New research reveals just how far Americans have retreated from those with differing political views, a phenomenon one expert describes as a huge challenge for pastors. The Pew Research Center reported that deep disagreements over presidential politics has led significant…
Is this election all about abortion? It depends on who you ask
If you listen to the most conservative and most liberal activists, you would think the 2020 presidential election is all about abortion rights. It turns out that is not exactly true, although abortion remains a highly motivating factor for certain…
Survey says: When parents reduce church attendance, so do their teens
Most American teens share the religious identity of their parents, and many attend services as often as the adults in their lives, according to a new survey. The Pew Research Center study reported that 81% of Catholic teens adhere to…
Churchgoers say they’ll return to in-person worship
Churches leaders needn’t worry about losing faithful members to virtual services after the coronavirus outbreak subsides, recent polling suggests. “Just 2% of the pre-pandemic regular attenders think that in the long run they will watch services online or on TV…
Americans want churches open but aren’t attending when they are open
Americans believe churches shouldn’t have special privileges to be open when other similar venues are closed, but they also believe their churches should be open already — even though few people are actually attending in-person worship. These seemingly contradictory views…
Americans want ‘moral, ethical’ president more than a religious one
Recent surveys show Americans care more about having a “moral, ethical president” than about having a religious president. And although only 32% of Americans describe Donald Trump as “morally upstanding,” 61% of white evangelicals say that term describes Trump. Meanwhile,…
‘Politics’ is becoming a four-letter word in American society
“Relationships are more important than trying to win arguments.”
Telling the truth or creating our own realities? (And the wisdom to know the difference)
Today, in the land of the free and the home of the tribal, “discernable truth” seems tenuous at best. Americans are locked collectively in a truth-crisis so perilous that distinguishing “fictional” from “actual realities” has become a 24/7 confrontation across every segment of our national life, churches included.
Evangelical leader: Trump’s refugee limit “dramatic and heartbreaking”
“Sadly, the issue gets caught up in some of our current polarized divides.”