Nations with governments highly repressive of certain religious groups usually have societies equally antagonistic toward religious minorities, new research shows. “Government restrictions and social hostilities tend to go hand in hand,” Pew Research Center says in its latest report on…
White House plan to combat Islamophobia draws mixed reviews
A new White House strategy for combating anti-Muslim and anti-Arab hatred has received differing reactions from U.S. faith groups and left some wondering if the plan will survive the incoming Trump administration. Released Dec. 12, the 67-page blueprint outlines federal,…
American views on illegal immigrants aren’t as clear cut as MAGA thinks
Attitudes toward unauthorized immigrants and the specter of mass deportation by the Trump administration are complicated, according to recent surveys. Recent polling by Pew Research Center finds majorities of Americans expressing concern about the number of undocumented immigrants in the…
75-week sermon series shows the Bible as ‘One Story’
A Baptist church in Franklin, Va., has embarked on a 75-week sermon series designed to show the Bible is more than a collection of stand-alone books in the Old and New testaments. “One of the things I want to come…
PRRI survey finds ‘stark’ voter divides along religious lines
Race, religion and Christian nationalism were among the top influencers of presidential voting in the 2024 election, according to new polling by Public Religion Research Institute. Half of all U.S. voters chose Republican Donald Trump on Election Day compared to…
Why ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ almost didn’t air − and why it endures
It’s hard to imagine a holiday season without “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The 1965 broadcast has become a staple – etched into traditions across generations like decorating the tree or sipping hot cocoa.
Amanda Tyler on when and how to talk about Christian nationalism at Christmas dinner
Americans have numerous opportunities to push back against Christian nationalism without engaging conservative relatives during holiday gatherings, Amanda Tyler said in a webinar about her new book, How to End Christian Nationalism. Anyone thinking about raising the topic at a…
Nationalism and religious hatred are as old as time, filmmakers say
Donald Trump’s victorious presidential campaign rode a wave of nationalism and religious hatred as old as humankind itself, said Todd Stiefel, executive producer of the documentary Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism’s Unholy War on Democracy. The 2024 film shows how Trump…
Wrestling with doubts is a biblical practice, author says
Wrangling with doubts about the Bible, church and God is not only spiritually healthy but also downright scriptural, writer and podcaster Erin Hicks Moon said. Readers of Exodus, for example, can see an alternately discouraged, defiant and uncertain Moses complaining…