Why coercive religious politics undermine Christianity and democracy

This is the ninth in a BNG series of articles on Christianity and democracy that will lead toward the July 4 celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The series has been curated by Carol McEntyre, senior minister at First Baptist Church of...

Opinion Juan Garcia

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Luis Leon, Episcopal priest, will deliver Obama’s inauguration benediction, replacing Louie Giglio

What if Jesus were gay?

Wendell Berry has effectively stirred the pot. In my homestate, Kentucky, at my alma mater, Georgetown College, Berry spoke about gay marriage. He spoke to the cultural palpitations revealing a diseased spirit. It’s a spirit steeped in hate, and maligned…

New charges filed in abuse lawsuit

By Bob Allen Five new anonymous plaintiffs have joined the three original litigants in a lawsuit alleging a cover-up of sexual abuse by a church-planting network with ties to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. New allegations in an…

Despite drop in numbers identifying with faith, God is alive and well in U.S., says Gallup chief

(RNS) — Despite a deep drop in the number of Americans who identify with a particular faith, the country could be on the cusp of a religious renaissance, says Frank Newport, editor-in-chief of The Gallup Poll. Grounded in more than…

What’s more influential in shaping a church’s ministry â€” God or money? The answer matters.

Ask a Christian whether God or money concerns determine how a church operates. Most likely, the response would be: “Of course, God does.” But John L. and Sylvia Ronsvalle believe the answer may not be as clear-cut as most Christians…

For Christians, the tithe may be more theory than practice, say some observers

The issue of tithing — traditionally understood as 10 percent — has perplexed churchgoers for years. Interpretation and denominational practice usually set the tone for givers, often with tension between giving as law or “old covenant” or as grace under…

Millions of Hindus take to the Ganges at world’s largest religious festival

Mental health problems more common among ‘spiritual but not religious’

U.S. mosques hit by shortage of imams

As polls shift, gay marriage becomes a uniter, not a divider