely than the general public to express a desire for less separation between church and state, a new report found. This was true across all six hypothetical church-state actions presented in the survey.
November 1, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Samford University Nixes Jon Meachem Speech on Civil Discourse Amid Anti-Abortion Pressure; Jamelle Bouie: In Virginia’s Culture Wars, One Battle Has Already Been Lost; Biden: Pope Told Me I Should ‘Keep Receiving Communion’; Number of Canadians Reporting Religious Affiliation at All-Time Low; and more
People of Good Faith: Colin Harris
Colin Harris is professor emeritus of religious studies at Mercer University, having retired from full-time teaching in 2013.