A Baptist minister and author who shocked British evangelicals when he came out in support of same-sex marriage in 2013 now says Christians talk too much about Original Sin and not enough about humanity’s inherent goodness and worth. Steve Chalke,…
Women still carry most of the world’s water
According to a new report, 2.1 billion people around the world have no access to clean water in their home. And the task of providing water for households falls disproportionately to women and girls, especially in rural areas.
God and metal: scenes from a hardcore Christian music festival
Audiofeed, a Christian rock and metal festival, reflects a surprising cross section of believers, incredibly loud music and a serious rock attitude.
‘Evangelical’ is not a political term
A new book reveals the persistent habit of secular journalists to see evangelicals chiefly as monolithic political actors who only become visible (and relevant) every election cycle.
In China, Party members told to give up religion for Party unity or face punishment
“Party members should not have religious beliefs … Party members should be firm Marxist atheists, obey Party rules and stick to the Party’s faith … they are not allowed to seek value and belief in religion.”
Ecumenical musings: What does it mean for ‘all of us’ to be here?
If we are separated into isolated denominational enclaves, are we in fact “all there”? If not, how do we change this situation and move toward such unity?
In emerging partnership, retreat center aims to end social and economic isolation of inner-city children
The National Baptist Convention of America International has purchased property near Louisville, Ky., for what Simmons College of Kentucky President Kevin Cosby says will be the only retreat and conference center in the state run by African-Americans.
Vatican fires shot at U.S. religious right, calls out ‘religious liberty’ industry
An article being described as “explosive,” written by two allies of Pope Francis in a Vatican-reviewed publication, is taking on the “spurious alliance between politics and religious fundamentalism” in the United States.
The rise of nondenominationalism: Protestants keep ditching denominations
Ask an American Christian what type of church they belong to, and you’re more likely than ever to hear the label nondenominational.
Former SBC official defends White House prayer described as ‘spiritual malpractice’
One of the ministers photographed last week laying hands on President Trump and circling him in prayer has taken exception to a civil-rights leader’s labeling the viral image as “theological malpractice bordering on heresy.”
‘The Cross and the Lynching Tree’: A broken gospel
It was a killing field, and accounts of those brutal murders make for heart-rending but necessary reading.
Transitions for the week of 07.21.17
Staff changes, congregational news and more from across the nation.
Why Russia is afraid of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, and why would the Russian, or any, government consider them to be a threat?
China’s religious revival fuels environmental activism
Hundreds of millions of people in China have turned to religions like Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam, seeking a sense of purpose and an escape from China’s consumerist culture. That revival is helping fuel an environmental awakening.