Modreck Maeresera is a happy man these days. Growing up in rural Zimbabwe, Maeresera, 49, was always told of his unique Jewish roots, which separated his Lemba community from the rest of their neighbors. Nonetheless, there was nothing tangible to…
Elton John turns the saga of televangelist Tammy Faye into song for Broadway
When Elton John was on tour in America in the 1970s, there was someone on TV who caught his eye. She was an over-the-top, heavy makeup-wearing performer who wore her heart on her sleeve and yet seemed in on the joke — televangelist…
Why Can’t We Talk to Each Other Anymore?
Years ago, I taught a Bible study that I knew would be controversial. I was a couple years into seminary, and my church asked me to join a team of teachers for the weekly women’s Bible study.
How Messianic Jews Are Serving Israelis Displaced by Hamas and Hezbollah
As the sirens wailed on October 1, Nirit Bar-David took refuge in her familiar safe room. Iran had just launched another 180 missiles at Israel, and she had about a minute to take cover. So did the other 350 residents…
A Tribute to Kris Kristofferson and a Life of Music and Faith
Kris Kristofferson passed away at his home in Hawaii on September 28th at the age of 88, leaving his mark on the world not only as a musician and actor but also as a man of faith. Known for his…
Only God Can Say Whether Armageddon Is At Hand
Warning: Read this column at your own risk. This is a nut-case alert. The nut-case in this instance being … me. For I’m about to go full-throttle holy-roller wackadoodle on you.
Transgender and intersex Catholics ask pope to rethink church stance on gender-affirming care
For the second time in less than a year, Pope Francis met with transgender and intersex Catholics on Sunday (Oct. 13) at the Vatican, where he listened to their stories of pain, solitude and redemption.
The Robot Will Lie Down With the Gosling
In an animation landscape full of sequels, prequels, and remakes, The Wild Robot is a welcome respite.
Historic Prague synagogue used on Yom Kippur for the first time since the Holocaust
For the first time since World War II, one of Prague’s most historic synagogues has held a Jewish worship service.
Bishop Joseph Espaillat challenges Catholics to listen to Latino youth
When Bishop Joseph Espaillat, an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of New York, took the stage in front of hundreds of Spanish-speaking Latino Catholics at the National Eucharistic Congress on July 20, he was ready to deliver some hard truths.
Donald Trump Uses 1 Word To Appeal To Female Voters. Here’s Why It Should Scare You.
On the campaign trail, Donald Trump has been using one word in an effort to convince women to vote for him, and it’s one that sets off alarm bells for me as an exvangelical, or former member of the evangelical church.
A realistic statue of Mary giving birth was criticized, then vandalized − but saints and artists have often reimagined Christ’s birth
A sculpture of the Virgin Mary showing her giving birth to Jesus was recently attacked and beheaded. Called “Crowning” by the artist Esther Strauss, the sculpture had been part of a temporary exhibition of art outside the Catholic St. Mary Cathedral in…