Christianity is a religion built on an account of a physical resurrection. But it is rare to see 21st-century American Christians praying for the dead to be raised in real time.
Top church-state stories of 2019
In disputes over displays on government property, government funding of religious institutions and teaching the Bible in public schools, the lines protecting the critical distinctiveness of religion and assuring religious liberty for all continued to blur in 2019. Unfortunately, many…
Trump’s hell suggestion outraged some faith leaders, but his evangelical advisers are still defending him
President Trump appeared to mock Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and her late husband, former congressman John Dingell (D-Mich.), during a speech Wednesday in their home state, suggesting that the World War II veteran and former congressman was “looking up” from…
Trump is a bigger martyr than Jesus, congressman suggests
Comparing Trump to Jesus is nothing new for conservatives. Doing it on the floor of the House of Representatives seems to be a first, though.
Mormon Church accused of stockpiling billions, avoiding taxes
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon Church, responded Tuesday to a recently filed whistleblower complaint that accuses the church of stockpiling $100 billion in accounts intended for charitable works, misleading members and…
SBC sex abuse investigation voted No. 1 religion story of 2019
An expose by the Houston Chronicle that revealed hundreds of victims of abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention and that spurred calls for the SBC to investigate churches was chosen as the top religion story of 2019 by members of…
Adam Sandler reflects on ‘The Hanukkah Song’ on its 25th anniversary
The “Uncut Gems” star told Ellen DeGeneres he’s ready to share the holiday spirit with any other Jewish songwriters willing to step up.
How long is the sermon? Study ranks Christian churches
The major branches of Christianity in the U.S. have sharply different traditions, with sermons at historically black Protestant churches lasting — on average – nearly four times as long as Roman Catholic sermons.
Pope abolishes ‘pontifical secret’ in clergy sex abuse cases
Pope Francis has abolished the “pontifical secret” used in clergy sexual abuse cases, after mounting criticism that the high degree of confidentiality has been used to protect pedophiles, silence victims and keep law enforcement from investigating crimes.
Houses of worship attacked with deadly frequency in 2019
Hundreds of worshippers and many clergy were killed at churches, mosques, synagogues and temples. One common element of all the attacks: Dismay that many people of faith now have reason for apprehension as they gather for worship.
British evangelicals brace for Brexit
British evangelicals worry that Brexit might cut them off from the rest of the world, as well as the global evangelical community. At the same time, British evangelicals don’t want to be separated from their local evangelical community either.
The sort-of socialist church is taking a radical approach To Christianity
Jubilee Baptist is a quasi-socialist, anti-racist, LGBTQ-affirming church conducting a bold experiment: focusing on debt, work, and freedom from oppression instead of fear and moralism.