My wife might tell you that I seem more comfortable than most in staking out a confrontational, or even controversial, position and then defending it as if I were in a bare-knuckled brawl with my life at stake. It’s hard…
Yes, Americans are divided, but so are citizens in other countries as well
Americans increasingly have become known for what divides rather than unites them, but it turns out Americans aren’t alone in this disunity. Citizens in other parts of the world, including many industrialized nations, believe their societies have become increasingly divided…
Experiencing God and engaging in social responsibility are keys to church relevance
For the first time since they began keeping track in 1937, Gallup found that a minority of Americans (47%) are now members of a house of worship. This wasn’t really news to anyone who has been involved in a church…
On climate change, the political divide has widened as more Americans overall express concern
In addition to the political and generational differences between Americans over climate change, there is a disproportionate impact of pollution, unsafe drinking water and other challenges occurring among people and communities of color. This is the finding a new national…
America’s divide between left and right more severe than in Western Europe
The growing cultural and political gulf between Americans is not unique in the world today but appears to be more extreme than what is happening in several Western European nations, according to Pew Research Center. Its new study, “Views About…
New data on COVID vaccine efficacy is good news for faith leaders seeking to be influencers
As faith leaders continue to preach the public health benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines, they now have additional support to make the case. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on March 29 reported results of a real-world study…
Religious discrimination against women for what they wear (or don’t) is on the rise
Marking women as targets of religious discrimination based on clothing is nothing new, but it is on the rise around the world, new research shows. “Women in 56 countries experienced social hostilities — that is, harassment from individuals or groups…
Asia Pacific region leads the globe in increasing restriction of religious faith
Government restrictions of religion are increasing around the world, with the Asia Pacific region leading the way, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center. And while the report identified China and Myanmar, as leaders in official efforts…
More Boomers are retiring, and churches need to be prepared
The rate of Baby Boomer retirements escalated in the last 12 months, a trend that could provide a boost to some American churches and a challenge to others. “As Boomers retire, many of them are going to go from working…