RICHMOND, Va. — Since its beginning in 1872, Woman’s Missionary Union of Virginia has had a heart for those who needed to hear the gospel of Christ. But last month WMUV attained a new level of global partnership when it…
Youth make spiritual decisions during Bluefield College’s ‘Winter Blast’
BLUEFIELD, Va. — Dozens of youth from nine different churches and communities across Virginia and West Virginia made spiritual decisions during Bluefield College’s recent ‘Winter Blast,’ an extreme sport and worship weekend that included skiing, concerts by Christian bands and…
RIGHT or WRONG? Fair pay
Many Christian institutions provide comparatively low pay and relatively weak benefits but still advertise for positions with the phrase “enjoy working in a Christian atmosphere.” Isn’t this hypocritical? Whether such advertising is hypocritical may depend more on the working conditions…
Biologist who aims to reconcile religion and science wins Templeton Prize
IRVINE, Calif. (RNS) — A biologist and former Dominican priest who has attempted to reconcile religion and science has won this year's Templeton Prize — an honor awarded to scholars who study how science and religion intersect. Francisco J. Ayala…
Tight economy should prompt churches to look at how they handle money
DALLAS — Tough economic times may result in stronger, healthier and smarter churches and Christian ministries, according to Dan Busby, president of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. In times of economic stress, contributors prioritize giving. So, local congregations and…
Scholars, pastor and bloggers muse about whether Christ was comical
The story goes that Jesus and Satan had argued for days about who was more tech-savvy, and God grew sick of the bickering. He told them he would judge a two-hour task set. They e-mailed, e-mailed with attachments, downloaded and…
A time to laugh: What’s the role of humor for Christians?
“For every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven … a time to weep and a time to laugh,” according to the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. What is the role of laughter and…
FAITH DIGEST
Who is responsible for tackling poverty? A phone survey of 1,002 adults revealed 66 percent of Americans believe the United States has an obligation to assist poverty-stricken children around the world. The survey asked respondents whose responsibility it is to…
Fewer than half of Americans link Easter to the Resurrection
WASHINGTON (RNS) — While most Americans describe Easter as a religious holiday, fewer than half of the adults surveyed link it specifically to the Resurrection of Jesus, a Barna Group study shows. Seven in 10 respondents mentioned religion or spirituality…